This is essential: Keep Miami-Dade cultural arts funding intact and independent | Opinion

In 2009, I had the honor to serve as chairman of the volunteer Cultural Affairs Council, the arts advisory board to the Miami-Dade County commission.

Then, we faced the devastating effects of the recession on our nation and community. I’m proud to say our elected officials found the courage and resources to maintain the Department of Cultural Affairs budget and the momentum of its support programs.

Now, the county’s proposed 2025-2026 budget includes a significant $12. 8 million cut to cultural grant funding impacting the arts and culture community. There is also a proposal to merge the department of Cultural Affairs into the Miami-Dade Public Library System and also eliminate the position of director.

It’s encouraging now to see today’s county leaders working to protect the cultural budget — and all critical services. They are stepping up and showing the leadership needed to reaffirm public priorities.

We all know how vital it is to sustain the investments made over decades in building one of the most creative and dynamic cultural centers in the world. Our thriving arts scene has helped make Miami-Dade a great place to raise families, grow businesses and attract visitors.

We can find a better way to weather this new budget storm.

The Department of Cultural Affairs is nationally recognized for excellence and guided by a succession of expert, inspired directors which oversees the county’s Art in Public Places program. A key objective of the department and the council is to contribute to create an environment that is supportive to artists in three critical ways: through financial support, via technical assistance and by developing resources and opportunities to present the artist’s work to the public.

That is why it is essential for county leaders to: restore the proposed cuts to the department’s grants budget, maintain Cultural Affairs as a standalone county department and retain a qualified, experienced director to lead it forward.

There is no meaningful financial benefit in folding Cultural Affairs into the county’s library system. In fact, doing so would weaken both areas.

Tough times demand strong services — and expert guidance is needed now more than ever.

Aside from eliminating unfilled vacancies, the only position slated to be abolished is the department’s director. It is tragic that this proposal has prompted director Marialaura Leslie to resign. I can attest that she brought in far more than her salary in grants and contributions annually.

This department has faced and solved crisis after crisis — from the recession’s funding contraction, to pandemic closures, to the elimination of state arts support, always stepping up with creative, community-saving solutions.

A thriving arts community helps define who we are. Our artists and organizations provide: healing music to hospitalized children, creative programs for young adults on the autism spectrum and free cultural events for low-income seniors.

It is essential to reverse the drastic cuts to arts funding. I have faith our county’s leaders will do the right thing. Equally important: Abandon the proposed merger with the library system and ensure professional leadership by appointing a knowledgeable director.

These are not luxuries — they are necessities. Especially now.

Adolfo Henriques is vice chairman of The Related Group. He is a former chairman of the county’s Cultural Affairs Council.