After a surprising $32 million cut in state funding, Central Florida’s art community is working hard to keep creativity alive and vibrant. Governor Ron DeSantis’s recent veto, which axed all arts funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, has left individual counties scrambling to find room in their budgets to support local art initiatives.

The announcement came in June, with DeSantis pointing to what he saw as “inappropriate” uses of state dollars, specifically calling out events like Orlando Fringe. In his words, the festival didn’t reflect the best use of public funds. “You have your tax dollars being given in grants in things like the Fringe Festival, which is like a sexual festival where they’re doing all this stuff, and it’s like, how many of you think your tax dollars should go to fund that?” he said at a press conference.

Despite the sudden funding gap, counties across Central Florida have started rallying to support their local arts scene. Orange County, for example, has set aside $75 million from Tourist Development Taxes to help fund key cultural programs, including the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Family Stage, and the Wells’Built Museum Complex.

But what about other counties? Here’s a quick look at how several Central Florida counties are stepping in to make up for the state’s budget cut:

– Marion County: The Marion County Board of County Commissioners is helping fund local artists by granting $5,000 to the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA). This nonprofit has a long history of supporting arts-based organizations across Ocala and Marion County. Over the years, MCA has contributed $1.5 million to the arts and various charitable groups, providing annual grants totaling $450,000 so far.

– Volusia County: Volusia’s Community Cultural Grant program was given $611,758 for the upcoming fiscal year. The program is nonprofit-based and requires that funded art organizations have been operating for at least two years. Notably, the county’s current funding matches what the grant program awarded in previous years, showing a steady commitment to arts funding.

– Brevard County: Brevard’s cultural efforts receive a boost from the $202,000 grant awarded to the Brevard Cultural Alliance, which maintains a public arts program that supports local projects and installations.

– Flagler County: Though it doesn’t offer direct arts funding, Flagler’s tourism office manages programs that directly benefit arts, culture, and historical events, providing around $70,000 each year.

– Seminole County: The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners has budgeted nearly $150,000 for arts in the 2024-25 fiscal year, supporting the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, the Seminole County Arts Council, and a grant program for smaller arts organizations.

– Lake County: Lake receives around $10,000 from the Florida Arts License Plate Revenue, and its Promotional Activities and Arts Alliance Grant adds an estimated $45,000, ensuring a steady trickle of support for arts and promotional activities in the area.

Meanwhile, community groups are rallying to fill the void left by state funds. United Arts of Central Florida, Inc. launched a fundraiser on its website to help make up for the funding loss. Chris Brown, executive director of Orlando Family Stage, noted that they’re also rolling up their sleeves to raise the necessary funds. “It costs a lot of money to do what we do and provide the kind of value we provide in the community,” he shared.

Sumter County, on the other hand, reported that it has no designated funding for the arts, presenting another challenge for local artists and art organizations there.

Despite the setbacks, it’s clear that counties and communities in Central Florida are committed to preserving the arts. Beyond just beautifying neighborhoods or entertaining locals, a thriving arts scene brings value to communities by promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the area’s cultural appeal.

Local businesses, especially those in professional fields, can find unique benefits from supporting and engaging with the art culture. For example, a Fort Walton Beach probate lawyer could see advantages by aligning with the local art scene, as it can help establish meaningful community connections, foster goodwill, and create a welcoming image for clients. Embracing art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a bridge to a more engaged and vibrant community, benefiting businesses and residents alike.