The arts are vital to a vibrant community. But during the coronavirus pandemic, the arts in Broward face serious financial challenges and are struggling to stay afloat. The direct economic impact from the pandemic is more than $26M in terms of loss of revenue and new expenses. Nearly 1,000 people have been furloughed, with close to 400 jobs eliminated.

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Amid these economic challenges, we are at a historic moment in time, when the arts can be used as a tool to communicate, raise awareness and affect positive change on social issues. With amazing, creative and diverse arts organizations and artists in Broward, there is a great opportunity to marry the arts and social justice issues. This will bridge, build and bond communities using the arts as a tool to increase goodwill and build stronger, more unified communities.

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Imagine how much more enriched Broward would be if more people and institutions worked together to expand and elevate the arts through the lens of social justice.

Embed the arts into the DNA of Broward in ways that ignite creativity and build community pride and identity.

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Alive. Engaged. Connected. Resilient.  These are the characteristics of a vibrant community brought to life through the arts.  The arts can be a strong catalyst to improve the health and vitality of our community as we evolve. The arts are an essential element that creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. For example, the arts:

• Add vibrancy to a community and make it an inspiring place to live and visit.
• Transcend differences, break down barriers, and unify us in positive and meaningful ways.
• Empower people to move to action to affect positive change.
• Help people and communities heal during difficult times, foster dialogue and interaction, promote creative learning that engages our imagination, and gives us new ways of thinking.
• Contribute to our thriving economy. The arts attract tourism that fuels local business.
  
  

The arts reflect society and the times in which we are living. It also gives artists the opportunity to use their unique and compelling vantage point to make powerful statements on the social justice issues of the day. The arts, in its various forms, can indeed be an act of social justice in and of itself.

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