The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC). The Ringling will be providing guidance and expertise in assisting the SAACC with storage of a recent gift from Michael Berger. Berger, who splits his time between Sarasota and Pittsburgh, recently acquired and donated Five Florida “Highwaymen” paintings and pieces by Sam Gilliam and Radcliffe Bailey. These pieces will assist to build the collection of the SAACC’s upcoming art center and history museum that celebrates black life, art, history, heritage and culture. The SAACC is currently fundraising to construct the new building. “I've followed the progress of SAACC to open a facility that illuminates the work of African American artists," Michael Berger said. "We're thankful to The Ringling and Steven High for storing these important works of art until SAACC's permanent center and museum opens." 

"A new cultural asset, the Sarasota African American Art Center and History Museum will offer culturally immersive experiences that include exhibitions, classes, demonstrations, panel discussions, outdoor festivals and performances” said SAACC Executive Director, Vickie Oldham. "Our success greatly depends on forming partnerships with long standing institutions such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum. The offer to store artwork donated to SAACC by a collector is greatly appreciated. We're anxious to jointly present programs with the museum that celebrate and explore issues of race, identity, class, social justice, history and culture through"

The SAACC has partnerships with 35 arts and cultural institutions and organizations and is dedicated to preserving, celebrating and sharing the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond.