At The Opera Atelier, we firmly believe in the transformative power of opera—a multidimensional art form that unites vocal and instrumental music, theater, literature, poetry, visual arts, and dance. Today, opera also embraces innovative artistic expressions, including technological advancements in the arts. It is evident that opera is an exceptional medium for artistic expression. Likewise, we are convinced that atelier-style musical education, rooted in direct experience within the opera world, leaves a profound impact on our students, artists, audiences, and participants. This immersive experience allows them to understand and feel emotions, kindness, the meaning of life, and, of course, the beauty and grandeur of art. That is why, every day, the leaders of our organization wake up committed to advancing our mission: “to create community and foster transformation through opera, education, and social action, in synergy with other artistic disciplines.”
However, we cannot achieve this mission alone. We need the support of artists, educators, students, volunteers, cultural organizations, foundations, public institutions, audiences, and donors who recognize the value of our work and share the passion that drives us.
Last year, arts organizations in Florida faced the Governor's veto on arts funding. In Miami, the delay and uncertainty in grant allocations threaten the continuity of fundamental initiatives such as the ones we have developed at The Opera Atelier for over 13 years. Bureaucracy and lack of efficiency in resource management have forced us to postpone key events and programs, impacting our season's outreach as well as our educational and social programs, which are at the heart of our daily mission.
For this reason, we support initiatives to reduce unproductive activities for both artists and institutions, whether private or public. We believe that it is essential to reform areas that do not contribute value or support to artistic work, prioritizing timely access to essential resources. Our goal is to bring art to audiences and strengthen its impact in artistic, educational, and social spheres, fostering creativity, imagination, and human connection. Through these efforts, we also promote critical thinking, job creation, and economic growth in our city. Only by doing so can we consolidate Miami as a true cultural epicenter.
A Challenge: Bureaucracy and the Traditional Delays in Funding
When arts organizations in a country repeatedly face bureaucratic processes that delay grant allocations and other essential resources, the negative repercussions extend to the entire chain of involved actors—from audiences to public and private institutions. These obstacles make planning difficult for arts organizations and force artists to dedicate even more valuable time to administrative and executive tasks, ultimately diverting their energy and creativity.
Recently, we received a survey through the Miami Artist Census, inviting artists to participate in what was called “The First Artist Census in the City.” We responded promptly and with great interest, yet with the certainty that the results will reflect what we already know from experience: Miami's artistic and cultural system is becoming increasingly restrictive, putting the potential for innovation and growth of young organizations with modest budgets at risk. However, we are convinced that this process can be reimagined and modernized.
Inefficiency in the timely distribution of arts funding jeopardizes the cultural vitality of our society. But it is possible to reimagine and optimize these processes to ensure that cultural organizations receive the necessary resources in a timely manner. With a more efficient, streamlined, and transparent management system based on common sense, we could strengthen the arts landscape, amplify local talent, and ensure that art and culture are accessible to all.
A New Approach to Cultural Management
At The Opera Atelier, we invite authorities and cultural funding bodies (federal, state, and local) to consider a collaborative reassessment of management models. We believe that by combining efficiency, transparency, and commitment, it is possible to foster and grow the arts in a way that benefits society as a whole.
Some of our key proposals include:
Simplifying grant application and approval processes: Implementing more efficient systems that facilitate direct communication between arts organizations and funding bodies, with clear response timelines. This would reduce unnecessary paperwork that delays fund distribution, allowing organizations to focus primarily on their artistic work.
Establishing clear deadlines and concrete objectives: Defining shorter timelines for each phase of the funding approval process to prevent delays that impact cultural programming and artistic activities. Streamlining tracking and approval channels would enable organizations to respond quickly and efficiently to cultural needs.
Promoting and maintaining transparency and accountability: Publishing periodic reports on resource status and distribution efficiency so that the arts community and the public can evaluate the real impact of cultural policies.
Encouraging direct communication between authorities and artists: Organizing meetings and forums that facilitate unmediated dialogue, where needs can be identified and collaborative solutions developed for the benefit of all. For instance, Miami presents an excellent opportunity for performing arts organizations to gain easier access to theater spaces, with the construction of venues that primarily benefit local artists and organizations (*).
With these proposals, new doors would open for growth and creativity in our community. Efficiency and common sense are essential. It is crucial to review and simplify procedures for accessing resources, ensuring that artists' time and energy are devoted to creating and sharing art rather than dealing with endless and often fruitless bureaucratic processes. Artists must be able to focus on their creative work without administrative or bureaucratic distractions that hinder their opportunities. In the context of cultural funding, this means reviewing and simplifying requirements and procedures to access resources, prioritizing efficiency and relevance to artistic and educational development in the arts. Time should be dedicated to activities that add value. For our organizations, this translates into dedicating resources and energy to artistic creation and dissemination instead of being drained by endless administrative tasks that demoralize us and limit our opportunities for dignified and recognized work. The time of artists should be spent creating and sharing art, not struggling with endless paperwork that stifles their chances. A pianist's hands should not be washing dishes, a singer's voice should not be working as a cashier, a dancer should not be waiting tables at night, nor should a violinist have to drive an Uber to survive.
Art Should Be for Everyone
Art is a right that should belong to everyone. In society, access to art should be universal. As human beings, we all carry within us an artistic inclination, and we recognize the intrinsic value of art. Our team—composed of musicians, lawyers, psychoanalysts, writers, mathematicians, and even artificial intelligence experts (who play with it like a child with a new toy)—works with the conviction that our activity adds value to society. That is why we are not only capable of singing or playing perfectly tuned notes but also of designing a website on the spot for a fellow organization. We work together to create and explore new artistic possibilities in opera. This diversity of disciplines demonstrates how art can connect different fields and enrich society. Let us remember that in ancient Greece, art played an essential role in public life and cultural development. Music, theater, sculpture, and architecture were not just forms of expression but also educational and even political tools. And they should remain so in our times.
Miami has the potential to become a true cultural reference, continuously fostering the talent of its local artists and offering high-quality artistic experiences to all its citizens. This is our commitment, and although we may stumble in these uncertain times, fortunately, we have learned to dance through them!
A Call to Action
We invite authorities, artists, organizations, donors, foundations, audiences, and all stakeholders in the cultural and artistic sector to reflect on these ideas and work together for a future where art and cultural education are not hindered by outdated processes but driven by efficiency and innovation.
Artists are the thermometers of our society; they reflect the state of our democracy. Let us not neglect them.
Jacqueline Solórzano
Great!
Great article!
Art has always been underrated. I hope that can change. We need art everyday in our lives.
I love it!