Click here to send petition in support of arts funding
The Arts Action Alliance of Broward has recently been created to preserve funding for the arts in our community. You can let your voice be heard in support of the arts and culture in Broward County.
Broward County’s cultural organizations are approaching a critical juncture. On June 22nd, the Broward County Commission will be holding a work session to consider items in next year’s county budget. Funding for many of the cultural organizations who present at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and our affiliated venues is at risk of being severely cut. The proposed cuts are so severe that some of our valued South Florida cultural institutions would be forced to cut programs and operating hours. Others may find that they are forced to close their doors permanently.
If the proposed cuts are enacted, arts and cultural organizations throughout Broward County will be threatened, significantly impacting the vitality of our community. Taken together, local arts and cultural organizations are part of the solution for re-energizing our economy and making our community a great place to live, work and play.
Here are a few important facts:
- Broward County has 5,635 arts-related businesses that employ 21,833 people.
- Non-profit arts organizations generate approximately $153 million in local economic impact annually.
- Many other Broward businesses depend on the arts. People who attend arts events spend approximately $90 million eating in local restaurants, shopping, and parking their cars in local parking lots.
Our community’s outstanding arts activities give Broward County a global competitive edge in attracting tourism and business.- 65% of American travelers include a cultural arts, heritage, or historic event while on a trip. Cultural tourists spend 38% more while traveling than those tourists who don’t attend a cultural event.
- Florida ranks 49th in per-capita state arts funding.
- Broward County’s arts and culture grant funding has declined by almost 40% since 2008.
You can help Broward’s cultural organizations by letting our elected officials know that you support local funding for the arts. Please click here http://citizenspeak.org/node/2039 to sign an electronic petition in support of funding for arts and culture. The message to the Broward County Commission is simple: please “Hold the Line” on funding for cultural organizations.
For more information, visit the Arts Action Alliance of Broward online.
The Arts Action Alliance of Broward is a volunteer organization directed by leaders representing hundreds of organizations and individuals who are committed to enhancing our vital arts community. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is a member of the Alliance, helping to encourage and preserve funding for the arts.