Rallying to keep arts community

Maxwell: United Arts brings good news with $3.2M in pledges.

The world is filled with grim economic news about record numbers of layoffs and shuttered businesses.

Here in Orlando, however, the community just set a record of a very different kind — the biggest jump in private donations for an annual arts and culture campaign.

United Arts of Central Florida announced last week that it not only reached its annual fundraising target to support theaters, museums and educational endeavors … it shattered the goal.

Residents and businesses pledged almost $3.2 million this year — nearly $1 million more than last year. All to keep culture alive and thriving in Orlando.

Yes, it’s a feel-good story about this community’s commitment to entertainment and enlightenment. (“It shows people want to have exceptional art in their community — and they are not willing to give that up to a virus,” said Douglas Love-Ramos, managing director of the Orlando Shakes.)

But this news is about more than just that.

It’s also about this region’s economy.

Because the arts is one of our most under-valued industries.

We are talking about 14,000 jobs for writers, directors, lighting technicians, actors, musicians and museum curators — many of which pay better than the hotel housekeepers and fast-food jobs this community normally subsidizes.

Also, the money is needed now more than ever. Because, while many businesses have re-opened, theaters will be among the last to resume