Brevard County Boosts Local Arts with $20K for Cultural Events!

Brevard County, Florida, USA - The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners has taken a significant step forward in supporting local culture by allocating part of the tourism tax funds to small cultural events. This initiative, highlighted in a recent opinion piece by Florida Today, aims to bolster the community’s cultural fabric while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors.

To kick off this exciting program, the Tourism Development Office’s Marketing Support grants allow for reinvestment of tax revenues gained from hotel and short-term rental stays. Notably, these grants are designed to uplift signature local events like Surfin’ Santas and the Thunder on Cocoa Beach air show, which draw in many tourists. As part of the initiative, the board set aside $20,000 from the remaining tourism tax funds for each county commissioner to distribute for smaller cultural events within their respective districts.

Supporting Local Events

This new program comes as a breath of fresh air for many smaller cultural organizations that, while they might not hit the 5,001 out-of-county attendee threshold, play a vital role in nurturing local culture and some of the charm that makes Brevard unique. The Board’s allocation emphasizes that even events with fewer attendees contribute significantly to community life. In tandem with this approach, the Brevard Cultural Alliance expressed its endorsement, noting that enhancing the arts will ultimately promote both visitor enjoyment and local enrichment.

Commissioners will have the opportunity to recommend specific organizations to receive funding, although their suggestions must undergo a formal proposal and majority vote to gain approval. It’s worth noting that recommended organizations are all 501(c)(3) nonprofits, reinforcing a commitment to transparency, as such entities cannot engage in campaign contributions or endorsements.

Grants for Cultural and Sports Events

The importance of these funding initiatives cannot be overstated, particularly as the FY 2025-2026 Marketing Support Program (MSP) is now open for applications. With up to $740,000 available for cultural and sports events, the funding will play a critical role in covering marketing and related expenses for chosen events. Applications are due by 9 AM on June 9, 2025, after which late submissions will no longer be accepted. For those looking to get involved, additional guidance on program specifics can be found on the Brevard Tourism Development Office’s website.

This level of financial support is part of broader funding mechanisms available for cultural tourism. As reported by AIANTA, various federal initiatives further enhance the scope for cultural development, supporting everything from climate resilience projects to artistic endeavors in local communities. It shows a concerted effort not just here in Brevard, but nationwide, to leverage culture as a vehicle for growth and community engagement.

All in all, it’s good to see local leadership recognizing the value of culture, local events, and the arts as essential threads in the fabric of community life. With this new funding initiative, the future looks brighter for many cherished cultural touchstones in Brevard County.