Broward County reaffirmed its commitment to cultural development and artistic engagement through the third annual “State of the Arts” Address, hosted by the Broward Cultural Division. The event took place at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale and drew a diverse audience of local artists, cultural partners, public officials, and community stakeholders. The gathering marked an important milestone for the county’s arts ecosystem, offering both a reflection on the past year’s achievements and a preview of what lies ahead—particularly as the Division prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Opening at 9:30 a.m., the event was free to the public by reservation, signaling the county’s ongoing efforts to ensure broad accessibility to cultural discourse. Set in the Sandpiper Ballroom of the newly expanded convention center, the address provided a formal space for attendees to engage with the evolving role of the arts in public life. County leaders, including Vice Mayor Mark D. Bogen, Commissioner Steve Geller, and County Administrator Monica Cepero, joined Cultural Division Director Phillip Dunlap and Cultural Council Chair Janet Erlick to speak on the region’s cultural trajectory and investments.
The “State of the Arts” Address has become a signature event for Broward County, reflecting a national movement in which mid-sized metropolitan areas are reassessing their cultural strategies. Rather than prioritizing only major institutions or tourism-driven art showcases, Broward’s focus has shifted toward inclusive, grassroots development—fostering local talent, supporting public partnerships, and embedding the arts within the county’s broader economic and civic planning.
This year’s address highlighted how Broward County has increased its financial support for both organizations and individual artists. In the previous year alone, more than $6.7 million in grant funding was awarded to approximately 90 local arts organizations, while an additional $408,000 went to support 84 individual artists. These investments underscore a growing recognition that artists are not just cultural contributors, but integral to the region’s economic vitality and social cohesion.
Attendees were also introduced to new programming initiatives set to roll out ahead of the Division’s 50th anniversary. These include expanded opportunities for youth engagement, new public art commissions, and cross-sector collaborations that blend the arts with health, education, and urban development. As cultural leaders spoke from the podium, a recurring theme was renewal—how the arts can serve as a force for rebuilding community ties, navigating social challenges, and enriching the everyday lives of residents.
The significance of this year’s event also lies in its timing. As Broward County looks ahead to half a century of cultural stewardship, the moment calls for both introspection and innovation. The Cultural Division, originally established in 1976, has grown into a nationally recognized model for regional arts governance. Yet its leaders acknowledge that the next 50 years will require new strategies, particularly as the county experiences demographic shifts, economic change, and increased demand for inclusive programming that reflects the full spectrum of Broward’s communities.
Audience members at the event included artists from a range of disciplines—visual arts, theater, dance, music, and multimedia—as well as educators, nonprofit executives, and representatives from local universities and public agencies. The presence of such a wide range of stakeholders reflected the growing consensus that the arts are not peripheral, but central to building a thriving, resilient, and connected community.
In addition to remarks from officials, the event included multimedia presentations, artist spotlights, and informal networking opportunities. Light refreshments and complimentary parking ensured accessibility and comfort for all guests. The setting itself, a renovated and expanded convention center, symbolized Broward’s broader investment in public infrastructure to support culture and civic life.
As Broward County continues to define what cultural leadership looks like in the 21st century, the “State of the Arts” Address provides an essential platform for dialogue, celebration, and forward planning. In a time when communities across the nation are grappling with questions of identity, access, and equity in the arts, Broward’s emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, and sustained investment stands as a notable example of how regional governments can nurture a vibrant creative economy while honoring the diversity of their populations.
The 2025 address was not only a celebration of past accomplishments but a call to action. It encouraged all attendees—whether artists, policymakers, or residents—to see themselves as active participants in shaping a cultural landscape that will continue to evolve in tandem with the county’s growth. As the countdown to the 50th anniversary begins, Broward County’s cultural community appears well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead.