United Arts of Central Florida gives the arts community hope

In a year of budget cuts for the arts, some hope shines through. For 30 professional artists and creative entrepreneurs in Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties, the United Arts of Central Florida has decided to invest $150,000 into these artists. This is a $50,000 increase from last year; the investment will help usher in new performances, exhibitions, workshops and educational programs. These recipients were selected through the 2026–2027 Individual Artist Awards, where a volunteer panel of community leaders and arts professionals sifted through over 100 applications to find the winners. “Local artists help tell the authentic stories of who we are as a region,” said Jennifer Evins, president and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida. “This year’s Individual Artist Awards support projects that preserve culture, strengthen communities, encourage dialogue, and invite people of all backgrounds to experience the arts in meaningful ways. We are proud to invest in these talented creatives whose work will enrich Central Florida for years to come.” (COURTESY OF UNITED ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA) This year’s projects zero in on the community and are hoping to drive engagement as they invite residents to participate in workshops, performances, exhibitions, and collaborative artmaking. Nicora Gangi Manwaring, a Lake County artist and one of the winners, shared how she plans to use the award. “The Individual Arts Award will enable me to explore through painting Lake County’s accessible lakes at dawn and dusk, revealing their distinctive character through the changing light and atmosphere,” Gangi said, according to UnitedArtsCFl.org. “These discoveries will be shared through exhibitions and educational programs for participants in Vibrant and Healthy West Orange and the Mount Dora Center for the Arts.” To see where the projects will be posted, visit ArtsInOrlando.com.The post United Arts of Central Florida gives the arts community hope first appeared on The Community Paper.