Donors Set to Cease Financial Support for University Museum in Florida Following Proposed Relocation Plan
Governor DeSantis' Policies Shape Florida's Arts and Culture Landscape
Governor Ron DeSantis' policies have significantly reshaped the arts and culture landscape in Florida, with a series of budget vetoes, new funding criteria, and a conservative shift in higher education institutions.
Funding and Vetoes
In the 2025 state budget, DeSantis approved approximately $18 million for arts organizations, a reduction compared to the previous year's vetoes, when he cut $32 million in cultural funding[1]. More than 700 arts organizations are struggling financially, partly due to new eligibility criteria that require organizations to score at least 80 out of 100 points on grant applications focused on quality, impact, and track record[1].
This scoring system significantly narrowed the pool of funded organizations to 184 with scores of 95 or higher, leaving many previous beneficiaries unfunded[1][2]. Several prominent institutions lost expected funding, including the Florida Museum of Black History ($750,000 vetoed), Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens ($500,000 vetoed), and the Tampa Museum of Art ($375,000 vetoed)[2].
DeSantis also vetoed $5.7 million in funding for public radio and television, which often support arts coverage and promotion statewide, further reducing arts ecosystem support[2].
Donor Responses and Institutional Impact
Conservative donors have increased their involvement in certain educational institutions like New College of Florida, which has undergone a significant conservative makeover – including curricular overhaul, leadership changes, and the closure of diversity-focused centers[3].
This transformation has been controversial, leading to declining student enrollment and alumni dissatisfaction, indicating challenges in sustaining arts and cultural education environments under this new model[3].
Transfer of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Governor Ron DeSantis proposed transferring the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art from Florida State University to the New College of Florida earlier this year. The proposed transfer was not included in this year's state budget.
Museum supporters and staff have expressed concern that the New College of Florida may not effectively manage the museum. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is currently affiliated with Florida State University.
Donors have reportedly pulled support or plan to pull support from the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, totaling more than $750,000 in planned gifts. The museum may face additional funding challenges due to DeSantis' actions regarding arts and culture funding.
New College of Florida's Changes
New College of Florida has canceled its gender studies program and follows a "classical education curriculum model," stressing the centrality of the Western tradition[3]. This model has been criticized for adhering to "white, Western European and Judeo-Christian foundations"[4].
The transfer of the museum to the New College of Florida, referred to as a "takeover" by WUSF, has caused concern among museum supporters and staff. The New College of Florida is considerably smaller than Florida State University.
Controversy Over Charter Schools
A Michigan college ended its relationship with a Florida charter school due to controversy over a Renaissance art syllabus, including a picture of Michelangelo's David.
Criticism and Responses
DeSantis' veto of arts and culture grants drew criticism from local museum leadership and the Florida Cultural Alliance. The veto of arts and culture grants was denounced by leaders from the Florida Cultural Alliance as "unprecedented in the history of [Florida's] grants program."
Tom Homan, a prominent advocate for Trump's border overhaul, has been featured as a speaker at New College of Florida, further sparking controversy.
[1] Florida Phoenix
[2] Tampa Bay Times
[3] The Washington Post
[4] The Tampa Bay Times
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, despite not being included in the current state budget transfer, faces potential funding challenges due to Governor Ron DeSantis' actions regarding arts and culture funding, causing concern among museum supporters and staff.
- The New College of Florida's shift towards a classical education curriculum model, with an emphasis on the Western tradition, has been criticized for adhering to "white, Western European and Judeo-Christian foundations," raising concerns among those advocating for diversity and self-development in arts and education.
- As conservative donors increase their involvement in certain educational institutions, such as the New College of Florida, the resulting changes, like the cancellation of the gender studies program, have drawn heavy criticism and sparked debates in both politics and general news, with critics arguing for a more diverse and inclusive approach to education and art.
