For 30 years our theater has been a cultural cornerstone for the Central Florida community, bringing classic, contemporary, and children’s plays to our guests, as well as offering a variety of children’s educational opportunities. In 2017, a live broadcast of one of our World Premiere productions allowed over 3,600 students in 13 different states see a show for free. This is in addition to the 70,892 patrons who were impacted by the magic of live theater here at Orlando Shakes last season.

The Facts

As a nonprofit theater, we rely on funding from a variety of sources. Through generous private donors and ticket sales, we create a large amount of our annual revenue to produce high-quality professional products that enrich the community. Despite these resources we still depend on support from our community and our state to create accessible, educational, cultural experiences.

Why should our government support the arts? Arts organizations create vibrant, welcoming, and desirable communities. We improve the local economy, create cultural legacy, and bring educational opportunities to low income families. By funding the arts, our leaders can make all this possible!

This year in a record-high state budget, funding for the arts was slashed. This drastic change didn’t go unnoticed:

• “Commentary: Florida legislators gut arts even while spending big” – Orlando Sentinel
• “With funding from the state dramatically slashed, how will Orlando arts groups keep going?” – Orlando Weekly
• “As Florida dramatically slashes arts funding, theaters and museums scramble” – Tampa Bay Times

The Stats

 Florida’s arts funding went from 10th in the country to 48th, according to the National Assembly of States Arts Agencies – a drastic drop that will deeply impact arts programs statewide.

In 2015, the legislature provided $43 million to fund the arts generating $492 million for local and state government coffers — a 9-to-1 return. This year, with only $2.6 million the same return would only bring in $23.4 million. That’s a loss of $468 million in state revenue. The arts make money, create jobs, and improve our local economy.

Now What?

Before the election.

Do you love the arts? The greatest thing you can do is let your representatives know you care! The state government is here to serve you, the public. Reach out to let them know your thoughts on the future of the arts in your community. During the upcoming election, review your candidate’s stance on the arts.

Vote!

Help keep your local arts organizations alive by making your voice heard!

After the election.

After the election, it’s important to know that personal messages and individual phone calls make the biggest difference to our leaders. Want to make a difference in your community? We urge you to contact your representatives directly!

Find Your Representative

Not sure what to say? Feel free to use the outline below!

Today’s Date, 2019

Governor/Senator/Assembly member [full name]
Address
City, FL Zip

Dear Governor/Senator/Assembly member [last name]:

My name is _______ and I am a resident of ________. I’m writing to you regarding the restoration of funding for arts and culture grants in our community. This year, the legislature slashed arts funding by 90% in their annual budget, dropping Florida’s ranking in per capita appropriations from 10th in the country to 48th, according to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. In 2015, the legislature provided $43 million to fund the arts, $492 million was generated for local and state government coffers — a 9-to-1 return. This means we are facing a loss of $468 million in state economic impact.

The arts play a vital role in communities throughout Florida, impacting public safety, youth development, health issues, tourism, and quality of life. Although recent tragedies are being blamed for the reallocation of funds, our state’s non-profit arts programs have been on a steady decline for the past fours years and the effect on the economy is sure to be felt for years to come.

(Please include a personal experience or specific examples of how arts and culture improve your community.)

For the 2020 fiscal year, I urge you to support restoration of general fund support for the arts from 2019’s allotted $0.12 per capita back to 2015’s $2.12 per capita.

Sincerely,

[Your name]
[Organization/affiliation/profession, if applicable]
[Address]
[Contact information]

Additional Resources

Continue to be politically active and use your voice to advocate for the arts by using these additional resources!

• MyFlorida – The Official Portal of the State of Florida
• icitizen – “Get location-based information on political and civic news regarding the issues you care about.”
• Talking points – National Assembly of States Arts Agencies put together some great talking points explaining why we should advocate for the arts
• Florida Cultural Alliance – Leaders in advocacy for State arts funding