As a devoted supporter of Arts & Culture in Miami-Dade County, I am deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to our arts grants budget. According to the published Miami-Dade County FY2025 Preliminary Budget, the grants budget for the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Arts & Culture funding is slated to be reduced by $2.479 million from last year’s amount of $25.534 million. This drastic reduction compromises the growth and development of our vibrant arts community.

These proposed budget cuts would have had a devastating impact on Miami-Dade's cultural organizations and artists at a time when the arts community is facing inflation, lingering effects of the pandemic, a lack of affordable spaces in which to create art, and a total elimination of State support. If passed, these cuts would negatively impact services to children and youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. Many arts groups and artists collectives are small businesses and we need your support. The arts keep our neighborhoods vibrant, attract tourists, and stimulate the economy with direct spending and audience spending. 

The arts generate $2.1 billion in economic impact every year. The arts generate 32,000 jobs annually. Every $1 the County invests in not-for-profit arts groups leverages $39 for our community from other private and public sources. 

Our arts organizations, creatives, and artists need your voice in this critical moment. Your signature can make a difference in securing a vibrant future for the arts in Miami-Dade County. Please, sign the petition today.

With this petition, I implore the Miami-Dade Mayor & Commissioners to revise their decision and instead look at ways to foster art and creativity that make Miami-Dade County a hub of rich cultural diversity. Please restore the Miami-Dade County Arts & Culture budget to 100%!