There is something really special about seeing the beautiful lights and sets of an exciting play in the theater or hearing the breath-taking melodies of a professional symphony or viewing a spectacular painting on the wall of our favorite gallery. It all seems to appear with such effortless precision that we realize we are seeing or hearing something magical.

We are, indeed, experiencing something special that inspires our lives.The actors, musicians and artists all possess special gifts that allow their art to touch our souls. However, another large part of the real magic takes place behind the scenes through the hard work of stage hands, electricians, set maker, carpenters, instrument technicians and a multitude of others who we never see that make it all possible. Without the marketing staff, secretaries, costume designers, janitors, ticket takers and plumbers it would not be possible to have these special moments.

These behind-the-scenes people are at the heart of what makes the Florida Gulf Coast the Cultural Capitol of Florida and a significant factor driving the impact of arts and culture on our local and State economy. In Sarasota County alone, our nonprofit arts and cultural organizations employ more than 5,000 people in full time jobs, making them one of the largest employers in the region. These same people buy or rent homes from our local Realtors, they pay taxes into our local governments, they buy food and clothing from our local retailers and their children attend our local schools.

Another large contingency in that “invisible magic” are the thousands of people who volunteer their time and talents to help make our cultural community possible. These loyal, dedicated people provide an invaluable work force that our cultural organizations could not afford to hire, and yet without them they could not begin to achieve their mission for the community.

The next time you attend a performance or exhibit at your favorite cultural venue, please remember to think about that invisible army of behind the scenes professionals that truly make the magic happen. Also, consider becoming a volunteer for one of our great organizations and help them bring that magic to everyone.

Jim Shirley is executive director for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.