The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art announced today that the Summer Circus Spectacular will be canceled this year due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 virus. The Summer Circus Spectacular, in its 14th year, is a joint production by The Ringling and Sarasota’s Circus Arts Conservatory. The show is held in the Historic Asolo Theater inside The Ringling’s McKay Visitors Pavilion and, in past years, played to two sold out crowds daily. Steven High, The Ringling’s Executive Director said, “It saddens us to not be able to showcase our community’s long and celebrated circus history by presenting the Summer Circus Spectacular. However, the health and safety of our guests and staff is of paramount importance at this unprecedented time. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the Circus Arts Conservatory next year.” Pedro Reis, CAC Founder and President also issued a statement, “We believe that it is our civic and moral duty to support the global effort to reduce transmission and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 therefore making the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Summer Circus Spectacular presented annually in partnership with The Ringling. As for how people can support arts organizations and the arts when events and performances are being canceled, I'd like to suggest supporting our organizations in new ways - through social media and the internet now. Everyone can still continue to share our passion for the Circus Arts through the virtual programming being produced currently by The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling until we return again to the stage at the Historic Asolo Theater next summer.”

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