Pictured: A full house at the Arts Alliance x 99 Bottles Summer Social! Nearly 100 local artists, creatives, and community members gathered for an evening of connection, proving once again that Sarasota's arts scene thrives year-round.

On a balmy Tuesday evening in July, nearly 100 local artists, creatives, and cultural leaders gathered at 99 Bottles in downtown Sarasota for a summer social hosted by the Arts and Cultural Alliance. What we anticipated as a casual meetup quickly became a vibrant hub of conversation, reconnection, and possibility.

We weren’t sure how many would show. Summers in Southwest Florida are notoriously slow and scorching, we had modest expectations. But the turnout exceeded all hope. The cozy, beloved bar was filled wall to wall with painters, performers, producers, curators, administrators, and arts lovers alike. The energy was electric.

As the designated convener of Sarasota County’s arts and culture community, the Arts and Cultural Alliance embraces the role of connector, sometimes through formal initiatives and strategic planning, and other times, like this summer social, through informal, joy-filled gatherings. In a time when so much of our connection happens online, coming together in person reminds us of a simple truth: art flourishes in community. When artists, creatives, and cultural workers gather across disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives, we plant the seeds for collaboration, mentorship, advocacy, and inspiration. This desire to connect, even in the quiet heat of summer, foreshadows the vibrant energy and creative momentum the Alliance is preparing to usher in as the season shifts.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance believes that community doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built intentionally, through spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. Events like this are not just fun, they’re vital. They help bridge gaps between independent artists and institutions, between established professionals and emerging voices, between creators and those who champion the arts behind the scenes.

The arts are essential to Sarasota County. They animate our economy, enrich our education, and bring us together across differences. But sustaining a vibrant arts community means more than producing great work, it means cultivating the relationships that make that work possible. Spaces to share ideas, offer encouragement, spark partnerships, and simply feel the joy of belonging.

Given the enthusiasm and feedback from this summer social, we’re excited to explore the idea of making these gatherings more regular. Imagine what could grow from consistent, inclusive connection. Imagine what we could create, together.

Whether you're an artist, performer, administrator, educator, advocate, or simply someone who loves the arts—these gatherings are for you. We’re all part of the same creative community, and what better way to build fellowship than by sharing space, stories, and maybe a drink or two. If you joined us, thank you. If you missed it, we hope to see you next time. Let us know how often you’d like to gather and what kinds of events you’d love to see through this short survey here.

Because when we gather, we grow, individually and collectively. Let’s keep showing up for each other.

Brian Hersh is the Chief Executive Officer of the Arts and Cultural Alliances for Sarasota County.

Pictured: A full house at the Arts Alliance x 99 Bottles Summer Social! Nearly 100 local artists, creatives, and community members gathered for an evening of connection, proving once again that Sarasota's arts scene thrives year-round.