About Us

Our Story

The Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation’s (formerly Van Wezel Foundation) philanthropic purpose has deep roots in the rich cultural history of Sarasota. In 1987, we entered a cultural partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall through its owner, the City of Sarasota. The Hall has served as a beloved performing arts center for over half a century – a home to international creative experiences and a springboard for the Foundation’s educational collaborations.

Now, the Foundation is leading our community into a new era, creating and developing the vision for a contemporary performing arts model of national significance for Sarasota. The venue will be a magnet destination for generations, with the potential to advance education and enrich communities across the state and country.

 

Our Mission

The mission of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation (formerly Van Wezel 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.

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Our Vision

To be a preeminent destination for the performing arts in the nation by offering extraordinary cultural and educational experiences that open a world of new possibilities for all.

Our Values

PASSION.

We are inventive catalysts for artistic exploration.

INCLUSIVITY.

We seek out diverse perspectives and foster cultural equity across our programs.

COLLABORATION.

We build forward-thinking partnerships to extend the impact of our mission.

STEWARDSHIP.

We operate with integrity and transparency to expand our rich history of culture-building and philanthropy.

Our Financials

Leadership

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