• Children reading books together during an outdoor educational activity, promoting early literacy and community engagement in a fun, inclusive environment.

    Mr. Stevey & Friends: Gratitude is the Attitude! |Saturday, November 23 | 12:30 PM

    Mr. Stevey & Friends is a free community program geared towards pre-school and elementary school aged children and their families to engage in mindfulness activities and create art in all its various forms!

    Learn More!
  • Panel of experts discussing community development and innovation at a conference, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

    Initial Concept Designs Revealed for the New Performing Arts Center

    Thank you to everyone who joined us for 'Ask Our Architects: A Conversation with Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors,' where participants engaged in meaningful discussions with our architects and provided valuable feedback on their design concepts for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center! Your input is truly appreciated.

    View the presentation
  • Aerial view of a scenic waterfront cityscape, showcasing urban development and coastal community living.

    City Commission Approves Design Architect Agreement for a New Performing Arts Center

    The City Commission approved an agreement on May 20 with world renowned architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Inc. to design an extraordinary new performing arts center at The Bay where the cultural arts will come to life and inspire generations to come.

    READ THE FULL RELEASE
  • Overhead view of Sarasota Bay showing a rendering of the new Performing Arts Center and surrounding landscape with boats, foliage and beach

    Economic Impact Study: A New Performing Arts Center Will Generate $150 Million in Annual Economic Impact

    Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $150 million in annual economic activity.

    Read the full release

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 campus built to nurture excellence in artists, inspire wonder in audiences, and spark curiosity in learners!

Aerial rendering of the future Sarasota Performing Arts Center, showcasing waterfront location and planned green spaces for community gatherings and cultural events.

A PREEMINENT DESTINATION

FOR ARTS

IN THE NATION

Throughout the creation and development of the City of Sarasota’s master plan for the Sarasota Bayfront, there was one vision that remained steadfast: to deliver a cultural and economic legacy that serves future generations and represents the wishes and desires of our community based on direct engagement, feedback and insight.

News & Press
Community Town Halls Unveil Initial Design Concepts for Sarasota Performing Arts Center
Community Town Halls Unveil Initial Design Concepts for Sarasota Performing Arts Center

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to invite the community to attend one of two town halls on Wednesday, September 18, when exciting updates for the vision of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be revealed. The Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) design team will share their initial design concepts, offering a glimpse of what’s to come. During the event, attendees will get a first look at the latest ideas for the activities and spaces in this new state-of-the-art center.

Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts andSarasota Performing Arts Foundation Partner to Form Gulf Coast Florida Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts andSarasota Performing Arts Foundation Partner to Form Gulf Coast Florida Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation have partnered to bring Wolf Trap’s customizable arts-based teaching and learning programs to early childhood classrooms in Southwest Florida. The partnership creates Gulf Coast Florida Wolf Trap, Wolf Trap’s newest addition to a growing network of 27 affiliates across the United States and Singapore.

Economic Impact Study: A New Performing Arts Center Will Generate $150 Million in Annual Economic Impact
Economic Impact Study: A New Performing Arts Center Will Generate $150 Million in Annual Economic Impact

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Sarasota are pleased to release an Economic Impact Study highlighting the profound contributions of a new performing arts center to Sarasota and all of Sarasota County.