Arts & Culture Day in Tallahassee - March 18th - by Florida Fine Art Blog

Arts & Culture Day in Tallahassee - March 18th 2014

March 18^th is the day that art organizations and advocates meet to walk the halls of the capital and talk with legislators to discuss public funding of the arts in Florida.  Public Funding in Florida has been cut by more than 70% since 2009.  Although we have seen increases in the past few years the State has a long way to go to bring the funding back up to the level that matchs our State Arts Organization’s needs.  The message we are delivering is simple; The Arts mean Jobs.  GL

Substantial Returns to Government Treasuries — $5 Returned For Each State $1 Invested

Florida's not-for-profit arts and culture industry "delivers more than $446.5 million in local and state government revenue.” In 2008, $250 million was returned to Florida’s state treasury and $200 million to local governments.*

 

Supports Over 88,326 Full-Time JOBS Throughout Florida

According to Dun & Bradstreet as of January 2012, Florida is home to 67,487 arts-related businesses that employ 217,406 people. These arts-centric businesses are vital to help build and sustain economic diversity and vibrancy.  In 2008, Florida's not-for-profit arts and culture organizations supported over 88,326 full-time equivalent jobs that generated $2.1 billion in household income to local residents.*

 

Builds A Diverse and Innovative State Economy

Florida's arts and culture not-for-profit industry generates over $3.1 billion in local economic activity: last reported amounts are $1.4 billion spent by the not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations and $1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences. According to such non-arts organizations such as the Florida Chamber and Associated Industries of Florida, our arts and culture resources are vital to build a strong, diverse, and innovative economy.*

Expands Tourism Throughout Florida

According to Florida Tax Watch Tourism Research Report, 74.9% of visitors to Florida participate in cultural activities. The report goes on to say we need to understand the factors that make Florida an attractive destination and retain and enhance those factors. Research demonstrates that of the 58-million attendees (84% residents) and visitors (16%) at Florida arts and culture events, the non-local attendees spend an average of 137 percent more (lodging, meals, transportation, souvenirs, etc.) than resident attendees per person: $57.49 vs. $24.25.*

 

Gives Florida the Competitive Edge to Attract and Retain Key Businesses

Part of the criteria used by both Scripps Research and Burnham Institute for Medical Research on where to locate in Florida was how healthy the arts and culture resources were in the areas they considered. They decided upon Palm Beach and Orange counties, both replete with quality and diverse arts and culture resources. Cities are competing to attract new, promising businesses; and “international studies show that the winners will be communities that offer an abundance of arts and culture opportunities."

 

Develops Strong and Effective Private-Public Partnerships

Over 50% of Florida’s arts and culture not-for-profit organizations’ annual operating budgets must be raised through individual contributions; fund-raising events; corporate and foundation support; and local, state, and federal governmental grants. State support is critical to help leverage other revenue sources critical to sustain this creative industry — jobs, programming, arts education, and greater access for more residents and tourists.

 

Request Restoration of State Investment for Greater Impact

Florida's investment in its arts and culture resources is now 73% less than it was seven years ago. In FY 2007, Florida invested $34.4 million or $1.86 per capita in statewide arts, arts education, and culture grants. It now invests $9.3 million or 48¢ per capita. Working together through public and private partnerships, let’s rebuild and restore Florida's investment in this critically important creative industry. It’s an industry vital to the state’s economy, education success, tourism, community development, and quality of life for residents of and visitors to Florida.

 

For additional information,

please contact Sherron Long, president, Florida Cultural Alliance:

E-mail: info@flca.net Telephone: 561-848-6231 www.FLCA.net

* The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences in the State of Florida, Americans for the Arts' Ars & Economic Prosperity III Study and Americans for the Arts' The Creative Industries in Florida, 2012

Here are two outstanding Art Advocacy Groups and links to information they have complied about the importance of Public Arts Funding;  

Florida Cultural Alliance

http://www.flca.net/justthefacts.html

National Assembly of State Art Agencies

http://www.nasaa-arts.org/Advocacy/Advocacy-Tools/Why-Government-Support/index.php