Miami Emerging Arts Leaders - Arts Advocacy 101: Exploring the Purpose and Power of Advocacy
Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Join the Miami Emerging Arts Leaders, Jennifer Jones, the President and CEO of the Florida Cultural Alliance, and Ashlee K. Thomas, Director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, to explore how you can effectively advocate for the arts in Florida. Our state-wide arts advocacy organization, the Florida Cultural Alliance, works to increase the state’s investment in artists and cultural organizations. Learn how cultural leaders can help make the case for a state arts budget that provides equitable access to cultural grants for the arts in Florida.
Topics include: the purpose and power of advocacy; tips on how to advocate effectively; and advocacy as an essential skill for emerging arts leaders to develop and harness today and for the future.
RSVP required by Wednesday, October 28!
When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Where: Free virtual event on Zoom
The Miami Emerging Arts Leaders is a program of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, with support from the Arts and Business Council of Miami and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For more information about MEAL, visit www.miamidadearts.org.
FUNDING FOR CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs FY 26-27 Quarterly Grants Programs
Community Grants Program (CG)
Karen Diazgranados | (305) 375-2596 | Karen.Diazgranados@miamidade.gov
A quarterly program for non-profit organizations developing small to medium-scale community-based cultural programs, projects and events, such as fairs, parades, neighborhood festivals, conferences and publications.
Third Quarter
Workshop: November 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM - RSVP
Courtesy Review Deadline: November 25, 2026, 11:59 PM
Application Deadline: December 3, 2026, 11:59 PM
Introduction to Miami-Dade County Arts Grants Workshop Series
Cultural Grants Workshop for Arts Groups, Artists, and Nonprofit Community Organizations
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM
This session introduces the County’s arts grant portfolio to arts organizations, community nonprofit organizations producing cultural arts projects, individual artists, and artist collectives. Attendees will receive an overview of our funding programs to learn which grant opportunities may be the best fit for their cultural arts projects. An interactive Q&A session will follow the workshop presentation. Questions may be addressed in English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole. ADA/accessible accommodations are available.
Are you looking for funding for your cultural project? Join us for an informational session on how to access Miami-Dade County grants for cultural activities.
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Where: Zoom Workshop
Art projects that are supported include those that:
- demonstrate strong community involvement;
- include an outreach component that promotes inclusion and equitable access to the arts;
- focus on delivering cultural services to underserved populations and/or under-resourced neighborhoods;
- have the potential to generate tourism;
- encourage the preservation of heritage, traditions, and culture;
- involve collaborative intervention projects rooted in the arts developed by social service organizations and cultural groups.
Arts groups, cultural organizations, community nonprofit organizations, individual artists and artist collectives are invited to attend these free workshops about Miami-Dade County's cultural grants programs. Learn how to apply for arts funding and which grants programs may be the right fit for your cultural project.
Cultural Affairs staff will provide information about the competitive funding opportunities for nonprofit arts groups and artists as well as other helpful resources available for the cultural community.
FY 26-27 Summer Arts & Science Camps for Kids (SAS-C) Deadline
Friday, November 13, 2026
Don't miss the deadline! Applications for the FY 2026-2027 Summer Arts & Science Camps for Kids (SAS-C) Grants Program are due Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $40,000 in funding to expand access to arts and science summer camps for underserved children in Miami-Dade County.
Courtesy Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026, 11:59 PM
Application Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026, 11:59 PM
For additional information or questions, please contact: Stephanie Antequera, Stephanie.Antequera@miamidade.gov.
FUNDING FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS
Call to Artists: Vizcaya Contemporary Arts Program (CAP) Residency Commission
Monday, November 2, 2026
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is accepting applications for its inaugural Vizcaya Arts Residency + Commission, open exclusively to South Florida-based artists working in any discipline. The selected artist will receive a $12,500 artist fee, a production budget of up to $25,000, and dedicated studio space at Vizcaya Village from May through November 2027 to develop a site-specific commission. The residency will culminate in an exhibition of the commissioned work in Vizcaya’s Main House, on view from November 2027 through May 2028.
