"In a world as diverse as ours, the arts provide an invaluable environment for communication and collaboration. The arts enable us to connect time and space, experience and event, body and spirit, intellect and emotion, transforming a predictable monochromatic view of cultures into a glorious palette reflecting society’s diverse textures, colors and forms. The arts lift our spirits, raise our consciousness and deepen our understanding of ourselves and each other, connecting all of us to the creative powers we possess."

The Arts play a major role in Sarasota’s educational system, fostering creative minds capable of solving complex problems while improving performance in other subject areas. A graduate of Booker High School’s Performing Arts Program, Syesha Mercado introduced the world to Sarasota by becoming one of three solo finalists in American Idol’s seventh season.

Sarasota’s John Ringling School of Art & Design opened in 1931 with Ringling’s burning desire to… not only develop artistic talent but… “assist each student with a happy adjustment to the circumstances of the world in which he finds himself.” Today faculty members include not only fine artists and sculptors but, video game and animated movie designers with ties to DreamWorks, Universal Studios and Disney.

As for the Culture of our Community...

Sarasota is called Florida’s "Cultural Coast" for good reason, as it’s ranked No. 3 by John Villani's The 100 Best Art Towns In America.

The season kicks off in October with the International Art Festival, hosted by the Ringling Museum of Art and The Baryshnikov Arts Center of New York. With this Annual collaboration there will be visual and performing arts from around the world with art exhibitions and over 30 performances in dance, music, and theater.

Throughout the galleries and gardens of the Museum, festival goers will discover street theater, lunchtime concerts, lectures, films and workshops. Artisans and food vendors will also be featured, including the Festival Café where artists and audience may gather to dine and discuss each day’s events.

During the year, cultural offerings continue with venues from our Opera House, two Symphonies, resident Ballet Company, Performing Arts Hall, 10 professional theaters, Art & Film Festivals, rotating large-scale "Sculptures on the Bay", as well as innovative architectural seminars and programs.

Roam our galleries, antique shops, artists’ studios and fine crafts boutiques for...

"Art is not a luxury or an adornment. Rather, a powerful and necessary toolset for human growth and development that challenges us to seek and discover possibilities.
The responsibility of Art and Culture is to Communicate, Uplift and Tame. Your education IS the job of a lifetime... and it commences: NOW."