If you have questions from the art leaders in Central Florida, you have a chance to ask them here. WUCF-TV’s “Newsnight” program prepares special episodes about the arts of the week and will be recorded live in front of the audience.
“Newsnight” is a 30-minute roundtable discussion of topics drawn from current events. It is hosted by journalist Stephen Mort and airs on WUCF-Channel 24, a central Florida public television station, at 8:30pm Friday and 6pm Sunday. It can also be streamed on wucf.org or listened as a podcast.
The show will feature discussions on Central Florida’s art when recorded Wednesday (April 2) at 6pm at Orlando Science Center, Orlando Eamplinston Street.
There should be a lot to debate as financial support for Florida’s arts, cultural institutions and events has been a hot topic since Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature eliminated all funding from the state’s major cultural grant programs last year. While the outlook for this year is better, many questions remain about the level of funding in the state and the possible restrictions on how the funds are used recognized.
The arts group is working on the state budget: “We are between rocks and difficult places.”
“We’ll talk about the impact of state budget decisions, strategies to diversify funding, and how to attract and attract audiences,” Mort wrote in an email.
With a break from the show’s normal practice, the audience can ask their own questions about the panel of experts. The panel is as follows:
Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of Central Florida Chris Brown, Executive Director of Orlando Family Stage, Joan Newman, President and CEO of Orlando Science Center, founder of Orlando Urban Film Festival Melissa Fritzinger, Managing Director of Orlando Fringe;
Since its debut in 2019, “Newsnight” has produced over 260 episodes. You can see the latest topics at wucf.org/watch/newsnight, such as child health care, rising homelessness, and transportation planning. The website also allows you to learn more about Wednesday’s free art-focused discussion and sign up to attend. Additionally, walk-ups are permitted at events.
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Original issue: March 31, 2025 9am Edt
