Art funding rejected because of “sexual” fringe festivals

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday called them “sexual” festivals and blamed the state’s Fringe Festivals for his decision to cut more than $32 million in arts and culture funding from the state budget. And he hinted that the state could restrict funding for cultural nonprofits like Fringe in the future.

DeSantis’ remarks at a news conference in Auburndale marked the first time the governor publicly addressed his June 12 veto, which surprised arts groups across the state.

“We had no control over how the money was distributed,” DeSantis said of the arts funding. “So your tax dollars were given in the form of grants to things like the Fringe Festival, a sex festival where all these things are done. … How many of you think your tax dollars should be used for this? Not many people would.”

Scott Galbraith, interim executive director of the Orlando Fringe, told the Sentinel that the governor had “misrepresented” the two-week annual festival of short theater, dance, music, comedy, magic and burlesque performances held each May at Loch Haven Park.

“The festival is a very diverse and inclusive place,” Galbraith said. “There is a wide range of experiences to be had.”

Galbraith said Orlando Fringe was also surprised that its festival was seen as a reason to deny funding to all cultural organizations across the state.

The governor’s veto, along with earlier cuts by the Legislature, resulted in four state grant programs administered by the Department of Arts and Culture running out of money for distribution to Florida nonprofits.

John DiDonna, who has participated in previous Orlando Fringe Festivals as an actor, director and producer, said it was unfair to describe the festival as “sexual.”

“There are profound shows, there are thoughtful shows, there are beautiful musicals, dance shows,” he said. “It’s not just one thing, it’s many things: a rich cornucopia of the arts.”

The Orlando Fringe Festival’s printed program for 2024 lists more than 170 shows, 62 of which are suitable for all ages. Less than a third, 54 shows, have been rated by the performers as suitable only for those aged 18 and over.

The local arts community fears the Fringe festival could be caught in the crossfire of “political culture wars” since the governor took legal action against Orlando’s Plaza Live over a drag show planned for Christmas 2023, DiDonna said.

“I remember talking to people who were worried that the Fringe Festival might be targeted next,” he said. “It’s a high-profile case for him. You could see it coming.”)

Under current regulations, arts and culture organizations must go through a lengthy process to receive government funding. They must prepare and submit applications to the Department of Arts and Culture. A volunteer panel then interviews the organizations, reviews the applications and evaluates them. The evaluation determines whether the groups are eligible for funding.

But the legislature can ignore this authorization.

This year, for example, the Legislature approved less than half of the funds needed to fund eligible grants. The governor’s veto wiped out the rest.

Both the Orlando Fringe Festival and the much smaller Tampa Fringe applied for state grants. The Orlando Festival received $70,500.

Out of 630 applications for funding statewide, Orlando Fringe ranked 314th. The application received a score of 91.8 from reviewers, just above the average of 91.4. A score of 80 is required for a recommendation for funding.

Galbraith said all spending by arts groups that receive state grants is reviewed by the state. to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose.

“When you use taxpayer money, you have to be very accountable, and that’s right,” Galbraith said. “You have a right to know how the money was spent.”

When the Orlando Fringe receives government grants, they are typically used for operating costs such as rent and staff salaries, and to fund initiatives such as Fringers of the Future, a youth theater program that allows local high schools to present their own shows at the festival, which also features a Kids Fringe for younger children and their families.

DeSantis said Thursday that the state should consider changes in how it allocates funds to cultural organizations.

“I have to stand up for taxpayers and say, ‘You know what, this is an inappropriate use of taxpayer money,'” DeSantis said, still referring to Fringe Festivals. “I think the legislature needs to reevaluate how this is done.”

Galbraith said his organization is preparing a response, not only to the governor, but also to remind the public of the breadth of the Fringe Festival’s offerings and its impact on Central Florida.

“We want to make sure that people understand not only our artistic value, but also our economic value, our educational value and our contribution to the quality of life,” he said. “We have sung this song before and we will continue to do so.”

This year’s festival attracted about 50,000 attendees, compared to the pre-COVID peak in 2019 of nearly 75,000 attendees. Separate from the festival, the organization also hosts theater events throughout the year at the Fringe ArtSpace downtown.

The Fringe Festival does not pay performers directly; their participation is by lottery. And although there were several burlesque shows this year – with elaborate costumes, choreography and sets – Galbraith stressed that all legal restrictions on nudity and sexual content were observed.

“It’s uncensored,” he said of the festival. “But that doesn’t mean it’s illegal.”

He invited the governor so that he could see for himself the impact of the festival.

“We would certainly welcome him or his staff to come and see what it’s all about,” Galbraith said. “If they want to see a performance with nudity, that’s possible. If not, they can make up their own minds.”

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