Last week Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners voted to eliminate funding for Creative Pinellas.
This major loss has brought new challenges: staff layoffs, canceled events, and an uncertain future. But, this defunding will not defeat us. Our hearts are still fully in this work, and we are planning ahead to what’s next.
Here’s what we know today:
1. The County has offered to extend our lease, and we are in discussions about the future of The Gallery at Creative Pinellas.
2. We will continue to administer our County public art projects.
3. Sightline Gallery at PIE will continue – offering an opportunity to connect Pinellas County artists with more than 2.5 million travelers per year.
4. Creative Pinellas will continue operations for the foreseeable future. We are moving forward with both urgency and thoughtful deliberation to determine how we can best continue to serve our cultural community.
But there’s something more powerful than a single vote: the collective strength of our community. So, join us as we celebrate that power for Arts Annual 8, set for Nov. 21. For eight years, this exhibition has been the place where artists, collectors, and community members gather to celebrate the extraordinary creativity of Pinellas County visuals artists, performers and filmmakers.
Tickets are now available to attend Arts Annual 8, and we are accepting artist submissions to be featured in our signature exhibition.
Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see you in November.
Margaret Murray
CEO, Creative Pinellas
