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Arts Action Alliance Miami-Dade County – a county-wide coalition of cultural nonprofits, artists, and creative-economy businesses – warns that Miami-Dade’s cultural sector, a $2.1 billion annual driver supporting 32,000 jobs, could lose more than half of its county funding under Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s proposed FY 2025-26 budget.
“Cutting arts funding by 52 percent saves pennies and risks billions,” said Beth Boone, artistic and executive director of Miami Light Project. “Less than one percent of the county budget fuels one of Miami-Dade’s biggest job creators. Eliminating it is economic self-sabotage and an existential threat to Miami’s cultural community.”
According to the organization:
● Cultural sector returns an average $42 for every $1 the county invests;
● Generates $2.1 billion in local economic activity and 32,000 jobs;
● Draws 4.2 million cultural tourists and $348 million in public revenue annually;
● Grants reach more than 300,000 children and families each year through 100-plus nonprofit partners;
● $12.8 million in cultural grants on the chopping block (52 percent cut);
● Department of Cultural Affairs to be eliminated and merged with Library system, and
● Cultural Affairs director position eliminated, stripping dedicated arts leadership.
“Small and mid-sized arts organizations are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods and the backbone of our local economy,” said Renee Pesci, executive director of the Arts & Business Council of Miami. “Eliminating this funding would force theaters to go dark, galleries and nonprofits to close, and threaten the survival of the restaurants, businesses, and vendors that thrive alongside them.”
What’s at risk
Countless residents, especially families, students, and the elderly, stand to lose essential services, safe creative spaces, and the communal experiences that define Miami-Dade’s spirit. Tourists seeking Miami-Dade’s signature cultural vibrancy will find dark stages and closed doors, jeopardizing our reputation and revenue far beyond the arts sector alone.
Hundreds of community-based arts organizations face closure. Thousands of artists, educators, and cultural workers could lose their livelihoods, wiping out free programs for youth and seniors county-wide.
Timeline
● First Budget Hearing: Thursday, Sept. 4, 5:01 p.m.
● Final Budget Vote: Thursday, Sept. 18, 5:01 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 NW First St.
Arts Action Miami demands
1. Restore the full $12.8 million in cultural grants.
2. Keep the Department of Cultural Affairs independent and fully staffed.
3. Maintain dedicated arts leadership to steward Miami-Dade’s creative economy.
How the public can help
Sign the Petition: https://tinyurl.com/artsactionmiami
Email Mayor Levine Cava at mayor@miamidade.gov and demand the restoration of arts funding and keeping Cultural Affairs independent.
Contact your commissioner: at www.miamidade.gov/global/government/commission/home.page and ask them to vote “no” on the mayor’s proposed budget cuts to cultural grants.
Attend the hearings: Arrive by 3 p.m. to register for public comment.
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