The Florida Keys Council of the Arts is celebrating its 30th anniversary while expanding access to arts and cultural events, distributing grants to local artists and organizations, and encouraging residents to support its work through memberships and donations.
Liz Young, executive director of the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s happening in the art world.
The council’s new website, KeysArts.com, features an interactive calendar that allows users to search events by day, week, month or year. Visitors can also filter activities by interests, including theater, music and literary events.
Young said the redesign was intended to make information easier to find, particularly for busy artists and organizations.
“We’re trying to message people, keep it direct and simple,” Young said.
The website also includes an interactive map featuring 107 locations throughout the Florida Keys along the Overseas Highway, allowing users to explore different regions and find arts and cultural activities suited to their interests.
Young said the council has worked to make its grant applications more user-friendly because artists often have demanding schedules, particularly during the busy tourist season.
The council is marking its anniversary during Fantasy Fest 2026, whose theme celebrates musical icons and iconic musicals. Young recently attended an event at La Concha to celebrate the festival’s poster and its artist, a graphic designer who traveled from Miami for the occasion.
Young said the artwork includes visual references to musical icons and productions such as Purple Rain, Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Dolly Parton, while working within copyright restrictions.
She also participated in judging Fantasy Fest’s facade contest, which featured 29 entries. Among the designs she praised were a Sweeney Todd-themed entry from a guest house and a creative take on Moulin Rouge called “Mulan Macabre.” The Women’s Club also impressed her with its Wizard of Oz-inspired display, complete with a large red shoe.
Young said the festival showcases the creativity and enthusiasm of the island community, while also recognizing the work required of residents and businesses to accommodate the influx of visitors.
“People kind of work all year long to come and have this vacation,” Young said. “And most people, like, they have a costume a day. They’re very organized.”
She encouraged residents to help visitors enjoy their time in the Keys, noting that many save for a long time to attend the annual celebration.
Beyond special events, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts supports local artists through grants and educational programs. According to the council’s website, more than $1.3 million has been awarded directly through local grants.
The next grant deadline is November 30. Young said the council is accepting applications for special project grants, which support specific creative projects rather than routine operating expenses.
Past projects have included recording music, poetry journaling, developing new media artwork and framing collections for gallery exhibitions.
The council also offers its Artists in Schools grants, which support teaching artists working with classroom educators to incorporate arts projects into the curriculum.
Young said the grants help artists and organizations develop projects that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.
The programs receive support in part from the state of Florida, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, membership dues and private donations. However, Young said the council did not receive state funding this year and is making a stronger push to increase community membership.
“We need that grassroots support more than ever,” she said.
As part of its 30th anniversary campaign, the council is encouraging residents to become members. Membership starts at $60 for an individual and $120 for a couple, with higher contribution levels also available.
Young said supporting the arts means investing in the culture and history that make the Florida Keys distinctive.
“We celebrate the sunset. We celebrate our artists and our very rich history and diversity and vibrant community,” she said.
The council also helps connect artists and cultural organizations with audiences and opportunities throughout the island chain. Young noted that its work often takes place behind the scenes, allowing other organizations and artists to receive the spotlight.
Young encouraged residents to visit KeysArts.com to explore the event calendar, learn about grant opportunities, become members and find ways to support arts and culture throughout the Florida Keys.