Dear Duval, It’s Not Me, It’s You.

Ah, Jacksonville, we’ve had our moments, haven't we? From the sun-kissed shores to the bustling streets brimming with potential. Yet, here I am, drafting what feels like a break-up letter. Why? Because, dear Duval, it's not me; it's you.

Why Creatives Are Packing Their Bags:

The Paycheck Dilemma: You pay creative leaders so little that the joy of becoming a creative professional is just...not there. It's like expecting a rose to bloom in a desert.

Communication Breakdown: Your communication is as reliable as a weather forecast in Florida. You boast about your offerings, yet connecting with you feels like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded.

Mismatched Love: Sometimes, you whisper sweet nothings about support, yet when we look for a shoulder, all we find are empty promises. We're craving space to live and create, not just matchstick condos that burn a hole in our wallets.

How to Mend Broken Hearts:

Cancel the "Starving Artist" Narrative: Let's make "starving artist" a term as outdated as flip phones. Why is it that we never hear about starving bankers or doctors? It's time artists thrived on abundance, not scraps.

Amplify Our Voices: "Give the talking animals a voice," as they say. Creatives deserve to be heard, to share their work, fueling a culture that's rich, vibrant, and alive.

Unlock the Gates: Open up, Jacksonville. Give us access to resources, spaces, amenities, and opportunities that don't just exist in fairy tales. Let creativity flow like the St. Johns River.

I'm Michael Armanno, the Drip Broker, a co-founder of Bespoke House Artisan Community. My mission? To transform Jacksonville into the Film Coast, where First Coast Creatives can truly "Speak for Something" through our Bespoken For platform. It's time for a city that not only dreams but does. A city where creativity isn't just welcome; it's celebrated, nurtured, and valued.

Jacksonville, I believe in us. But it's time for a change. Let's turn this break-up letter into a love story for the ages, shall we?

With hope,
Michael Armanno

Photos by www.lenachristine.com and www.KalypsoCouture.com