Tampa Bay needs increased funding for the arts

To commemorate the leap year, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay asked readers and local leaders to chime in on what Tampa Bay needs to be a better place in four years.

Many of the results of the “What Tampa Bay Needs” survey revolved around the Bay area arts scene including a desire for more museums with nighttime hours and film incentives.

Others called for a robust system of public support for the arts, including David Cox, Executive Director, Gasparilla Music Festival, who echoed a desire to see increased funding for the arts.

“Investment in arts leads to creativity which leads to innovative thinking that can help grow businesses and provide alternative solutions to other regional issues,” Cox added. “We need to push elected officials to prioritize early arts educational opportunities and encourage the private sector to increase support of the arts.”

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This article appears in Feb 22-28, 2024.