As a senior docent at The Sample McDougald House Museum, I have directly witnessed the impact of the cultural arts in our wonderful state of Florida. Our arts scene, including museums, art galleries, community outreach art programs, art education, and other cultural activities, breathes life and diversity into our local communities. These vital installations and programs heavily rely on state funding for operation and survival. Exhibition, education, community outreach - all of these significant roles are potentially at risk if we don't act now.

In Florida, cultural arts funding supports over 132,000 full-time jobs and contributes $8.6 billion to the economy annually. Arts in Florida not only enriches our lives, it fuels an economic engine, a fact recognized by the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Moreover, a diverse range of people, including many from lower-income communities, significantly benefit from art education programs. According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, young adults who have had exposure to the arts are more likely to achieve academically, get a job, and volunteer in their community.

Yet, there's an undeniable threat - the potential loss of cultural arts funding. We need to fight for the preservation and reinforcement of this funding, ensuring our beloved cultural and artistic institutions can continue to thrive. The richness and diversity of our local arts community can only be secured with your help. Please, let's stand together for the retention of state funding for cultural arts programs in Florida. Sign the petition today.