United Arts of Central Florida brought together artists, cultural leaders, elected officials, donors, educators, nonprofit partners, board members, and community advocates for its Annual Celebration at Full Sail University, highlighting a year of growth, investment, and renewed vision for the region’s arts and cultural sector.
The event followed United Arts’ Annual Board Meeting, where the organization passed a $20 million budget and elected its slate of officers and new board members. United Arts Board Chair Lindsay Abt also recognized the more than 600 people serving on nonprofit arts and cultural boards across Central Florida, noting the volunteer leadership that helps sustain the region’s creative ecosystem.
During the program, United Arts shared its renewed vision for “a thriving arts community that fuels lasting prosperity, creativity and well-being for all in Central Florida.” The vision is supported by three core goals: strengthening United Arts through programs, marketing, fundraising, and revenue growth; strengthening the cultural sector by helping artists and organizations thrive; and strengthening the community through cross-sector partnerships that support social impact, lifelong learning, and a deeper sense of place.
This year, United Arts reached more than 3 million people and invested $5 million in grants to local artists, arts and cultural organizations, and arts education. The Collaborative Campaign for the Arts, powered by 45 local arts, science, and history organizations, also set a new record by raising $12 million. With a $500,000 match from Orange County and a $750,000 commitment from the United Arts Board, the campaign represents a $13.25 million investment directly into Central Florida’s nonprofit arts and culture ecosystem.
United Arts President and CEO Jennifer Evins emphasized the importance of strengthening the conditions that allow artists, creative workers, and cultural organizations to thrive.
“Our region thrives because of you,” Evins said. “And because this community depends on your work, we must do more than celebrate it. We must strengthen the conditions that help you thrive.”
Evins also highlighted ArtsinOrlando.com as a growing resource for audience discovery, noting that there are at least 35 arts events every day in Central Florida and that marketing campaigns supporting the platform have exceeded 20 million impressions.
The celebration also focused on the role of arts and culture as community infrastructure. Elyse Jardine, Senior Director of Community and Outreach, pointed to programs such as DTOLive! and Community Vibrancy grants, which have supported more than 1,000 free arts experiences in public spaces and put more than $426,000 directly into the hands of local artists. These efforts help artists earn income, increase small business foot traffic, activate public spaces, and strengthen community connection.
United Arts also highlighted its work in arts education and arts and health. More than 7,000 students have benefited from teaching artist residencies that use creativity to support academic engagement, workforce skills, and resilience. Through the Arts and Health Network, led by United Arts and the Pabst-Steinmetz Foundation, more than 26 arts organizations are working with local health systems, public health and mental health providers, and researchers from the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida to explore the role of arts and cultural experiences in supporting well-being.
“As you all know, Central Florida is often described by its growth,” Jardine said. “New people, new companies, new ideas. Our job is to make sure that as we grow, we grow with purpose, that we’re not just building roads, new buildings, but infrastructure that has meaning.”
The evening also recognized donors and partners helping advance this work, including Zac and Becca Wolf, who are investing in local artists and United Arts’ Cultural Vibrancy Initiative.
Evins closed the program by acknowledging the challenges facing the cultural sector while reaffirming United Arts’ role as a regional champion for arts and culture.
“We at United Arts accept the challenge to be the champion for the arts, because the arts are worth fighting for,” she said.
The Annual Celebration served as both a reflection on the past year and a call to continue investing in the artists, organizations, and cultural experiences that help Central Florida thrive.
United Arts wants to express our appreciation to the event sponsors who made our annual celebration possible: Presenting Sponsor Full Sail, Hosting Sponsor OUC, with additional support from Northwestern Mutual and Valencia College. Thank you.
