Arts and theatre operations across the area are preparing for another big hit in state funding because of the budget approved in Tallahassee. This year’s budget only allots $29.8 million for four arts and culture-related categories. That’s more than $3M less than last year and $14M less than in 2014. The allocation for around 500 non-profits are expected to see an even bigger hit- nearly a 60 percent drop from last year. Many of Sarasota County’s larger theatre and arts organizations typically receive around $100,000 per year in state funding. Rebecca Hopkins, managing director of Florida Studio Theatre told the Herald-Tribune this year, the theatre is only expecting to see about $47,000.
