ORLANDO, Fla. – The arts encompass everything from music and dance to ceramics and woodworking, said Jennifer Evins, president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida.
“It’s tattoo artists, it’s floral designers, it’s sculpture artists, it’s poetry,” Evins added.
She emphasizes that art is everywhere, including architecture.
“Every building you move in and out of whether it’s your home or your office or a school or a hospital. It has been designed by an architect,” Evins said.
She expressed confusion over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto of $32 million in state arts funding, saying, “I wondered how he didn’t get the message of the value of the arts in everyone’s life in the state of Florida.”
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
United Arts works with more than 100 nonprofits across Central Florida, using grants, programs, and resources to support local arts and culture.
Evins highlighted the sudden impact of the veto.
“All of our arts groups are struggling, you know? That’s the hardest thing is it happened so fast,” Evins said.
Before the veto, the local groups were set to receive about $6.9 million collectively, money essential for operational support.
“We can’t deliver excellence and programs and neighborhood arts programs and after-school programs and programs to serve our seniors and our veterans if we don’t have the money to keep our lights on,” Evins said.
DeSantis justified the cuts, citing taxpayer objections to certain programs, including some featured in the Fringe Festival.
“You have your tax dollars being given in grants in things like the Fringe Festival, which is like a sexual festival where they’re doing all this stuff. And it’s like, how many of you think your tax dollars should go to fund that?” DeSantis said during a news conference earlier this year.
Evins remains perplexed by the decision.
“Such an extreme decision that impacts 400 nonprofits that serve the people of this state,” Evins said. “The arts are not disposable... They are a part of our lives.”
Evins is urging the state to recognize the arts as a critical part of Florida’s economy and a valuable return on investment.
In the meantime, the arts agency is accepting donations. Click here if you want to help.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: