Orange County awards $5.5 million from tourist tax to cultural groups

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2 days ago

More than $5.5 million will go toward major projects at six cultural organizations, after Orange County commissioners unanimously approved the annual cultural facilities grants.
The grants come as a relief to jittery arts groups grappling with increased uncertainty about public funding. This year's state budget, which in 2024 eliminated four major cultural grants programs via a veto from Gov. Ron DeSantis, is still under debate. And the Tourist Development Tax — which funds multiple local arts-grant programs, including those approved this week — is currently under the microscope as politicians discuss changing its purpose.
Revenue from the Tourist Development Tax, a 6% levy on hotel and other overnight stays, currently is directed by statute to tourism-marketing efforts, the convention center and sports and cultural uses. Discussion recently has heated up about permitting it to fund other needs, including transportation and affordable housing, while state lawmakers have floated the idea of using the money to offset cuts in property taxes.
The debate has arts leaders worried that cultural organizations will be left out in the cold.
'The TDT debate could be a crisis for the arts,' United Arts of Central Florida president Jennifer Evins told the Sentinel last month. 'We are all very nervous about it.'
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The six organizations receiving funding for facilities projects this week are the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, Orlando Family Stage, Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden, Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts and the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation.
At the county commissioners' meeting, Mayor Jerry Demings underscored the importance of the TDT-funded grants.
'This is truly a community benefit that will pay a return for years to come,' said Demings, pointing out none of the projects would be possible without the funding.
Cathryn Mattson, executive director of Orlando Museum of Art, said she 'completely agreed' with the mayor's remarks.
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'There is no way that we could raise millions of dollars so quickly without the county's strong support through TDT funding,' she said. 'Small and medium-sized arts and cultural organizations simply do not have reserves large enough to take on major capital expenditures in a timely way — and, in our case, time is of the essence, given the extent of capital improvements needed to protect the extensive, valuable and irreplaceable art collection that OMA holds in the public trust.'
The art museum, in Loch Haven Park, is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar project to replace its leaking roof and aging air-handling system. This latest facilities grant, for $970,000, will help update the technology that runs the air-handling system, linking it with lighting control, security and fire alarms.
To receive funding, cultural organizations must show they have raised $1 for every $2 granted by the county. Groups also go through an extensive vetting process, in which a review panel scores them on their project's concept and the organization's management and financial strength. To qualify for funding, organizations must score 80 out of 100 possible points.
The county's Arts & Cultural Advisory Council then reviews the panel's recommendations, and the county commissioners have the final say.
The five other projects approved for funding are:
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens: $200,000 for renovations and upgrades to the Winter Park facility's roof, air-handling system, windows and doors in preparation for its 65th anniversary.
Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts: $1,000,000 toward construction of its new facility in the former Winter Park Library, which will also provide a home to Central Florida Vocal Arts. This funding will specifically be used for a greenroom, jazz garden, signage, lighting and elevator renovations. The venue opens June 22.
Orlando Family Stage: $350,000 for energy-efficient LED lighting and signage at its building in Loch Haven Park as it approaches its 100th anniversary.
Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation: $1,040,187 for an expansion of The Plaza Live on Bumby Avenue, by adding a Patrons' Room. The money will go toward laying foundations and slabs, moving HVAC equipment and new landscaping in preparation for the addition.
Orlando Science Center: $2,000,000 for a renovation of the Loch Haven Park facility's CineDome. The funds will aid in the transition from film to digital movie projection and expand seating in the theater.
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