Miami-Dade Faces Major Arts Funding Cuts Amidst Budget Crisis

In July 2025, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava proposed a 50% reduction in cultural grant funding, amounting to $12.8 million, as part of broader budget cuts to address a projected $400 million deficit for the 2026 fiscal year. This proposal has ignited significant concern among local arts and culture organizations, which argue that such cuts would severely impact small organizations, local artists, and youth programs.

The proposed cuts come on the heels of Governor Ron DeSantis' 2024 veto of $32 million in state arts funding, which had already cost over 120 local organizations a combined $6.5 million. Organizations such as the Perez Art Museum Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Zoo Miami, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Holocaust Memorial Committee, and Miami City Ballet have been affected. Smaller organizations are expected to struggle the most, with some facing potential layoffs and program reductions.

For instance, Gablestage, a Miami nonprofit theater company, had its grant cut from $150,000 to zero this year. Bari Newport, Gablestage's artistic director, expressed concern, stating, "Depending on the size of the organization, it's either fatal or it's beyond an inconvenience."

The arts and culture sector significantly contributes to Florida's economy. In 2022, nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated over $151 billion in economic activity statewide, supporting 2.6 million jobs and generating $29.1 billion in tax revenue. In Miami-Dade County, the arts industry supports numerous jobs and attracts tourism, enhancing the region's cultural appeal.

The proposed cuts could have a ripple effect on local businesses that benefit from arts patrons. Restaurants, parking services, and shops rely on the influx of audience members attending performances and events. Brenda Moe, executive director of Coral Gables Art Cinema, described the cuts as "devastating," emphasizing the broader economic impact.

In response to the proposed cuts, a public petition opposing the county's proposed reductions has gathered over 3,000 signatures. Arts Action Miami, a county-wide campaign run by two advocacy groups comprised of cultural nonprofits, artists, and related businesses, is appealing to supporters to voice their opposition. They have launched a petition directed at the mayor that has generated more than 5,000 signatures.

County commissioners are expected to finalize the budget on September 18. During a news conference announcing the proposal, Mayor Levine Cava stated that the budget is "fair, balanced and resident-focused."

The outcome of the upcoming budget decision will have lasting implications for Miami-Dade's cultural landscape and economic vitality. As the community continues to advocate for the preservation of arts funding, the final decision will reflect the county's commitment to its cultural institutions and the broader economic ecosystem they support.