Last summer, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed all state funding for arts and culture programs in Florida, cutting nearly $32 million that was slated to support nonprofit arts organizations across the state. The decision sent shockwaves through Florida’s creative sectors, forcing organizations large and small to reconsider their budgets, programming and long-term plans.
In Tallahassee, the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA), the region’s designated local arts agency, has been at the forefront of navigating the fallout. With thousands of artists and dozens of cultural institutions impacted, COCA has taken on an advocacy role, working to restore funding and keep the public informed.
“There are several weeks to go, and there are different options on the table,” said Kathleen Spehar, COCA’s executive director. “There’s also some bills that we’re asking for amendments that are moving forward. So, we’re grateful for the work, and we want to continue to work with the House, the Senate, and the governor’s office on the best arts funding possible for FY26.”
Organizations that relied on these funds for programming, staff and community outreach have been scrambling to make ends meet. Some have turned to emergency fundraising campaigns, while others have had to make painful cuts. The lack of funding could be devastating for smaller organizations, especially those serving rural or underserved populations.
“We just want to make sure that citizens are aware of what’s happening,” Spehar said. “And we want to make sure that the House and the Senate receive all the information that they need to move this forward to the governor’s office. So, you know, we’re optimistic about a good result. But for us, a good result means that as many organizations are funded as possible.”
The Florida Cultural Alliance and other advocacy groups have also mobilized, calling on artists, patrons and local leaders to contact their legislators and voice their support for arts funding. Some lawmakers have responded, filing amendments to restore portions of the original budget or create alternative funding pathways.
COCA is doing its part to keep the community engaged and informed during this critical time.
“To follow us on this, we have a weekly newsletter that comes out every Thursday, so you can subscribe to it at TallahasseeArts.org,” said Spehar. “It’s our classified newsletter, and that posts all the advocacy that’s happening on the state and federal level, but especially on the state level. Every week we are posting the news because every week there’s something different that’s happening.”
As the legislative session continues, arts advocates remain hopeful that their efforts will lead to restored support. But for now, organizations across Florida are bracing for the long-term effects of last year’s veto, hoping that renewed investment in the arts will be part of the state’s future budget priorities.