Miami-Dade County Budget Town Hall Meetings this August
Miami-Dade County residents are invited to attend and participate in this year's Budget Town Hall meetings and help shape the future of the community.
As the County prepares its budget for the coming year, community feedback is an important part of the process. These meetings provide an opportunity for residents to share the issues and priorities that matter most to their families and neighborhoods, helping inform thoughtful and responsible budget decisions.
Budget Town Halls will be held throughout August at locations across Miami-Dade County. All meetings are scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Westchester Cultural Arts Center
Thursday, Aug. 6 – Oak Grove Park/Father Gerard Jean-Juste Community Center
Friday, Aug. 7 – Miami-Dade Main Public Library
Monday, Aug. 10 – Arcola Lakes Senior Center
Wednesday, Aug. 19 – North Dade Regional Library
Monday, Aug. 31 – Dennis Moss C. Cultural Arts Center
Registration is highly encouraged but not required. Interpretation services will be available in both Spanish and Creole.
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.
Second Quarter
Workshop: August 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM - RSVP
Courtesy Review Deadline: August 27, 2026, 11:59 PM
Application Deadline: September 3, 2026, 11:59 PM
Tourist Development Grants Program (TDC)
Nikenna Smart | (305) 375-5092 | Nikenna.Smart@miamidade.gov
A quarterly program which provides support to significant cultural and/or special events, including sports activities and television/film origination projects that promote Miami-Dade County's appeal as a tourist destination. Activities must be able to stimulate tourism and have significant media impact for Miami-Dade County.
Second Quarter
Workshop: September 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM - RSVP
Courtesy Review Deadline: October 5, 2026, 11:59 PM
Application Deadline: October 13, 2026, 11:59 PM
FUNDING FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS
Call to Artists & Online Workshop: Miami International Airport Capital Improvement Program
Deadline: Monday, September 21, 2026, 11:59 PM
Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs through its Art in Public Places Program and Miami-Dade Aviation Department request qualifications for artists to be considered to make full proposals for various locations at Miami International Airport as part of its major Capital Improvement Program (CIP). It is envisioned that a pool of 30-40 artists will be shortlisted to compete for specific public art opportunities over a period of at least two years.
The selected artists will develop proposals for unique artworks that will contribute to the identity of these areas and engage employees, visitors and passers-by in unexpected and delightful ways. Each shortlisted artist will receive a proposal stipend (plus a travel allowance as needed) to engage in a proposal development phase in collaboration with and the support of APP, MDAD, and the project's selected architectural / engineering consulting team.
Request for Qualifications Deadline: Monday, September 21, 2026, 11:59 pm
Eligibility: Local, national, and international professional visual artists *See full Details
Budget: Multiple commissions are envisioned in the range of $100,000 - $500,000+
Click here to view the full project details.
Artist Webinar Workshop - Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 1 pm
Join a free online webinar on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm EST to learn more about the opportunities for public art at MIA, the artist selection process, portfolio development tips, and practical information regarding the award-winning public art commissioning process with Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places.
Register for the artist workshop here
For additional comments and questions, please contact:
Amanda Sanfilippo, Amanda.Sanfilippo@miamidade.gov.
South Florida Cultural Consortium Grant to Visual & Media Artists - Now Accepting Applications
Artists interested in applying for the South Florida Cultural Consortium's Visual and Media Artists Grant Program are encouraged to attend one of several upcoming online workshops. The program awards grants of $7,500 and $15,000 to visual and media artists residing in Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties.
The workshops will provide an overview of the application process, explain how applications are reviewed, and offer tips for strengthening submissions. Attendance to at least one workshop is required to apply.
Upcoming Summer Workshops:
Tuesday, August 4 at 5:30 pm - RSVP
Saturday, August 22 at 12:00 pm - RSVP
Application Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026, 11:59 pm
Artists may apply by submitting an online application through the Department's grants program portal here.
For additional comments and questions, please contact:
Amanda Sanfilippo, Amanda.Sanfilippo@miamidade.gov.
Opportunity for Venue Operators City of Miami Gardens Performing Arts Center
The City of Miami Gardens has released a new bid opportunity through DemandStar for the Programming, Management, and Operations of the Miami Gardens Performing Arts Center (MGPAC). This state-of-the-art facility is being developed as a premier regional destination for arts, entertainment, education, culinary experiences, and community engagement. The City is seeking qualified and innovative partners to help activate the venue through diverse programming, cultural enrichment, educational initiatives, and operational strategies that support community and economic growth.
Bid Deadline: August 25, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Downtown Creative Collaborators (DCC) Grant - Now Accepting Applications
The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) invites visionary creatives to apply for the Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) Program. This initiative supports innovative projects that activate Downtown Miami, fostering cultural vibrancy and community engagement.
Grant Amounts: $5,000 to $50,000
Funding Period: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
Application Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM
For details, eligibility requirements, and to submit an application, visit www.miamidda.com.
Literary Arts Fund Innovation Project Grants - Now Accepting Applications
The Literary Arts Fund has opened applications for its Innovation Project Grant program, which will award grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support forward-thinking projects that strengthen literary arts organizations and their ability to serve creative writers.
Grant Amounts: $25,000 to $100,000
Application Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2026
For details, eligibility requirements, and to submit an application, visit www.literaryartsfund.org.
RESOURCES
Share Your 2026-2027 Season with the Miami Herald!
The Miami Herald will publish its annual Season of the Arts section in September, and the paper wants to tell its readers about your 2026-2027 season. The section will again include calendar listings in all disciplines.
