In the past, the Florida Division of Arts & Culture (DAC) grants received regular funding through state budget approvals. For the FY25 budget, the state legislature recommended $32 million for two of the DAC's four grant programs. However, the governor vetoed this funding, leaving hundreds of arts and cultural organizations like ours that provide education, enrichment, and economic impact in our communities without state support for the year—a first in state history.
For FY26, arts advocates are closely watching the budget process. The Department of State submitted a legislative budget recommending zero funding for DAC grants, although this isn’t yet the governor’s final decision. This is all especially disappointing because the state’s investment has shown a 9:1 return year after year.
Importantly, this isn’t the governor’s official budget recommendation, and the governor’s budget has not been published yet. But this is a recommendation for the governor to consider.
In Walton County, the arts & culture sector generated $57.3 million in economic activity during 2022—$8.6 million in spending by arts and culture organizations and an additional $48.6 million in event-related expenditures by their audiences. That economic activity supported 652 jobs, provided $23.9 million in personal income to residents, and generated $8.1 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments. To learn more about these important findings, visit our website.
We are at the beginning of the budgeting process, where advocacy can make a big difference. For now, I ask that you write our state representative and senator. Make them aware of this situation and ask them to reinstate the arts & culture recommendation to include funding for the FY26 Division of Arts & Culture grants (DAC). A letter template from the Florida Cultural Alliance is here, ready for you to insert your programming and share your impact. For individuals, please remove any section which may not be applicable.
We remain in close communication with The Florida Cultural Alliance and other Local Arts Agencies throughout the state working towards and hoping for a positive outcome. The legislative session in March 2025 offers time for advocates to meet with lawmakers and highlight the arts' value in the state and we plan to attend once again.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping Walton County Creative!
Jennifer Steele,
President & CEO
Help Us Foster Creativity
Member support makes it possible for the CAA to fund children’s art education, student scholarships, and arts grants and to provide cultural enrichment to our growing community through ongoing events and programs. Memberships are available for as little as $75 (only $6.25/month!). Become a member of Walton County’s leading arts organization TODAY! #SupportTheArts
