James Faurote, executive director of Center Stage Youth Theater in Trinity, Florida, has traveled to Tallahassee to seek answers about why his organization was overlooked for state arts funding despite receiving a high score. While 563 applications were eligible for the 2026-27 funding cycle and 187 received money, Faurote’s Center Stage scored 92.5 out of 100 yet received no funds. He noted that as the 11th-largest county in Florida, Pasco feels it deserves more attention, especially as the local arts community grows. Faurote worries that without outside funding, programs like his may have to increase prices or reduce scholarships, potentially making theater less accessible for some families. His students continue to perform in productions like “Seussical the Musical” and appreciate the opportunities provided by the program. The Florida Council on Arts and Culture reviews applications through a ranking system before final funding decisions are made based on the state budget process.
Key Points:
- Center Stage Youth Theater in Trinity, Florida scored 92.5 out of 100 on its state arts funding application but received no funding.
- There is $20 million available this year through the state’s General Program Support grants for arts organizations across Florida.
- The Florida Council on Arts and Culture, a 15-member advisory council, makes funding recommendations for arts organizations.
- James Faurote, executive director of Center Stage, has traveled to Tallahassee and spoken with local lawmakers as he seeks answers about the state’s funding process.
- As the 11th-largest county in Florida, Pasco County feels it deserves more attention from state arts funding programs.