The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2026, and the section will publish September 20, 2026. If you know of a friend or colleague who should have this information, please share it with them. Please send your performance information to the following addresses with the subject line "SEASON OF THE ARTS" in your email:
Visual Arts: Jane Wooldridge, janewooldridgemia@gmail.com
Classical and Pop Music: Michael Hamersly, mikehamersly@gmail.com
Dance and Theater: Michelle Solomon, michellesolomon23@gmail.com
For questions, please contact Amy Reyes at areyes@miamiherald.com, copy to season@miamiherald.com.
GMCVB Attractions, Museums & Experiences Co-Op Advertising Program
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering eligible Attractions, Museums & Experiences partners the opportunity to amplify their marketing efforts through a dollar-for-dollar matching co-op advertising program. With partner investments of $1,000, $2,500, or $4,000, participants can double their media budgets and receive professionally managed digital advertising campaigns designed to increase awareness, attendance, and engagement.
Campaigns include customized media strategy, campaign setup, ongoing optimization, and performance reporting. Depending on participation level and campaign objectives, media may include Paid Social, Programmatic Display, Geofencing Display, and Paid Search. The program is designed to be simple and turnkey, making it ideal for organizations of all sizes, including those with limited internal marketing resources.
Limited co-op funds remain available for the current fiscal year. Eligible GMCVB Attractions, Museums & Experiences partners are encouraged to apply while funding remains available.
For additional information or to discuss campaign opportunities, please contact Eric Eimstad at Eric@MediaCounselors.com or Allyson Echenique at Allyson@MediaCounselors.com.
GMCVB Miami Begins with Me: Customer Service Champion Training Workshop
Join the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Miami Begins with Me: Customer Service Champion training program, a dynanic course designed to help participants strengthen customer service skills while learning more about Greater Miami's tourism industry, attractions, neighborhoods, and cultural heritage. The program explores the economic impact of tourism and provides practical tools for creating memorable visitor experiences.
When: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: AC Hotel Miami Dadeland - 7695 N. Kendall Drive, Miami, FL 33156
This training program highlights the following topics:
- Economic Importance of Tourism & Key Events
- Miami's Amazing Attractions
- Miami Heritage & Neighborhoods
- Customer Service Refresher
The workshop is free to attend and includes a complimentary breakfast. Parking is located in the hotel parking lot. Advance registration is required to attend.
For more information about the Miami Begins with Me course, please visit www.MiamiBeginsWithMe.com.
Meet the County Resident Artist: Edouard Duval-Carrie
Join renowned Haitian-American contemporary artist Édouard Duval-Carrié for a conversation exploring his acclaimed artistic practice and his latest project for the 2026 Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prestigious international art exhibitions. Moderated by Rosie Gordon-Wallace, President of Diaspora Vibes Cultural Arts Incubator, the discussion will examine Duval-Carrié's work, known for blending Haitian Vodou iconography, mythology, and history into richly layered mixed-media compositions.
The event also includes a curated reception and an exhibition of Duval-Carrié's artwork presented by the Betsy Writers Room in partnership with Iris Photo Collective, Public Humanities Lab at Florida International University, and Perez CreARTE.
When: Monday, August 17, 2026 at 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: The Betsy Hotel, Atrium and The Gallery - 1440 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33139
The event is free to attend. Self-paid, metered, and hotel valet parking is available. Advance registration is required.
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Miami‑Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Receives 7 NACo Awards
We are proud to share that the Department of Cultural Affairs has received seven 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards! These highlight the impactful work across the entire Department — including two facility-led initiatives, four Arts Education programs, a major win for Art in Public Places, and recognition of the 20th anniversary of our Miami Emerging Arts Leaders program. Our 2026 NACo Award‑Winning Programs include:
- Miami Emerging Arts Leaders Program - Developing the Next Generation of Arts Leaders in Miami‑Dade County
- Art in Public Places - Expanding Public Engagement Through Miami‑Dade’s Art in Public Places Initiative: Art in Public Places Workshops and Public Art Tours
- Golden Ticket Arts Guide - Haitian Creole Translation: Golden Ticket Arts Guide now available in three languages
- Miami‑Dade County Auditorium’s Away from Home Series - Keeping arts accessible through county‑wide performances
- Miami‑Dade Summer Golden Tours - Expanding Arts Access for Seniors: Interdepartmental collaboration with Community Services and Cultural Affairs
- The Way of Water, Miami‑Dade - Collaboration with the Moss Center, Water & Sewer, Resilience, and Public Works - highlighting stewards of our county’s vital resource: water
- Youth Arts in the Parks - Multilingual Social Narrative Initiative: Arts Education presents multilingual brochures to promote accessible arts
These achievements reflect the significance of arts and culture throughout Miami‑Dade County.
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
Joseph Caleb Auditorium's "Birth of Gospel Music in America Concert" Recap
Experience the highlights from Joseph Caleb Auditorium's Caleb Around Town! Click here to watch a brief recap of "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" – Birth of Gospel Music in America and celebrate an unforgettable afternoon honoring the legacy of Thomas A. Dorsey through music, storytelling, and community.
The concert featured Grammy-nominated Dr. Johnny Sanders, Faith on Full Ensemble, Francine Ealey Murphy, and storyteller Crystal Walker at the Bethel Apostolic Temple on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Tickets are now on sale for the next Caleb Around Town performance, "The Infancy of Hip Hop Throwdown – Celebrating the Birth of Hip Hop," taking place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Sandrell Rivers Theater.
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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