Performing arts festivals willing to forgo grants if DeSantis restores funding for Florida arts groups

In a recent development, leaders of The Orlando Fringe and Tampa Fringe festivals have expressed their willingness to forego their grants if Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reinstates the $32 million in state funding that was cut for over 600 Florida arts groups. The governor vetoed the funding, citing the two festivals as "a sexual festival," a description that the festival leaders deemed inaccurate. Despite this, they emphasized the crucial role that arts groups play in their communities and urged for their funding to be restored. The Orlando festival was set to receive $70,500, while the Tampa festival was in line for $7,500 before the veto. Critics have condemned Governor DeSantis' veto, viewing it as part of his broader culture wars agenda, which includes supporting laws that restrict discussions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and systemic racism in classrooms. The elimination of arts funding has left arts and cultural organizations in Florida scrambling to make up for the financial shortfall, especially as they continue to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This move marks the first time arts grant funding has been entirely eliminated by a Florida governor, causing concern among arts leaders statewide. The arts and cultural industry in Florida is a significant economic contributor, generating $5.7 billion in economic activity annually. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations alone contribute $2.9 billion to the state's economy and support over 91,000 full-time jobs. A study conducted by Americans for the Arts in collaboration with the state Division of Arts and Culture and Citizens for Florida Arts Inc. highlights the substantial impact of the arts sector on Florida's economy and employment landscape. The plea from festival leaders to reconsider the funding cut underscores the importance of supporting the arts for the well-being of communities and the state's economy.