SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

OUR NEW HOME WILL BE THE PREEMINENT DESTINATION FOR ARTS IN THE NATION

Throughout the conception and development process of the City of Sarasota’s master plan for the Sarasota Bayfront, there was one vision that remained steadfast: to build the Sarasota Performing Arts Center as a venue that serves future generations and represents the wishes and desires of our community based on direct engagement, feedback and insight.

More than 18,000 community members responded to surveys we conducted in 2018 & 2020. their aspirations have shaped our strategic plan.
0 %

agreed that the performing arts are important to the economic development of the Gulf Coast community.

0 %

would attend the Performing Arts Center more often if there were more programming options.

0 %

believe that it is important for communities to provide cultural learning opportunities for children and families.

0 %

say that the performing arts should be open and accessible to all people regardless of socioeconomic status.

You Told Us…

  • I want the new Center to be an iconic symbol for the pride of Sarasota.
  • I want a contemporary venue built to be environmentally sustainable, resilient and designed to meet future sea rise.
  • I want diverse, year-round programming that is accessible, open to all, and has family programming in the summer.
  • I want to attend first-run national Broadway tours and productions by internationally renowned artists.
  • I want state-of-the-art patron amenities and current technology.

…We listened. 
YOUR NEW CENTER WILL FEATURE:

  • 2,200 seat main stage
  • 300-seat flexible performance space
  • Education & lifelong learning spaces
  • Multiple outdoor public performance spaces
  • Technology that will allow performances to be simulcast into the park

The Journey

2013–2017

Bayfront 20:20 Leads Vision To Reimagine Sarasota's Bayfront

Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization Formed

2018

City Commission Approves Master Plan With New Sarasota Performing Arts Center

Global Theater Planning And Engineering Experts Assembled

2019

City and County Approve Tax-increment Funding Estimated at $100 Million for Master Plan

Positive Community Feedback From 18,000+ Respondents

2020

City Commission Approves Vision For Sarasota Performing Arts Center

$284,000 State Appropriation For Planning

Siting And Resiliency Study By Studio Gang Completed

2021

VW Foundation Board Commits First $20M in Private Philanthropy

Launch Fundraising Capital Campaign
City & Foundation Begin To Develop Co-funding Model

2022

City Commission Unanimously Votes To Move Forward With Partnership Agreement

Architect Selection Process Begins

2023
The Paul Seed Fund at KBF CANADA contributes $10M to support the Sarasota Performing Arts Center architect and design team

Meet The Global Experts

Sarasota Performing Arts Center Endorsers

The following organizations have signed a declaration of support to endorse the vision of Sarasota Performing Arts Center, to create a state-of-the-art performing arts center that will be a cultural icon, a civic asset, and 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.

Thank you for connecting culture and community, together.

Arts Advocates
Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
The Bay Park Conservancy
Brain Health Initiative
Choral Artists of Sarasota
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
CORE SRQ
CreArte Latino
Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association
Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota
Education Foundation of Sarasota County
Embracing Our Differences
The Festival
Girls, Inc
The Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center
The Haven
Key Choral

Laurel Civic Association
LECOM
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce
Manatee County Schools
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Newtown Nation
Parenting Matters
Perlman Music Program
PLANit Sarasota
Resilient Retreat
Ring Sarasota
The Ringling
SaraSolo
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative
UNIDOS Now
Urbanite Theatre
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
WSRQ/LECOM

To discuss ways your organization can support the Foundation, contact Julie Schwartz, Director of Development, at 941-271-4180.

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