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

    Mr. Stevey & Friends: Empower-Hour! | Saturday, April 12 | 11:00 AM

    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
  • 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 $194 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 $194 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
Updated Study: A New Sarasota Performing Arts Center Will Generate $194 Million in Annual Economic Impact
Updated Study: A New Sarasota Performing Arts Center Will Generate $194 Million in Annual Economic Impact

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to share updates to the Economic Impact Study that highlight the contributions of a new performing arts center for Sarasota and Sarasota County. Originally released last May, the updated study reflects the latest building brief and business plan, including a larger theater with 2,700 seats, which is an addition of 500 seats.

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation to Present Updated Designs for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation to Present Updated Designs for the Sarasota Performing Arts Center
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.