ORLANDO, Fla. – (November 19, 2025) –United Arts of Central Florida (United Arts), together with 45 local arts, science, and history organizations, is kicking off the 2026 Collaborative Campaign for the Arts, a regional fundraising effort to strengthen and sustain the arts and cultural community across Central Florida.
“Arts and cultural organizations are the heartbeat of our communities – creating healthy, vibrant, creative spaces for people to grow, learn, lead, succeed, find their voice, and connect with one another,” remarked Justin Muchoney, Conductor and Executive Director of Central Florida Vocal Arts, “We are at our best when we collaborate, when we realize that we are better and stronger and healthier together, and the United Arts Collaborative Campaign leads the way in helping maximize our impact, elevate the voices of our community, and raise awareness that the very things that make this such a wonderful and dynamic place to call home need your support!”
Running December 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026, the campaign invites residents, visitors, businesses, and community leaders to unite under the theme “When Art Thrives, We All Thrive.” The theme reflects the power and impact of the arts on the region’s education, economy, and quality of life.
Following a record-breaking 2025 campaign that raised more than $9 million, vastly surpassing the $6.5 million goal, United Arts and its partners have set a new goal of $10 million for this year’s campaign. The higher target reflects the critical need for sustained funding to ensure arts and cultural organizations can continue to thrive, innovate, and serve Central Florida’s expanding population and evolving community needs. Only 12% of the arts are supported by public dollars, and this campaign allows the public to show up in a big and impactful way.
“The 33rd Annual Collaborative Campaign for the Arts demonstrates what our community can accomplish when we come together, said United Arts President and CEO Jennifer Evins, “Last year’s historic results showed that Central Floridians care deeply about the local arts, and they are taking action through giving. This year we are building on that success so more children, families, and residents can experience the power of creativity and innovation!”
When donors give through the Collaborative Campaign, they help participating organizations access a matching pool of up to $1,250,000 from United Arts and Orange County Government. 100% of every contribution remains within Central Florida, strengthening artists, creatives and nonprofit organizations across the region. The impact of investments in the arts is clear, with Central Florida receiving more than $500 million in direct economic benefits and sustaining more than 9,400 local jobs, while enriching the lives of more than 600,000 children through expanded arts education experiences. Donations can be made at unitedartscfl.org/collaborativecampaign.
For interviews and more information, please contact C. Major at Major@chauniquamajor.com.
United Arts Collaborative Campaign Partners
- Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
- Art & History Museums of Maitland
- ArtReach Orlando
- Bach Festival Society of Winter Park
- Bay Street Players at The State Theatre of Eustis
- Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts
- Central Florida Ballet
- Central Florida Community Arts
- Central Florida Public Media
- Central Florida Vocal Arts
- Chance2Dance, Inc
- Crealdé School of Art
- Creative City Project
- Downtown Arts District
- Emotions Dance
- Enzian
- Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras
- FusionFest
- Global Peace 360°
- HAPCO Music Foundation
- Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center
- Howey Music Series
- Leesburg Arts Center
- Mount Dora Center for the Arts
- New Generation Theatrical
- Opera Orlando
- Orange County Regional History Center | Historical Society of Central Florida
- Orlando Ballet
- Orlando Family Stage
- Orlando Fringe
- Orlando Gay Chorus, Inc.
- Orlando Museum of Art
- Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
- Orlando Science Center
- Orlando Shakes
- Orlando Urban Music & Film Festival
- Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles
- Page 15
- Performing Arts Matter
- Playwrights’ Round Table
- Renaissance Theatre Company
- The Winter Park Playhouse
- Theatre South Playhouse
- Timucua Arts Foundation
- Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
About the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts
Now in its 33rd year, the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts is the largest community-wide fundraising effort for the arts in the region and the second largest in the nation. Every contribution stays in Central Florida and directly supports arts, science, and history organizations that enrich our community. The campaign provides vital resources for organizations of varying sizes, helping them grow their donor base, expand programming, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
About United Arts of Central Florida
United Arts is Central Florida’s local arts agency that inspires and enriches communities by strengthening arts, science, history, and culture through strategic collaborations and investments. Through programs, funding and resources, United Arts helps local artists and art organizations achieve their impact goals. Through community engagement initiatives, the nonprofit organization strives to accomplish its vision of fuels lasting prosperity, creativity, and well-being for all in Central Florida. Since 1989, United Arts has distributed more than $200 million to art, arts education, culture, science and history organizations — an ongoing effort to enrich the community and inspire future generations.
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