OUR MISSION

Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc. (CIA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to preserving the visual and performing arts in South Florida, and is organized solely for the purpose of providing grants to qualified members of the South Florida artistic community.
Gloria Muroff, one of the Originals, says this: “Several groups that people had never heard of were put on the map because of CIA. All they needed was a little recognition, and they were awarded a grant because they deserved it!”

Cheryl Gould Bailey. Ann Balnicki. Joana Cartagena. Evelyn Cohan. Vicki Cohen. Bobi Dimond. Maxine Ellend. Ellen Gleichenhaus. Sheryl Gold. Ellen Goldschild. Judy Goldstein. Ferne Kalstone. Dr. E. Joseph Kaplan. Carol Lewis. Claudette London-Brown. Gloria Muroff. Joy Steinberg. Ellen Walder. Coleen Werner.

WE’VE COME A LONG WAY     IN JUST A FEW YEARS.

The Originals from back in 1997 have grown into a diverse group numbering in the hundreds. The arts are in trouble, which is precisely why we are needed. We dedicate ourselves to fundraising events and increasing membership so the arts may live and we may all experience and enjoy them.

We are not just ladies and gentlemen who do lunch. We give our time. Donate our money. Sit on the board. Attend meetings. Organize events. Review grants. Underwrite. Raise funds. Spread the word. Attend cultural events in the community. Many members support CIA simply by paying dues, which are massively important to our success and ability to continue with our all-important Grants Program.