Protect the Arts In Gainesville, FL:
Help Us Override the Veto
Governor DeSantis’s veto of arts funding in 2024 has significantly impacted Florida’s cultural institutions, including the Hippodrome Theatre. This veto eliminated $150,000 in annual state funding, directly threatening our ability to continue offering high-quality theatre, films, educational programs, and community outreach.
The arts are not just a source of entertainment; they are a vital part of Gainesville’s economy and cultural identity.
Without this crucial funding, jobs are lost, local businesses are affected, and our vibrant community is at risk. Now more than ever, we need your help to override this veto and keep the arts thriving in Gainesville.
How You Can Help
Your support is vital in keeping the arts alive at the Hippodrome. Whether through donations, purchasing a pass, attending a show, or advocating for arts funding, every action makes a difference.
Make a Donation
Make a tax-deductible contribution to keep the arts alive in Gainesville. Your donation supports the Hippodrome’s theatre productions, cinema, and educational programs. Whether one-time or recurring, every dollar helps enrich lives.
Buy a Subscription or Flex Pass
Support the arts and enjoy world-class theatre at the Hippodrome with our flexible ticketing options. Purchasing a Subscription or Flex Pass goes a long way in supporting the theatre and helping to sustain our operations.
Attend an Upcoming Show
Experience the excitement of live theatre by attending one of our upcoming performances. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a special date, or a family outing, every ticket purchase helps support the arts in Gainesville.
Be an Advocate
Write to Governor DeSantis and urge him to restore arts funding in Florida. Share Hippodrome content on social media and encourage friends to attend shows, buy tickets, or make a donation. Every action counts!
What's at Stake?
If we cannot secure the funding needed to override the veto, the future of the Hippodrome and its impact on the community will be in serious jeopardy. Here’s what’s at risk:
Without adequate funding, the Hippodrome will have less capacity to bring new and diverse shows to Gainesville, limiting the variety of cultural experiences available.
We’ll have reduced budgets for creating the immersive, high-quality set designs and costumes that make our productions stand out.
Our ability to maintain and upgrade the theatre, ensuring a comfortable and modern space for audiences, will be severely limited.
With less funding, we won’t be able to support the local artists, performers, and technicians who rely on the Hippodrome for work and artistic opportunities.
The arts education we provide to local schools and students could be diminished, affecting future generations of artists and art enthusiasts.
The cuts impact not only jobs within the Hippodrome but also those in surrounding businesses that benefit from theatre traffic.
The Hippodrome's Impact:
More Than Just a Theatre
The fight to protect the arts in Gainesville is about more than preserving performances. It’s about supporting the heartbeat of our community — local businesses, jobs, and cultural identity. When you support the arts, you’re investing in the future of Gainesville.
- Economic Driver: When someone attends a Hippodrome show, they also support local restaurants, shops, and businesses downtown. Our theatre drives foot traffic and spending in the community, contributing to the vibrancy of Gainesville’s economy.
- Cultural Enrichment: For over 50 years, the Hippodrome has brought world-class theatre, films, and educational programs to Gainesville. It has served as a cultural anchor, providing a space for creativity, dialogue, and entertainment that enriches the community.
- Job Preservation: The funding cuts directly threaten jobs at the Hippodrome, but the impact goes beyond the theatre. Many local artists, performers, and staff depend on the theatre for their livelihoods, and its closure would ripple through Gainesville’s arts community.
- Community Impact: The Hippodrome’s reach extends beyond performances. From educational workshops to cinema and gallery exhibits, the theatre fosters a sense of community and inclusivity. These cuts affect everyone who benefits from the Hippodrome’s diverse programs.
A Special Thanks to Our Supporters
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us so far, including the City of Gainesville and Alachua County, whose generous donations have brought us nearly halfway to our fundraising goal. Your contributions have helped keep our doors open, and we couldn’t be more thankful for your unwavering support during this critical time. However, the journey isn’t over yet. We still need your help to reach our fundraising goal and secure the future of the arts in Gainesville.
Help Keep the Arts Alive in Gainesville
Your support is more than a contribution—it’s a commitment to keeping the arts alive in Gainesville. Together, we can overcome these challenges and ensure the Hippodrome continues to inspire, educate, and bring joy to our community.
Make a Donation
Make a tax-deductible contribution to keep the arts alive in Gainesville. Your donation supports the Hippodrome’s theatre productions, cinema, and educational programs. Whether one-time or recurring, every dollar helps enrich lives.
Buy a Subscription or Flex Pass
Support the arts and enjoy world-class theatre at the Hippodrome with our flexible ticketing options. Purchasing a Subscription or Flex Pass goes a long way in supporting the theatre and helping to sustain our operations.