• ArtSELF -Arts for Wellness Series

    This FREE series of one-hour workshops will offer our community a much-needed space to relax, rejuvenate, and manage stress, all while exploring creative self-care practices.

    View Upcoming Dates

  • A New Performing Arts Center at the HeART of Sarasota

    We’re planning to build a state-of-the-art, inclusive, and resilient Performing Arts Center that will honor our cultural legacy while launching us into a new chapter.

    Learn More

Our Story

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation (formerly known as the Van Wezel Foundation) was founded in 1987 and has deep roots in the rich cultural history of Sarasota.  For almost half a century, we’ve partnered with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall through its owner, the City of Sarasota, to provide extraordinary cultural and educational experiences that open a world of new possibilities!

Today, the Foundation continues to advance this mission while leading the vision for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center in partnership with the City of Sarasota.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO
News & Press
From Recovery to Readiness: Using the Arts as a Tool for Sarasota's Youngest Storm Survivors
From Recovery to Readiness: Using the Arts as a Tool for Sarasota's Youngest Storm Survivors
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Expands Board Leadership with Five New Members
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Expands Board Leadership with Five New Members
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala Raises Nearly $1.4 Million for Arts Education
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala Raises Nearly $1.4 Million for Arts Education

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s 24th Annual Gala, held March 6, raised nearly $1.4 million in support of the Foundation’s education and community engagement programs, which reach more than 40,000 students, educators, and families each year.