Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Despicably Cuts the Majority of Florida’s Art Funding

Hannah Crawford, Guest Editorial

The author is a theatre instructor in the Central Florida area.

Last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reprehensibly vetoed $1 billion in art funding in an effort to reduce state spending. Florida’s Governor is no friend of the arts or LGBTQIA+ community. His many attempts to reduce our voices have sadly been very effective over the last several years in Florida. 

While Governor DeSantis stated this veto was done to reduce spending in Florida, this will greatly influence the livelihood of thousands of actors, stage managers, lighting, audio, set builders, costumers, painters, electricians, directors, and so many more. They look at this next year as a bleak “Winter is Coming” type feel. 

Multiple theatres in Florida have already come out stating they have lost their state funding. Respected places like the Orlando Family Stage (formally known as the Orlando Repertory Theatre) have lost $150,000. Orlando Family Stage just came off a 2-week partnership with the famous Orlando Fringe Festival, where thousands of people gathered there in Loch Haven Park to see hundreds of plays, musicals, and one-acts performed. 

According to a Facebook post by Orlando Family Stage's artistic director, Jeff Revels, Loch Haven Park has a $50 million impact on the Central Florida region.

So, it begs the question, “How will this arts funding cut affect tourism?” The answer is it will have a significant impact. 

Entertainment in the arts isn’t just for fun. It is a major attraction that draws tourists to certain areas to see shows. Now, that will be missing for the 2024-2025 fiscal year because hundreds of arts organizations may not be able to continue with their seasons. 

Even small organizations like Theatre South Playhouse in Central Florida relied on the $25,000 grant they were to receive in a few weeks to achieve their Fall 2024 season. Now, they will have to manually raise that money in the community to progress with their season. If they are unsuccessful in raising this money, there is a real possibility they will not be able to continue. 

Now, does this affect me, a freelance theatre youth instructor and stage manager here in the Central Florida area.? A few weeks ago, I met with a theatre in the area I haven’t worked with yet. They were ready to sign me on to new shows this fall. Well, now that funding has been cut, so I’ve not been contracted to work with them. And you guessed it; my family relies on the side income I make working freelance in theatre.

So, now I have to figure out a way to supplement that income I was relying on this fall. 

It’s easy to look at big decisions like these made on a state level and not give them a second thought. But when we see that they are actually affecting people's livelihoods and how they pay their bills, it's a reason for us to get involved and let our voices be heard. 

The Orlando Sentinel, a well-respected newspaper that is an enormous supporter of the arts in Central Florida, says DeSantis’ decision is “a gross misunderstanding of the value of arts institutions.” 

The value that the theatrical arts bring to the community directly impacts the economy, society, cultural enrichment, the health and well-being of millions, advocacy for dozens of groups, and the creativity and inspiration fueled by thousands of artists. Governor DeSantis is saying with his veto that the value isn’t there.

Let’s show the state of Florida we are worthy by sharing our stories of how it impacts us. I encourage you to donate to local Florida theatres directly affected by this, as that is all we can do until the 2025 fiscal year.