Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed their funding. Ocala arts groups gathered to find a way forward.

After the stunning news of Gov. Ron DeSantis' veto of $32 million in state arts funding, the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) got busy.

On June 28, representatives from six local arts organizations met at the Brick City Center for the Arts to assess the effects of the funding cuts and brainstorm ideas and strategies to ensure the sustainability of arts programs in Marion County.

Leaders from Arts In Health Ocala Metro, the Appleton Museum of Art, Dance Alive, Ocala Civic Theatre, the Reilly Arts Center and and Marion Cultural Alliance shifted their focus from outrage to action. With the drive and commitment characteristic of creative minds, they created “The Arts Matter in Ocala/Marion County” campaign, designed to grow the arts and inform the community of its immense importance — economically, culturally, and professionally.

“We realized this was an opportunity to amplify our collective voices about the impact of the arts," said Jaye Baillie, MCA executive director. “It’s just the beginning of our efforts to talk to policymakers, donors and business leaders about our sector. Arts is more than just entertainment or a ‘nice’ thing to have; it’s important to our economy and cultural diversity.”

The veto eliminated $250,000 in funding for these organizations.

Statewide, as USA TODAY Network Florida has reported, arts organizations typically can seek up to $150,000 per year. This year, Senate and House negotiators only allowed 47% of that. The total veto was announced in mid-June.

These funds are matching grants, which means each organization that receives money must match the amount through its own efforts, or else they lose it. The grant writing and vetting procedure is exacting, time-consuming, and an often arduous process of review, defense, and more defense.

In 2022, the arts sector in Marion County generated $53.2 million in economic impact, supported 800 jobs and contributed $7.8 million in tax revenue, which belies the narrative that people aren’t interested or that the arts don’t provide tangible, real-world employment for thousands, the Marion Cultural Alliance says. Without funding, simple programs like the Appleton’s popular free admission on first Saturdays wouldn’t be possible.

In an editorial on the MCA’s website, Baillie wrote: “As recently as 2023, Florida’s support of the arts was robust, ranking 11th in the country for arts spending, with $55 million granted to nonprofit organizations across the state. However, the recent veto of all arts funding has plummeted Florida to 50th in the nation, a drastic change that has left many organizations scrambling, including the six local organizations, to find alternative sources of support.”

Ocala is a hub for commercial distribution, as well as being the Horse Capital of the World, so Central Florida attracts businesses from all over the country – from New York to California and beyond. Residents who come here are accustomed to having a night out at the symphony, or going to see a live play on stage or art exhibits. Arts leaders are emphasizing that it’s important to develop and maintain these advantages for patrons, but also for the workforce behind the scenes.

The MCA recently received approval for its second National Endowment for the Arts Grant of $60,000, which it will match dollar for dollar and award to local arts organizations in the 2024-2025 cycle. There are also additional federal and private grants MCA is eligible to apply for, and the organization is researching further options.

Earlier coverage: Ocala arts groups, blindsided by DeSantis funding veto, look for a way forward

The group will meet again at the end of July to formulate more ideas and plans.

“I would say this is a real springboard for us to mobilize, educate and engage,” says Baillie. “We want to get more people involved and experiencing the arts in various forms.”

To contribute to The Arts Matter campaign, visit the MCA website: https://mcaocala.org/the-arts-matter/

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed their funding. Ocala arts groups gathered to find a way forward.