Hillsborough County Arts Council Launches Petition for Funds

The Arts Council of Hillsborough County's grant program provides essential annual support to local cultural organizations that add $292 million to the local economy and employ more than 8,000 people. The Hillsborough County Administration has proposed to eliminate funding for this critical grant program for the coming year.

You can help save this valuable grant program by participating in this petition. It will be presented to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in July to urge their continued support for the Arts Council Grants Program.

A strong cultural community is a vital economic engine in Hillsborough County.

More than 4.2 million residents and visitors attend arts and cultural events year-round in Hillsborough County.

Thousands upon thousands of Hillsborough County school children benefit from arts education programs provided at little or no charge by local arts and cultural organizations.

Hard times require public officials to make the most of every asset and to adopt policies that maximize recovery potential. The arts are a proven part of that mix. The arts are a recovery asset that supports jobs, stimulates commerce, stabilizes property values and provides many other economic benefits.

In addition to their many economic advantages, the arts offer timely assistance with educational and civic challenges that tend to escalate during tough times. The arts are also central to community resiliency. Whether facing economic distress, natural disasters or other adversity, the arts are a powerful force for recovery and healing, a benefit that few other industries offer.

You can view or sign the petition here.