City of Fort Myers awards $150,000 in arts and culture grants
FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 17, 2026) – The City of Fort Myers is awarding $150,000 in grants to arts organizations, groups and individual artists advancing arts and culture programs within the city. Fort Myers City Council unanimously approved the item at the June 15 meeting.
The city recognizes the importance of the arts to the cultural, economic and educational well-being of its diverse population. To enhance access to cultural experiences and beautification projects, the city provides annual funding to grow the arts and culture sector for residents and visitors alike.
“This year, 47 organizations, groups and individual artists submitted applications totaling $286,500 in funding requests,” said Jessica McElwee, Grants and Special Projects Director for the City of Fort Myers. “The scoring committee was pleased to see applications increase by more than 50% from last year and awarded grants to the highest-scoring entities that met the requirements established by Fort Myers City Council.”
Last fiscal year, the City awarded $150,000 through the Arts & Culture Grant Program. This year, the city again committed the same amount to help sustain arts and cultural programming in the community.
Recipient organizations include Quality Life Center of Southwest Florida, Alliance for the Arts, LARC, Community Cooperative, Fort Myers Mural Society, ArtFest Fort Myers, River District Alliance, Theater Conspiracy, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Arts for ACT Gallery, Florida Repertory Theater, All Veterans Memorial, Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club Holiday House and Stroll, Fort Myers Philharmonic, The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center and Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School PTA/PTO.
Individual and group awardees include Israel Coover and SWFL Writers and Creatives.
“As a specialized service provider and first-time city grant recipient, we’re grateful for the support that strengthens our woodshop program and creates new opportunities for the individuals we serve,” said Angela Katz, Executive Director of LARC. “This investment allows our clients to build valuable life and workforce skills, express their creativity, and expand their design and production capabilities, enabling us to better meet the needs of local businesses and customers while contributing to the local economy.”
To learn more about the city’s Arts & Culture Grant Program, visit fortmyers.gov/arts.
About the City of Fort Myers
Incorporated in 1886, the City of Fort Myers is committed to providing exceptional municipal services to residents, businesses and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner while preserving the City’s rich history, diverse culture and charming lifestyle. To carry out its mission, the City of Fort Myers strives to provide economic opportunity, personal growth and a high quality of life surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, while fostering an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive. To learn more and get involved, visit fortmyers.gov.