Increase local economic development and citizen access to Florida cultural resources through the efforts of a broad based cultural development program. The Department of State would like to report overall success in increasing local economic development and citizen access to Florida's cultural resources. The Department of State focuses on this issue by providing grants to cultural organizations and other non-profit groups that, in turn, offer programs of benefit to the public. The public benefits through increased local economic development resulting from cultural activities and through increased opportunities for attendance at cultural events. Clearly, the Division's efforts to maximize benefits of both dollars appropriated, and local match generated, has improved citizen access to cultural resources beyond anticipated levels.
Citizens benefit through cultural programs provided by the agency's grant recipients.
In an effort to structure programs that yield optimum benefit to the public, a multi-tiered planning process has been implemented to gain input directly from the public. The Florida Arts Council are private citizens, appointed by the Secretary of State, to represent the public. Throughout the planning process, accessibility has been the primary issue of concern to the public. Therefore, cultural grant programs have been designed so that recipient organizations focus on accessibility issues. Programs cannot be restrictive.