Dear Colleagues,
The 2nd and final Miami-Dade County Budget Hearing concluded last night and the Department’s 2020-2021 budget, as recommended by Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, was approved by the Board of County Commissioners with our grants programs renewed at status quo levels.
In light of the hardships being experienced, these renewed grants are an important “vote” of support for the cultural community. Mayor Gimenez and the County Commission know that your survival and continued work are essential for the resumption of our economy and our lives. They and we are committed to ensuring that our outstanding artists and cultural organizations can continue to distinguish Miami-Dade County as one of the newest, most diverse, and most dynamic cultural centers in the world.
We are grateful for the extraordinary dedication of the Cultural Affairs Council, our volunteer advisory board. These fifteen volunteers work hard all year to lend their expertise, credibility, and influence to support cultural organizations, artists, and our audiences. Especially in these difficult times, they know that your survival and our collective recovery rely on this renewed funding.
Cultural Affairs Council Chairman Xavier Cortada asked me to convey his admiration for your courage and creativity in the face of a horrific pandemic. He also knows that in the midst of the significant challenges, you are joining us to speak out and effect essential changes that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Chairman X and the Council are proud of you!
We will be in touch over the coming weeks. Our entire team is ready to work with you in new and creative ways to ensure that we have an innovative and compelling new cultural season – virtually and in all other possible safe and healthy ways.
Michael Spring
Senior Advisor to Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and
Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
The most reliable way to contact us continues to be through email. You can find a staff directory at https://www.miamidadearts.org/about/staff-councils.
To view a comprehensive list of all the previous Department updates on COVID-19 click here.
Originally published at https://miamidadearts.org/news/fy-2020-2021-county-budget-approved
