As we look back on 2025, one thing is clear: when art thrives, our community thrives.
This year, United Arts of Central Florida advanced its mission in powerful ways—strengthening artists and organizations, expanding access to creativity, and demonstrating the essential role of arts, science, and history in our region’s well-being. From national recognition to innovative pilots in education and health, these ten moments capture how collaboration, investment, and belief in creativity shaped an extraordinary year.
$9 Million for the Arts
At the heart of 2025 was the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts, which raised more than $9 million, surpassing its goal and marking the most successful campaign in United Arts’ history. With the addition of a $750,000 investment from United Arts and a $500,000 matching pool from Orange County, this amounted to more than $10.33 million in total support for 40 arts, science, and history organizations across Central Florida.
With 100% of donations staying local, this milestone strengthened artists, educators, and nonprofit organizations—fueling creativity, education, economic impact, and access for hundreds of thousands of residents.
ArtsInOrlando.com Launches
In May, United Arts officially launched ArtsInOrlando.com, a reimagined arts and culture calendar and discovery platform supported by a region-wide marketing campaign. Designed to elevate visibility, access, and cultural tourism, the platform now serves as a central hub for finding arts, culture, science, and history experiences across Central Florida—working alongside ArtistryOnline.org to tell deeper stories of impact and creativity.
Early Learning Through the Arts Expands
With support from KPMG, United Arts launched a Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts pilot, serving early childhood educators working with children and families in the 32805 community. Through music, movement, drama, and imaginative play, educators gained research-backed tools to strengthen language development, social-emotional learning, and school readiness—reinforcing creativity as a foundation for lifelong learning.
Art in Senior Care & Health
United Arts partnered with local organizations to launch an Art in Senior Care & Health pilot, bringing professional teaching artists into adult day health centers. From drumming and dance to visual art and storytelling, seniors engaged in creative experiences that support memory, movement, emotional health, and connection—demonstrating how the arts play a meaningful role in wellness at every age.
DTOLive! Brings Art to the Streets
Through DTOLive!, downtown Orlando became a living stage. Over a 12-month period, the initiative delivered 1,000+ free performances and immersive public art experiences, engaging more than 1,000 artists and welcoming residents and visitors into activated public spaces. The program’s success led to renewal and expansion, proving that free, accessible arts experiences drive community pride and economic vitality.
Teaching Artists Expand in Lake County
United Arts expanded its Teaching Artist Residencies Program in Lake County Public Schools, adopting a deeper, more immersive model. By spending full weeks in classrooms, teaching artists strengthened creativity, critical thinking, and engagement across core subjects—offering a student-centered approach at a time when schools continue to address learning gaps and social-emotional needs.
A New Strategic Plan Launches
In 2025, United Arts unveiled a new Strategic Plan, defining what it truly means for the arts ecosystem to thrive. Grounded in clear indicators—such as artist support, organizational health, access, education, infrastructure, and impact—the plan guides how United Arts invests resources, builds partnerships, and measures success into the future.
A Game-Changing Partnership Recognized
United Arts received the Game Changer Award for DTO Live, recognizing how collaboration can transform a city through the arts. This honor affirmed a core belief of United Arts: that collective action and shared leadership are essential to building a stronger, more resilient cultural community.
A Hispanic Community Champion
President & CEO Jennifer Evins was named a Hispanic Community Champion at the Don Quijote Awards, recognizing leadership rooted in equity, access, and representation. Under her leadership, United Arts expanded investment in Hispanic artists and organizations, strengthened representation across programs and boards, and elevated Hispanic culture throughout Central Florida’s arts landscape.
Innovation in Fundraising Recognized Nationally
Rounding out the year, United Arts was honored for Innovation & Excellence in Fundraising during National Philanthropy Day. This recognition reflected a reimagined approach to community-centered philanthropy—one that helped fuel record-breaking support for the arts and set the tone for continued impact.
Looking Ahead
Each of these moments tells a larger story: art is essential infrastructure. It supports learning, health, economic vitality, and belonging—and it thrives when communities come together.
As United Arts looks ahead, we remain committed to collaboration, creativity, and ensuring that arts, science, and history continue to flourish for everyone in Central Florida.
✨ Thank you for being part of a year that made art thrive.
