DeSantis says he vetoed state arts grants over ‘sexual’ Fringe Festivals

Calling them "sexual" festivals, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday blamed the state's theatrical Fringe Festivals for his decision to veto more than $32 million in arts and culture funding from the state budget. And he indicated the state may restrict funds for cultural nonprofits like Fringe in the future.

DeSantis's remarks, made at a news conference in Auburndale, marked the first time the governor publicly addressed his June 12 veto, which caught arts groups by surprise statewide.

"We didn't have control over how it was being given," DeSantis said of the arts grant money. "So you'd have your tax dollars being given in grants to things like the Fringe Festival, which is a sexual festival where they're doing all this stuff. ... How many of you think your tax dollars should go to fund that? Not many people would do that."

Orlando Fringe interim executive director Scott Galbraith told the Sentinel the governor had "mischaracterized" the two-week annual festival of short theater, dance, music, comedy, magic and burlesque performances that takes place each May in Loch Haven Park.

"The festival is a very diverse and inclusive space," said Galbraith. "There's a wide variety of experiences to be had."

Galbraith said Orlando Fringe also was caught off-guard that its festival was deemed a reason funding was denied to all cultural organizations statewide

The governor's veto, coupled with earlier cuts from the Legislature, left four state grant programs administered by the state Division of Arts and Culture with no money to allocate to nonprofits across Florida.

John DiDonna, who has participated in past Orlando Fringe Festivals as an actor, director and producer, said it was unfair to describe the fest as "sexual."

"There are deep shows, there are thoughtful shows, there are beautiful musicals, dance shows," he said. "It's not just one thing, it's many things: A rich cornucopia of the arts."

The printed Orlando Fringe Festival program for 2024 lists more than 170 shows, with 62 of them rated appropriate for all ages. Fewer than a third, 54 shows, were rated by their performers as suitable only for ages 18 and above.

The local arts community has worried the Fringe could be caught in the crossfire of "political culture wars" ever since the governor took legal action against the Plaza Live in Orlando over a Christmas drag show in 2023, DiDonna said.

"I remember having conversations with people who were worried the Fringe would be targeted next," he said. "It's a high-profile one for him to go after." you could see it coming down the line.""]

Under current rules, arts and cultural organizations face a lengthy process to receive state funding. They must prepare and submit applications to the Division of Arts and Culture, and a volunteer panel then questions the organizations, reviews the applications and scores them. The scores determine the groups' eligibility for funding.

But the Legislature can ignore that eligibility.

This year, for example, less than half of the money needed to fund the eligible grants was approved by the Legislature. The governor's veto eliminated what was left.

Both the Orlando Fringe Festival and the much smaller Tampa Fringe had applied for state grants. Orlando's festival was in line for $70,500.

Out of 630 requests for funding statewide, Orlando Fringe ranked No. 314. Its application received a score from its evaluators of 91.8, slightly above the average of 91.4. A score of 80 is needed to be recommended for funding.

Galbraith said arts groups that win state grants have all expenditures reviewed by the state to make sure the funding is used appropriately.

"There's a great deal of accountability when you use taxpayer money, and rightfully so," said Galbraith. "They deserve to know how it has been spent."

Typically, when receiving state grants, Orlando Fringe uses it for operating expenses such as rent, staff salaries and to fund initiatives such as the Fringers of the Future, a youth-theater program that allows local high schools to present their own shows at the festival, which also features a "Kids Fringe" for younger children and their families.

Thursday, DeSantis said the state should consider changes in the way the state grants money to cultural organizations.

"I have to stand up for taxpayers and say, 'You know what, that is an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars,'" DeSantis said, continuing to refer to Fringe Festivals. "I think the Legislature needs to re-evaluate how that's being done."

Galbraith said his organization was preparing a response, not only for the governor but to reiterate to the community the breadth of Fringe Festival offerings and its impact on Central Florida.

"We want to make sure people understand not only our artistic value but our economic value, educational value and contributions to quality of life," he said. "We have sung this song before and we will continue to."

This year's festival attracted about 50,000 patrons, down from a pre-COVID peak in 2019 of nearly 75,000. Separate from the festival, the organization also programs the downtown Fringe ArtSpace with year-round theatrical events.

The Fringe Festival does not directly pay performers, who are chosen by lottery to participate. And while this year saw several burlesque shows — with elaborately theatrical costumes, choreography and set design — Galbraith pointed out that all legal limitations on nudity and sexual content were observed.

"It's uncensored," he said of the festival. "But that doesn't mean it's unlawful."

He issued an invitation to the governor to see the impact of the festival himself.

"We would, of course, welcome him or his staff to come and see what it's about," Galbraith said. "If they want to see a performance with nudity, it's available. If not, they can cultivate their own experience."