Honorable Members of the Orange County Florida Legislative Delegation,

Thank you for the opportunity to speak before you today as an appointed member and Chair of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. I stand before you with a clear and powerful message: INVESTING IN ARTS AND CULTURE IS INVESTING IN FLORIDA’S FUTURE.

In 2022, the Florida arts and culture sector generated an incredible $45.3 billion, or 3.15% of our state’s GDP. This sector supported 268,712 jobs, from artists to educators, and spans industries like hospitality, retail, and technology. Arts and culture are a driving force behind Florida’s thriving economy.

The impact is not just economic. In 2022, arts and culture generated $1.2 billion in tax revenue for state, local, and federal governments. This helps fund public services, infrastructure, and vital community programs. For every dollar invested in the arts, we see a return in jobs, revenue, and a more sustainable economy.

Here in Orange County, we these benefits firsthand. Organizations like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Philharmonic along with countless local festivals attract visitors, create jobs, and drive businesses. But it’s not just Orlando – Winter Park has the Rollins Museum of Art, Central Florida Vocal Arts, the Morse Museum, Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, Creade School of Arts and the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. Maitland has the Maitland Art & History Association and the Enzian. Winter Garden has the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.

Orange County has 64 organizations with vetted state grant requests with $ 7.4 million at stake. THEY NEED EVERY PENNY and will return that investment many times over. These applicants not only preserve our heritage but stimulate the local economy through tourism, festivals, and local partnerships. THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

Beyond economic benefits, the arts play a crucial role in education. Students involved in arts programs consistently outperform their peers academically and develop critical skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills that will define tomorrow’s workforce.

But despite all this, arts and culture still face funding challenges. Continued investment is not just beneficial—IT IS ESSENTIAL. The return on every dollar invested is clear: job creation, increased tax revenue, community enrichment, and a better quality of life for all Floridians.

I urge you today to prioritize arts and culture funding at the state level. I am asking for your support to fund 100% of the General Program Support and Specific Cultural Projects along with the line items for Cultural Facilities and Cultural Endowment. The four thoroughly vetted programs are Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs programs for safely presenting and sustaining our art, culture and history. Your support will help ensure Florida remains an economic powerhouse, a cultural leader, and a place where future generations can thrive.

Thank you.