DAYTONA BEACH, FL — October 22, 2025 In a stunning blow to Volusia County’s cultural heartbeat, over $611,758 in public arts funding — a mere 0.044% of the county’s FY2026 operating budget — has been abruptly postponed, leaving 31 local arts organizations in limbo. These are the institutions that have long served as the soul of the community: theatres, museums, galleries, festivals, and cultural centers that nurture imagination, preserve history, and bring neighbors together.
Now, they face a stark reality: closed doors, canceled programs, and the threat of silence where there was once song, story, and celebration.
But the community isn’t letting that silence linger.
In response, a grassroots initiative called the Volusia Arts Lifeline has emerged — a rallying cry for residents, artists, and supporters to restore what politics has paused. The campaign pledges to distribute every dollar raised proportionally to the organizations based on their original grant approvals, ensuring fairness and transparency.
🎠Organizations affected include:
-
Daytona Playhouse ($30,734), Civic Ballet of Volusia County ($29,271), and Atlantic Center for the Arts ($30,905)
-
Smaller but vital institutions like Creative Happiness Institute ($1,141), USA Dance ($3,356), and the Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach ($3,162)
-
Historical and heritage centers such as the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum ($3,384), Ormond Beach Historical Society ($11,036), and DeLand Naval Air Station Museum ($3,393)
In total, 31 organizations — from the Florida Surf Film Festival to the HUB on Canal — have been invited to join the Lifeline effort. Their collective voice is clear: the arts are not a luxury, they are a necessity.
📣 A Call to Action The Volusia Arts Lifeline is more than a fundraiser. It’s a movement. Organizers urge residents to donate, share the campaign, and speak up for the cultural spaces that have shaped generations.
“When public funding falls silent, the people can speak louder,” reads the campaign’s opening line — a sentiment now echoing across the county.
Whether it’s a child discovering their voice in a community choir, a family learning history through local museums, or neighbors gathering for a festival under the Florida sun, the arts in Volusia County have always been a source of light.
Now, it’s time to keep that light burning.
🔗 To donate or learn more, visit the Volusia Arts Lifeline campaign page or follow updates from participating organizations.
Because when the arts thrive, Volusia County’s heart shines brighter than ever.
Add comment
Comments