SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

A place for ideas. A place for the arts. A place for you.

COMmunity FEEDBACK from
18,000+ people across our region

You want the new Performing Arts Center to be an iconic symbol for the pride of Sarasota

You want a contemporary venue, built to be environmentally sustainable, resilient, and designed to meet future sea rise

You want state-of-the-art patron amenities – including center aisles – and technological advances that enhance the audience experience

You want dynamic connectivity between the performing arts center and the blue and green spaces in the Bay Park

You want diverse, year-long programming, that is accessible and open to all

You want a place where Sarasota’s local performing arts and cultural organizations can invest in artistic exploration

You want to compete for first-run national Broadway tours, and internationally renowned artists

You want cultural opportunities for children, and their families

0 %

agreed that the performing arts are important to the economic development and well-being of the Gulf Coast community, contributing to jobs, tourism, and retail operations.

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, and it is important that underserved communities gain access to the performing arts.

SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BUILDING MISSION

The Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be a gateway to connect community and culture.

To fulfill this mission, the project will…

Nurture excellence in artists
Inspire wonder in audiences
Spark curiosity in learners

WHAT'S IN THE BUILDING?

200,000 sq. ft. venue
2,200 seat main stage
flexible performance space
Integrated education & lifelong learning programming
Multiple outdoor public performance spaces
Parking & transportation options

Building a Mission-Based Civic Asset

Nestled along The Bay, the Sarasota Performing Arts Center will become an iconic, mission-based civic asset serving our entire region for generations to come.

A Place for Ideas

Expand educational programming to serve more students, teachers and families, and cultivate lifelong learning opportunities.

A Place for the Arts

Design a state-of-the-art performance center to recognize Sarasota as a first-choice destination for the most celebrated and acclaimed performers, artists, dancers and musicians.

A Place for You

Enhance the patron experience through contemporary facilities, advanced technology and universal accessibility to support a broad variety of performances and outdoor programming experiences.

Sarasota Performing Arts Center History

The Journey

From first conception to community approval, so much has been accomplished on our journey. Here is a glimpse into the milestone moments on the quest to bring the Sarasota Performing Arts Center to life.

As our history grows, so does the Foundation vision.

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

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