As a resident of the State of Florida, I am writing to request your support for the maintenance of the Cultural Institutions Trust Fund. As you know, the Cultural Institutions Trust Fund was created after years of persuasion from hundreds of thousands Florida citizens who wanted state government to make a philosophical and substantive commitment to Florida’s arts and cultural industry. We continue to want a dedicated source of funding to provide a reliable and sustainable source of support for the preservation, advancement, and accessibility of Florida’s arts and cultural resources – an industry worth over $1.4 billion to the state’s economy. Arts and cultural state grants generate $44 local dollars to every state dollar invested. Ov er 22,237 full-time jobs are generated, not including the thousands of contracted jobs needed annually to produce arts and cultural programs, making Florida’s non-profit arts and cultural industry one of Florida’s major employers. The elimination of the Cultural Institution’s Trust Fund would create a substantial setback from the state’s commitment to Florida’s arts and cultural industry and an unstable, unpredictable, and vulnerable future.



Furthermore, the impact on Florida tourism is substantial. In one year, tourists spent $2.9 billion in the State of Florida, creating $5.6 billion in gross state product. Over one in six tourists visiting Florida report they enjoy arts and cultural programming, and because they stay longer in the State, Florida’s cultural tourists spend an average of $349 each vs. $291 spent by other tourists.



From a local standpoint, the Hippodrome State Theatre has been the cornerstone of downtown redevelopment for the past 20 years and has been instrumental in increasing the economic impact and cultural tourism for Alachua County. In the last few years, over 25 new businesses have opened their doors within walking distance of the theatre. This dramatic renaissance and revitalization of the once desolate downtown area can be greatly attributed to the presence of a thriving cultural institution. A recent economic development study made by Santa Fe Community College estimates that the Hippodrome has had a $7.5 million impact on the local economy including: direct employment, indirect job creation, business development, and tourism development. A significant loss in funding through the Cultural Institutions Trust Fund would have a devastating effect on Alachua County’s economy.



Communities throughout Florida would feel this profound loss as well. The total annual State appropriations only represent a fraction of a percent of Florida’s annual budget; however, the stability, the recognition, and the commitment to maintain this vitally important trust fund reaps tremendous economic, social, and educational benefits to the citizens and visitors of our state.



In closing, I urge you to maintain the Cultural Institutions Trust Fund. Thank you for your consideration.