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. This marks a significant step forward for the project and demonstrates the organization’s unwavering commitment to creating a world-class performing arts center for the Sarasota community that will inspire minds for generations.Renowned architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop, in collaboration with local Architect of Record Sweet Sparkman, is set to embark on the design concept of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center immediately following the City of Sarasota's approval of the Piano contract, which is scheduled for consideration later this month. This path forward is similar to the successful approach taken during the 2018 Master Planning process for the Bay Park’s design concept phase, also initially funded through philanthropy.