Application Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Residency Period: May-November 2027
Location: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami, Florida
Artist Fee: $12,500
Production Budget: Up to $25,000
For additional information about eligibility and the application process, please visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens webpage or contact vizcayaarts@vizcaya.org.
Rauschenberg Emergency Grants: Financial Assistance for Artists and Dancers
The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), in partnership with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, offers emergency financial assistance to artists and dancers nationwide. The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants provide up to $5,000 for unexpected medical, dental, and mental health expenses, while the Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants offer up to $3,000 to professional dancers experiencing financial hardship due to lost work.
Application Deadlines:
- Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants (RMEG): Tuesday, November 17, 2026 (Cycle 39 opens October 20)
- Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants (RDEG): Tuesday, December 8, 2026 (Cycle 27 opens November 10)
Visit www.nyfa.org for eligibility requirements, additional information, and application details.
RESOURCES
The 2027 Golden Ticket Arts Guide is now Available Online
Explore free cultural experiences with the 2027 Golden Ticket Arts Guide! The digital edition is now available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, featuring monthly listings of performances, festivals, and special events from October 1, 2026, through November 30, 2027.
The print edition, covering December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2027, will be mailed to existing subscribers and available at Miami-Dade County libraries and select locations. Current subscribers do not need to request another copy.
The Golden Ticket Senior Arts Program offers Miami-Dade County residents ages 62 and older free access to a variety of cultural experiences.
For more information, email GoldenTicket@miamidade.gov.
GMCVB Digital Co-op Advertising Program: Apply Now
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) invites eligible attractions, museums, and experiences partners to participate in its 2026-2027 Digital Co-op Advertising Program. Boost visibility and attendance through four-week digital advertising campaigns, with dollar-for-dollar matching funds from GMCVB. Participation levels range from $1,000 to $4,000, with total campaign values of up to $8,000. Apply by October 31, 2026! Space is limited.
For application details, contact Eric@MediaCounselors.com and Allyson@MediaCounselors.com.
Arts & Business Council of Miami/Dade Legal Aid: Legal Clinic for Creatives
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM
The Arts & Business Council of Miami and Dade Legal Aid invite artists, creative professionals, and nonprofit organizations to the Legal Clinic for Creatives on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at Vizcaya Village (3251 S. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129).
Connect with legal experts for free consultations covering contracts, copyright, trademarks, intellectual property, business formation, labor law, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to get valuable legal guidance and connect with Miami's creative community!
ARTS EDUCATION HIGHLIGHT
All Kids Included - Arts for Wellness Family Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Families are invited to Arts for Wellness Family Day on Saturday, October 17 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Pinecrest Gardens. Presented as part of All Kids Included (AKI), this inclusive community event invites families to explore creativity, self-expression and well-being through a variety of interactive expressive arts and healing activities. The first 250 visitors receive free admission, and while supplies last, families can also receive a complimentary copy of The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, the inspiration book for the 2027 All Kids Included Student Art Showcase.
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Pinecrest Gardens - 11000 SW 57th Ave, Pinecrest, FL 33156
For additional information, please visit the All Kids Included website.
FACILITY HIGHLIGHT
The Moss Center presents Backyard Bash Season Kickoff Concert this Weekend!
Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center kicks off its 2026-2027 arts season with the annual Backyard Bash Season Kickoff Concert on Saturday, October 17, at 7:00 PM. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of FREE live music featuring reggae legends The Legendary Wailers and special guest Third World!
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and celebrate the start of a new season of arts and culture with the community. Admission is free, with limited tickets available.
When: Saturday, October 17 at 7:00 PM
Where: Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center - 10950 SW 211 St, Cutler Bay, FL 33189
For details and questions regarding ticket availability about this event, please contact the Moss Center Box Office at (786) 573-5300 or email MossCenterInfo@miamidade.gov.
For more information, culture@miamidade.gov. Thank you.
Para más información, culture@miamidade.gov. Gracias.
Pou plis enfomasyon, culture@miamidade.gov. Mèsi.
The most reliable way to contact us continues to be through email. Search the staff directory.
It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, CART, and/or any accommodation to participate in Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs sponsored programs or meetings, please contact Dana Pezoldt 305-375-4634 / culture@miamidade.gov, five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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