On June 12, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed over $32 million in arts and culture funding from Florida’s state budget. This mini-documentary delves into how the cuts continue to impact South Florida, a known cultural hub, months later.
Creative Current follows four local arts organizations — Main Street Players, Young Musicians Unite, City Theater and Fantasy Theater Factory — and their journey as they process and plan for a fiscal year without state funding. Experts from Florida International University’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator and the Arts and Business Council of Miami explain how the arts and culture play a significant role in Florida’s economy and suggest solutions .
“[The arts are] a great multiplication factor, meaning a dollar spent in the arts generally resonates throughout the local community and local economy extremely well,” shares Neil Ramsay, co-designer of the Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator. “Art programming and a lot of what art organizations do is community focused.”
To listen to the accompanying audio story, click here. For the accompanying photo gallery, click here. To watch the accompanying video story, click here. To visit the accompanying website, click here.
Isabel Rivera is a senior majoring in Digital Journalism with two minors in Art and English. Her interest in culture, the arts, and storytelling has led her to pursue careers in such topics in both journalism and publishing. Isabel’s work can be found in the Miami Herald, Miami New Times, Miami Times, Caplin News, Artburst Miami and PantherNOW. She currently works as a managing editor at Caplin News.
Carla Daniela Mendez is a junior studying Digital Communications and Media with a minor in Political Science. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is passionate about writing and contributes to FIU’s student-run publication, PantherNOW, where she has covered Sports and News. Additionally, Carla writes for STRIKE magazine, a student publication that explores art, culture, and fashion, allowing her to pursue her creative writing aspirations. Following graduation, she wishes to become a political journalist and work in news while continuing to explore creative writing.
Laura Iglesias is a sophomore majoring in TV & Broadcasting. After graduating, she dreams of pursuing a career in television to inform communities.
Jose Ruano is a junior majoring in digital communication and media focusing on Digital broadcasting. After my graduation, he wishes to work in one of the most recognized Spanish TV shows in Miami.
