Stay Connected! Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates from the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala Raises over $1 Million while Recognizing Local Champions of the Arts
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s 23rd annual Gala raised over $1 million to support arts education, community programs, and the future Sarasota Performing Arts Center!
Held on March 21, this unforgettable evening brought together 255 guests for a Parisian-inspired celebration along Sarasota Bay. The night honored visionary supporters like Paul Seed, recognized outstanding arts educators from across four counties, and featured a captivating performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical—plus a special appearance by Broadway’s Derek Klena.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, this event will have a lasting impact on students, educators, and the arts in Sarasota and beyond.
Magician Kevin Spencer, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Artist in Residence, to Present Free Sensory-Inclusive Performance
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation welcomes Kevin Spencer, internationally acclaimed magician and educator, as its newest Artist in Residence beginning April 21, 2025. His residency will conclude with a free sensory-inclusive performance—The Magic of Kevin Spencer—on Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m. at Selby Auditorium, USF Sarasota-Manatee. Designed for all audiences, including individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities, the performance blends storytelling, illusion, and interactive magic.
Kelly Addington Named Chief Development Officer of Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is proud to welcome Kelly Addington as its new Chief Development Officer. A seasoned philanthropy leader with more than 20 years of experience, Addington will lead the Foundation’s capital campaign to support the creation of a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center and expand arts education initiatives. Previously with the University of South Florida Foundation, she helped secure $700 million in fundraising efforts. Her expertise in strategic development and passion for the arts will help drive transformational impact for Sarasota’s cultural future.
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Names Laura Ansel Director of Communications
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is proud to announce Laura Ansel, APR, CPRC, as its new Director of Communications. With over 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing, Ansel will lead strategic communications for the Foundation’s efforts to build a new world-class performing arts center in partnership with the City of Sarasota.
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.
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 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
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.
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation to Provide Initial Funding for Design Phase of New Sarasota Performing Arts Center
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is excited to announce that funding for the design concept phase of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be entirely provided by the Foundation. This private funding represents the Foundation's contribution to the 50/50 public-private partnership with the City, ensuring a collaborative and successful development process.
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Celebrates Teachers with Free Comedy Show
Over 200 teachers gathered together at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Show for a free showing of Bored Teachers, a touring comedy show made of real teachers.
Finalist Firms Present for the Opportunity to Design the New Sarasota Performing Arts Center
Finalist Firms Present for the Opportunity to Design the New Sarasota Performing Arts Center
21st Annual Gala Raises $1.3MM
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s 21st Annual Inspiration Gala Raises $1.3MM
