Mayor Daniella Levine Cava shows strong support for Miami-Dade's arts community at 2026 State of the Arts Address
Cultural Affairs Council Chairman Brian E. May calls for innovation and collaboration to sustain the County's cultural ecosystem
On Thursday, February 12th, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined Brian E. May, Chairman of the Cultural Affairs Council, elected officials, and arts advocates at the 17th Annual State of the Arts Address, reaffirming her commitment to supporting the county’s vibrant cultural ecosystem.
Mayor Levine Cava underscored the critical role of arts and culture in shaping Miami-Dade’s identity and economy. "The arts are essential to our quality of life, our economy, and our shared future" said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Miami-Dade is a county of dreamers and doers, and the arts help us tell our story to the world, showcasing not only our diversity but our shared humanity."
In his address the Cultural Affairs Council Chairman May delivered a powerful message about the resilience and innovation of the arts community amid challenges and underscored the transformative and economic power of the arts. The arts generate more than $2.1 billion in economic impact annually and support over 32,000 full-time jobs in Miami-Dade County.
"Miami-Dade has become an internationally recognized cultural capital through strategic partnerships and steadfast governance. I urge our cultural community to embrace innovation and collaboration so that the arts remain mission-critical to Miami-Dade's future," stated Chairman May. "The Cultural Affairs Council is committed to exploring revenue streams for arts and culture, expand public polling, and strengthening partnerships to sustain long-term funding."
As Miami-Dade celebrates milestones such as 42 years of the Miami Book Fair, 43 years of the Miami Film Festival, and 50 years of the Marshall L. Davis Sr., African Heritage Cultural Arts Center and Miami-Dade Art in Public Places, the Cultural Affairs Council reaffirmed its shared vision, to ensure that the arts remain integral to the county's growth and identity.
The 2026 State of the Arts Address featured cultural moments, including a poem by Miami-Dade Poet Laureate, Caridad Moro-Gronlier; artworks by Miami-Dade Artist-in-Residence, Edouard Duval-Carrie; and performances by Young Musicians Unite, New Canon Chamber Collective and Blue Embers Bluegrass Boys.
For more information, visit www.miamidadearts.org.
Watch the full webcast of the 2026 State of the Arts Address here.
View and download event photos here.
For more information, culture@miamidade.gov. Thank you.
Para más información, culture@miamidade.gov. Gracias.
Pou plis enfomasyon, culture@miamidade.gov. Mèsi.
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