Advocacy Resources And Research
Official Local Arts Agency for Collier County, Florida
Empowering Collier County Through Arts Advocacy Resources and Research
At United Arts Collier, we deliver comprehensive advocacy resources and research that strengthen the arts ecosystem across Collier County. As the state-recognized Local Arts Agency for Collier County, we equip artists, organizations, residents, businesses, and policymakers with data-driven tools, economic impact studies, strategic plans, and actionable advocacy resources. Our work ensures “All the Arts for All of Collier” — from free youth programs and veteran outreach to landmark research that proves the arts drive jobs, tourism, tax revenue, and community vitality.
Whether you are an artist seeking support, a nonprofit leader preparing grant applications, an elected official evaluating funding, or a resident who believes in the transformative power of the arts, these advocacy resources and research give you everything needed to champion the arts effectively.
Why Arts Advocacy Matters in Collier County
Collier County’s cultural vibrancy depends on sustained advocacy. The arts are not optional amenities — they are economic engines, educational powerhouses, and community builders. United Arts Collier leads this charge by:
- Advocating for increased arts funding at local, state, and federal levels
- Producing rigorous economic and social impact research
- Providing free tools, data, and talking points anyone can use
- Partnering with Florida Humanities, Americans for the Arts, and local governments
Our CEO, Elysia Dawn, regularly travels to Tallahassee to advocate directly with legislators, highlighting the exceptional return on investment the arts deliver to Florida taxpayers.
Landmark Research: Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) Study
United Arts Collier partnered with Americans for the Arts to complete the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study — the most comprehensive analysis of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Collier County.
Key 2023 Findings for Collier County:
- Total economic activity generated: $147,121,291
- Nonprofit arts organizations: $102,087,059
- Arts audiences: $45,034,232
- Jobs supported: 1,948 full- and part-time positions
- Personal income paid to Collier County residents: $106,847,758
- Total tax revenue generated: $29,400,400
- Local (city & county): $3,928,255
- State of Florida: $2,912,787
- Federal: $22,544,725
- Volunteer power: 1,526 volunteers contributed 46,770 hours valued at $1.4 million
- Community sentiment: 86% of Collier County residents say arts and culture are “important to their community’s quality of life and livability.”
- Tourism impact: 40.9% of arts attendees are nonlocal visitors; 45.1% said the arts event was the primary reason for their trip. Nonlocal visitors spend an average of $40.15 per person (plus lodging averaging $169).
These numbers demonstrate that every dollar invested in the arts generates multiple dollars in economic return — a powerful message for any advocacy conversation.
Download the full reports (free):
- AEP6 Complete Study (Collier County)
- AEP6 One-Page Summary & Press Release
- AEP6 Presentation for Leaders & Boards
Previous AEP5 (2017) reports are also available on the same page for trend analysis.
Collier County Arts and Culture Strategic Plan
United Arts Collier led the development of the official Collier County Arts and Culture Strategic Plan. This living document outlines priorities for arts education, public art, cultural tourism, equity, and sustainable funding. It serves as the blueprint for advocacy efforts and grant applications across the county.
Access the plan and related resources through our Advocacy Resources section or by contacting our team.
Florida Statewide Arts Funding & ROI Insights
Florida’s investment in the arts consistently delivers exceptional returns:
- In recent fiscal years, state arts grants have generated 2-to-1 or higher returns in tax revenue alone.
- Statewide, the nonprofit arts sector contributes billions to Florida’s economy while supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
- United Arts Collier actively advocates for full funding of the Florida Division of Arts and Culture grant programs, including General Program Support for Local Arts Agencies like ours.
Current advocacy priority: Support increased and stable funding for the 2026–2027 grant cycle so organizations across Collier County can continue delivering free programs, exhibitions, and education.
Practical Advocacy Resources You Can Use Today
Artists & Organizations
- Free artist membership opportunities (including for veterans)
- Calls for submissions and exhibition listings
- Member Portal with professional development resources
- Grant research assistance and letter-of-support templates
Advocates & Policymakers
- Ready-to-use economic impact one-pagers and slide decks
- Talking points on ROI, jobs, tourism, and quality of life
- Contact information for Florida legislators and Collier County commissioners
- Sample op-eds and social media toolkits
Residents & Businesses
- Weekly Best Bets newsletter (5,000+ subscribers)
- County-wide Arts Calendar and Interactive Arts Map
- Volunteer opportunities with measurable community impact
- Ways to advocate: attend events, share studies, contact elected officials, and support UAC’s advocacy fund
Quick Action Steps to Advocate for the Arts in Collier County
- Share the AEP6 study with your city council member or county commissioner.
- Attend a United Arts Collier event and bring a friend or colleague.
- Sign up for our newsletter and forward advocacy alerts.
- Join the Member Portal for exclusive resources.
- Make a tax-deductible gift designated for advocacy and research.
How United Arts Collier Uses These Resources
Every day we translate research into real-world impact:
- Securing grants that fund free programs for 2,500+ at-risk youth annually
- Advocating for arts education in schools and more public art installations
- Preserving Collier County’s cultural heritage through the Collier Arts Archives initiative with Florida Humanities
- Connecting artists with opportunities, audiences, and professional networks
Get the Latest Advocacy Resources and Research
The page you are reading is your central hub. We continuously update it with new studies, toolkits, and opportunities.
Ready to take action? Email us at info@unitedartscollier.org or call 239-254-8242. Join our Member Portal: unitedartscollier.org/member-portal Support our advocacy work: unitedartscollier.org/support-uac
United Arts Collier — the heart of the arts in Collier County and your trusted partner in advocacy, research, and community transformation.