Naples organizations are urging DeSantis to reconsider his recent veto of arts funding, a decision that has left many local theaters, including the Naples Players, grappling with financial strain.
Kit Fitzsimons, an actor at the Naples Players, shares a profound sense of belonging within the theater community. Living far from family, he finds solace among fellow performers, a group that has become like family. “We are just making do every day so that we can get the next show off the ground,” he expressed, revealing the challenges that accompany passion-driven work.
Naples organizations push DeSantis to reconsider funding the arts
The summer of 2024 marked a pivotal moment when Governor Ron DeSantis signed a veto against arts funding, cutting a staggering $32 million from various programs. This drastic measure was part of his effort to steer children away from what some deemed unsuitable programming. However, the impacts ripple far beyond the immediate political landscape.
Elysia Dawn, the executive director of United Arts Collier, highlights the broader implications of such cuts. “There is an important economic impact that the arts provide here in Collier County. It’s to the tune of $147 million and that’s about $29 million in tax revenue,” she stated, shedding light on the interconnectedness of the arts and local economies. These numbers tell a story of livelihoods entwined with creativity.
Organizations like hers are now advocating for a reversal of the decision. “We’ve asked for a letter of support from our city and the City of Naples and from Collier County,” Dawn added, reflecting the strong communal effort to revive the vital arts scene.
The Naples City Council has responded, considering their next steps in this ongoing conversation, one that holds the potential to redefine the cultural landscape of the area.
Fitzsimons articulates the urgency of the situation. The theater has become a sanctuary of fellowship for him, a space meant to welcome and uplift a wider audience. His voice is filled with a hopeful yearning for the arts to flourish once again.
In the pursuit of accessibility, Summer Pliskow, the Director of Arts Access, emphasizes the theatre’s commitment to inclusivity. With initiatives like a sensory room equipped with dimming lights and audio controls, they cater to individuals facing anxiety or PTSD, ensuring everyone can enjoy the theater experience. “These are things that allow individuals with challenges to come and enjoy the theater,” Pliskow explained, her passion for promoting access evident in her words.
Fitzsimons reflects on the community they’ve built, saying, “I love the family that we are building every single day one person at a time.” This sentiment resonates deeply, articulating a universal truth about the arts: they thrive on human connection, on shared stories and experiences.
As the Naples arts scene grapples with the repercussions of funding cuts, the collective spirit remains resilient. Every performance, every rehearsed line, echoes a longing for connection, not just within their community but extending outward, reaching into the hearts of all who seek joy and reflection through the magic of theater.
