Van Wezel Foundation Highlights How Philanthropy Has Launched First-Of-Its-Kind IDEA Artist-In-Residence Pilot Program

Arts & Culture

The Van Wezel Foundation’s philanthropy united with the mission of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s new IDEA initiative to create a first-of-its-kind, Artist-in-residence Program that seamlessly melds digital events with in-person ones to form a hybrid prototype that can serve as a national model for the future. “This collaborative initiative was born out of the idea that the arts carry a unique opportunity to bring people together, to spark exploration of complex issues and to inspire hope,” said Cheryl Mendelson, CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation. Its inaugural Artist-in-residence is internationally recognized Hip-hop Artist, Activist, Scholar, and Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Olmeca, whose year-long virtual residency will conclude with a week-long residence in Sarasota with curated in-person community lectures, workshops, master classes and performances.

Click here for more information.

« View The Monday Jun 7, 2021 SRQ Daily Edition
« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

Read More

A Look at the New Bradenton Area Convention Center

A Look at the New Bradenton Area Convention Center

Dec 2, 2025

A Tale of Two Jo(h)ns

This is the story of two men with different journeys but a shared legacy of impact.

Barbie Heit | Dec 1, 2025

Innovation on Ice

Daiquiri Deck is reinventing the frozen drink market

Kate Wight | Oct 31, 2025

Vending Titans

The business by Branson Rudeen that makes healthy options immediately available to students

Cecilia Mould | Sep 26, 2025