The Modern Dispatch

Public Funding

4 articles

A futuristic cityscape where human artists and AI-generated art coexist, with clear economic models supporting creative endeavors.
Culture

Arts Ecosystems Can Thrive Without Public Funding. History Shows How.

In 1942, American Federation of Musicians president James Petrillo compelled major record companies to pay into a fund for live musicians.

Theo Ashford·September 8, 2026
A lively urban street filled with people engaging with public art and performances, symbolizing the positive impact of dedicated arts funding.
Culture

Dedicated Funding Models Offer Hope for Local Arts by 2026

In Cleveland, arts organizations saw the highest revenue growth among 10 major U.

Theo Ashford·July 18, 2026
Diverse community members enjoying vibrant public art and performances in a sunlit town square, symbolizing the importance of local arts funding.
Culture

Local arts funding is crucial for community identity, don't cut it.

At a recent Leon County Commission meeting, 50 residents signed up to speak about the possible defunding of the Council on Culture and Arts (COCA), sparking five hours of intense debate, according to

Elise Marrow·June 28, 2026
A modern performing arts center with diverse community members enjoying the public spaces outside, symbolizing the Sarasota Model of arts development.

What is the Sarasota Model for Community Arts Development?

Sarasota taxpayers are obligated to pay $88 million towards a new performing arts center, a project projected to cost between $260 million and $295 million, according to the Herald-Tribune .

Elise Marrow·May 12, 2026