Dear Dreamers and Doers,

Last month, we spoke about courage in the face of uncertainty. Today, we shine a light on the extraordinary advocacy happening across our field — the passionate, determined efforts of arts and culture leaders who refuse to be silenced or sidelined.

Across our nation, arts leaders are doing exceptional work keeping us informed, connected, and mobilized. From grassroots organizing to national campaigns, the response to these unprecedented challenges has been nothing short of inspirational. You’re not just preserving institutions — you’re resisting the destruction of creative expression in public life.

Florida’s Front Lines

Here in Florida, where DRMTM is based, we’re facing additional attacks at the state level that cut straight to the heart of cultural sustainability. Last year’s complete slash of arts funding, though somewhat restored this year, was just the beginning. The threat to tourism tax dollars designated for cultural arts still looms large over our communities.

We barely escaped the dismantling of tourism development councils statewide before the legislative session ended, and we’re not out of the woods yet. You can imagine what tourism in Florida means to the support of our arts and culture. It’s intertwined like seagrass or coconut husk — much like an old married couple that has sewn its years of love and labor into a magnificent tapestry that can’t be torn. Divorce between these two is unthinkable — our structure would simply crumble.

Your Power Remains

Art isn’t a passive language. It is the most powerful of all human expression.

Much of the art we honor today was created in resistance to the same threats we are facing right now: censorship, control, and weaponization of the values that hold us together. Shame on any government or group willing to sacrifice their support of the freedoms art and culture represents.

As we wrote last month [LINK], we will all continue to stand in our humanity, doing what arts and culture does best: bring people together. When your autonomy is threatened, arm your board and staff with the tools of advocacy. When your funding is cut, rally your community. Build your foundation on them.

Although unhindered government funding of the arts should remain a hallmark of a great nation, we know our community cultural organizations have always been cared for most by the people they serve. Keep your brand’s higher purpose in the center of everything you do. Communicate your values again and again, inviting people to belong.

The Eternal Flame

You are resilient. Arts and culture will prevail. Always has, always will. The human spirit’s need to create, connect, and express is unquenchable — it outlasts regimes, survives censorship, and emerges even from the darkest periods of history with renewed vitality.

In dividing times, you create spaces of connection. In fearful times, you inspire courage. In times when identity is weaponized, you remind us of our shared humanity.

In resistance and resilience,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

DRMTM is your thought partner in these challenging times. Reach out to schedule a conversation about strengthening your brand’s voice and values.  https://scheduler.zoom.us/laura-morse/drmtm-bold-brand-conversations