Key West Seat Opens on Cultural Umbrella Committee, Applications Requested

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts announced an open call for letters of interest to fill one seat on the Cultural Umbrella Committee representing TDC District 1. The committee is a five person panel, one representative from each Tourist Development Council district, administered by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts to work with the TDC advertising and public relations agencies to promote the Keys as an arts and cultural destination and to make recommendations for funding cultural events. The District 1 appointee must reside within the city limits of Key West.

The seat became available when incumbent Scott Burau informed officials that he is stepping down and will not reapply. The committee member serves a three year term beginning on October 1st, and sitting members generally may reapply for their seats. Interested residents must submit a letter of interest and a brief resume by January 1, 2026 to Elizabeth Young, Executive Director, Florida Keys Council of the Arts by email to: [email protected]. Questions may be directed by phone to 305 295 4369.

Eligibility requirements emphasize local residency and demonstrable commitment to culture. Candidates must have lived in the Tourist Development Council district to which they would be appointed for a minimum of two years. Applicants should show significant support or advocacy for art and culture, or work as an artist in visual, performing, literary, or historic fields. They must also demonstrate an understanding of the importance of art and culture to the local economy and to the quality of life for Monroe County residents and visitors. A financial conflict rule prohibits committee members from receiving administrative income from any entity or individual that was awarded Cultural Umbrella event funding in the past fiscal year or that applies in the current year.

The selection will shape how limited public tourism funds are directed to cultural programming, with implications for event producers, local artists, small businesses that benefit from visitor traffic, and residents who rely on arts offerings for community life. The deadline for submissions is less than three weeks away, and the vacancy provides an opportunity for Key West residents with cultural sector experience to influence tourism marketing and funding decisions.