Miami-Dade Faces Backlash Over Proposed Arts Funding Cuts

Facing a projected $400 million budget deficit, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has proposed significant cuts to cultural grant funding, igniting a wave of concern among local arts organizations and community leaders.

The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 includes a 50% reduction in cultural grant funding, amounting to $12.8 million, and the consolidation of the Department of Cultural Affairs into the Public Library System. These measures have prompted fears of severe impacts on small arts organizations, local artists, and youth programs, especially in the wake of recent state-level funding cuts.

In June 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in state arts funding, resulting in a loss of over $6.5 million for more than 120 local organizations. This compounded the financial challenges faced by Miami-Dade's arts community, which now confronts additional reductions at the county level.

Local arts leaders argue that the proposed reductions would severely impact small organizations, local artists, and youth programs. They emphasize that every county dollar invested in the arts generates $42 in economic activity and private support. A public petition opposing the cuts has gathered over 3,000 signatures.

During a public hearing, members of Miami-Dade’s arts community, including artists and arts leaders, urged the commission and mayor to fully fund the Cultural Affairs department’s grants. The proposed budget cuts nearly $2.5 million from the county’s current $25.5 million budget for art grants.

The arts and culture sector significantly contributes to Florida's economy, generating over $151 billion in economic activity and supporting 2.6 million jobs. The proposed cuts could lead to the reduction or elimination of community programs, adult day-care centers, small business funding, and immigrant support initiatives.

County commissioners are scheduled to finalize the budget on September 18, 2025. As the decision approaches, the arts community continues to advocate for the preservation of funding, emphasizing the sector's vital role in the county's economic and cultural landscape.