For the Love of Art

Open Letter to Governor Ron DeSantis

Cui prodest scelus, is fecit.

—Séneca the Younger, Medea.

We address you as concerned citizens and on behalf of The Opera Atelier to express our deep disagreement with your recent decision to veto the proposed budget for the arts and nonprofit arts organizations in the state of Florida.

This open letter is also directed to the general public, as we consider it crucial for everyone to reflect on the importance of the arts in our society.

In difficult times, like the ones we are currently experiencing, the arts play a fundamental role in the emotional and cultural well-being of society. The arts not only provide an escape and a source of comfort but also foster creativity, critical thinking, and social cohesion. The arts are an intrinsic element of the ones that make us human. Additionally, nonprofit arts organizations are very important for communities, offering essential services and support to the most vulnerable, such as free performances for the elderly, free art and culture summer camps, high-level arts education accessible to low-income families, among others. Artists in general are also affected by the lack of support, which endangers the continuity of their valuable work in our society. A value, not a price.

The veto of this budget represents a harsh blow to both arts and cultural institutions and organizations, as well as to the artists who contribute so much to our community. We are not talking about celebrities or the unscrupulous world of entertainment; we are talking about ARTISTS, with capital letters. Without adequate support, many of these organizations and artists will likely be forced to significantly curtail their activities and services or even close its doors, or cease to produce their art. This would not only affect the artists and workers of the organizations but also the community in general that benefits from their work. It would also diminish the contribution of the arts in making Miami a hub for art and culture at an international level, and not just a place to invest in real estate, visit the sea, and malls. "Miami: the “Mármol (marble in Spanish)" as a famous artist here in the City of Miami has said. Mar (SEA) and MALL (as in all the abundant store-filled malls- in perfect Spanglish.- that proliferate as veritable temples of consumerism.

History has taught us that in the darkest moments, the arts have been a source of light and hope. From the Great Depression to the world wars, societies have turned to the arts to heal, educate, and rebuild a new society. Not supporting the arts and nonprofit arts organizations in these evident times of crisis is a grave mistake that could have lasting repercussions for the culture and well-being of our state.

As part of this awareness and protest campaign that several organizations and artists in Miami have been engaging in through various means since the sad news of leaving the arts subsidies in the State of Florida was announced, at The Opera Atelier we wanted to share with you this video (see above) that we took on the same day of the sad decision to leave the arts and culture organizations of Florida without funding.

Caro mio ben ~ Giuseppe Giordani

This video of children singing "Caro mio ben," they are some of our children who come to the MOZ-art Music Summer Camp, a summer program sponsored by the Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, The Children Trust, and the voluntary work of several artists in the city, as well as the continuous work and effort of our organization, which for more than 9 years has been offering this free program to bring the art of opera and classical music closer to children from low-income families in Little Havana. This beautiful aria “Caro mio ben,” although traditionally a love song, we propose that you feel it as a metaphor for the Love of Art. In the video, the children's performance highlights the importance and emotional impact that the arts have in our lives, that is its translation and message. We hope this video touches the hearts of those who see it and reminds them why we must support and value the arts… it would already be a miracle if it touched the hearts of those who apparently lack a heart, like those politicians who decide to cut the arts budget as one would remove dirt from a shirt, like blowing an uncomfortable feather to be carried away by the wind, not knowing that this feather belongs to angels: our ARTISTS, those who dream, who fly, and who make us happy by their faith in humanity, in goodness, despite the horrors of our present society.

In addition to reflecting on the importance of the arts and nonprofit arts organizations in our society, at The Opera Atelier, we call on businesses and the private sector to devote more support to artists and arts and culture organizations. There are many ways to do it, you just need to look for them and want to do it. Moreover, knowing that whatever little funding had been left standing or arts organizations by the legislature in Florida, has been officially eliminated from the 24-25 State Budget, it is crucial for the business and private sector to provide additional support through significant donations, and in-kind support.

We also encourage the general community to support, enjoy, and live the arts by participating in true and live artistic events in the city, where many of us proudly ask the audience to turn off their cell phones when the show starts, simply to put a stop to the cold and mind-numbing technology that surrounds us, so everyone can immerse themselves in the magic of live performances, the human depth that the arts bring to us, increasing our well-being and growth as a society, every time or the doors of a museum open, or curtain triumphantly goes up in a theater.

It is important to note that nonprofit organizations do not engage directly in politics; and artists are content with their art to feel happy and fulfilled as human beings. That's why it is said we will make art, even for the love of art! Very differently from politicians and/or entertainment businessmen, who often make decisions based on convenient plays according to their limited criteria, or simply because they do not like the arts, or do not feel like it.

We urge Governor DeSantis to reconsider his decision and reinstate the budget for the arts and nonprofit arts organizations, and artists in the State of Florida. Remember that "investing" in these areas is not only an act of supporting our rich multicultural heritage but also an investment in the future and resilience of our communities.

We thank you in advance for your attention to this simple letter and hope that you can reflect on the importance of the arts, ARTISTS, and nonprofit arts organizations in our society.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Solórzano

Executive Director

Xiomara Ponce

Production Director

Daniel Daroca

Musical Director

Jorge Arcila

Artistic Director

Governor DeSantis has vetoed $32 million in grants for the Arts & Culture 2025 season, dealing a severe blow to 664 non-profit arts and culture organizations across Florida. This decision will have far-reaching and profound consequences for these organizations.

Download the veto list here

FY_2024-25_Veto_List.pdf

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