Why does Sarasota need a new performing arts center? The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is environmentally endangered, and it cannot be renovated as a contemporary state-of-the-art performing arts center that is economically competitive within the Gulf Coast region. In fact, the 2017 City Climate Adaptation Plan identified Van Wezel Hall as the City’s most vulnerable structure, sitting in a high-risk flood zone. Parts of the building are below the floodplain. Sarasota deserves a new world-class performing arts center that will carry the Van Wezel Hall legacy forward for generations to come!

We love connecting students with the arts! Last week, The Van Wezel Foundation and @vanwezelpah hosted @samosetelementary, the @bradentonmarauders's and their mascot, Marty the Maurader. The @honolulutheatreforyouth performed "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" and fun was had by everyone!

Mary Bensel the Executive Director of the @vanwezelpah and member of the Broadway League and Florida Presenters has been named to the Van Wezel Foundation and Sarasota City Task Force charged with selecting the architect for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center. Thank you Mary for your service!

How will the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center be funded? As a true public-private partnership venture, 50% of the funding will be raised from public sources and 50% from private philanthropy. The City of Sarasota will NOT assess taxpayers to fund the construction of the building. To learn more about the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center, visit our On Point site to get the facts at the link in bio.

All smiles! @wluera and the Van Wezel Foundation Teaching artist and Appleton Award Winner @schaedlerluera join our artist in residence, @adriananantawan at our recent Cocktails and Conversation event.

HEADLINE: More than a Building The new performing arts center will enhance Sarasota’s reputation as a regional, national, and international cultural destination as well as being an economic driver: • Creating 5,000+ jobs over five to seven years • Generating new career opportunities for the arts & culture industry • Anchoring Sarasota as a national destination for cultural tourism. • Driving commerce year-round to local businesses—hotels, restaurants, and retail Learn more and stay OnPoint at the link in bio.

Arts Access Champion @adriananantawan will be the Van Wezel Foundation 2023 Artist-in-Residence. 📸 @made.in.england.63

Happy Halloween from all of us at the Van Wezel Foundation! We hope you have a safe and spooktacular night! Check out the Jack-O’-Lantern art the kids made at our event, @mr_stevey_meditates presents: Calm Characters: A Halloween Celebration!

Van Wezel Foundation CEO Cheryl Mendelson & Board Member Nancy Weaver spotted at @thebaysarasota last weekend for a multicultural celebration! The Van Wezel tent had educational opportunities for the whole family as part of our commitment to arts education on the Gulf Coast.

🎉 ✏️ It's happening! 📐 🎉 From Sarasota Herald-Tribune: "This is a once-in-a-generation project for the City of Sarasota and as such, the most accomplished and experienced professionals were included in the architect selection task force. This group understands how important a new performing arts center is to the legacy of Sarasota. I’m looking forward to working closely with them as we move through the proposal process.” - City of Sarasota Manager Marlon Brown Read the full article at the LINK IN BIO

We had a great time at Taste of the Bay this weekend with @thebaysarasota. It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and meet so many new arts and food lovers!

Do you have questions about the proposed new Sarasota Performing Arts Center? Check out our OnPoint campaign which will give you our community! Link is in bio!