Our Mission
The mission of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation is to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts.
THE SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER WILL BE A GATEWAY TO CONNECT COMMUNITY AND CULTURE
In 2018, the Sarasota City Commission approved the Bayfront master plan with a new performing arts center at the heart of the Bay Park that will become the nexus of performing arts in our region for generations to come.
We’re partnering with the city of Sarasota and the Bay Park Conservancy to bring an exciting new dream to life — a fully accessible center built to nurture excellence in artists, inspire wonder in audiences, and spark curiosity in learners!
The Timeline
Foundation News
Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation’s 21st Annual Inspiration Gala Raises $1.3 Million
Funds Raised will Support Arts Education and Planning for New Sarasota Performing Arts Center
Sarasota Performing Arts Center Architect Selection Task Force Shortlists Six Top Architects to Design New Performing Arts Center
Today, the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation, formerly known as the Van Wezel Foundation, and the City of Sarasota announced that the Architect Selection Task Force selected five semi-finalists out of the 18 shortlisted candidates who were invited to submit proposals to be architect for the new Performing Arts Center.
Opinion: Sarasota’s vibrant arts scene deserves a world-class performing center
Originally published in Sarasota Herald-Tribune. By Paul Seed When I first came to Sarasota during the pandemic, looking for a seasonal place in Florida to
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YOUR SUPPORT IN ACTION
Over 15 million dollars donated to the Van Wezel to fund capital improvements, programming and arts education.
Arts education: 58,000 students, teachers and families have access to meaningful arts experiences each year.
30 years serving our mission.
Over 1 million tickets donated to veterans, seniors and low income families.