Members of Key Chorale sing "America the Beautiful" at the 2026 Arts Summit. Provided photo.

At the 2026 Arts Summit, held at the Mertz Theatre at the FSU Center for Performing Arts, speeches were given, excerpts of poetry were read and performances from local musicians and singers jumped off the stage. Hosted for the second year by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, the 2026 Arts Summit gathered a cohort of artists, art leaders and community figureheads to give their perspectives on what art means to Sarasota. One message became evidently clear at the end of the day: that the arts are not only central to Sarasota’s legacy, but a crucial part of the area’s economic and cultural future. Preserving that legacy and supporting that future requires support—from residents, visitors, artists, policy makers and everyone who comes to Florida’s Cultural Coast.

The Arts Summit opened with a performance by Key Chorale of America the Beautiful, followed by Arts Alliance CEO Brian Hersh’s initial comments. One speech during the day came from Sarah Cartwright, chief curator and Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections at The Ringling Museum of Fine Art. Cartwright spoke on John Ringling’s intention when opening the museum and creating what would become Ringling College of Art and Design. “I’ve been thinking about John Ringling supporting an art school and what that meant,” says Cartwright. “What did he intend with that? It means that he was looking forward and recognized that a museum is not frozen in time. It has to continue to do that and one way to do that is through creating an arts school.”

Cartwright is a graduate of Pine View School and a shining example of the power of Sarasota’s arts ecosystem. In high school she played in the Sailor Circus and Sarasota High bands, toured The Ringling during AP Art History class, setting down the roots of her artistic journey. After completing her undergraduate and doctorate degrees in New York, Cartwright worked in Italy as a curator before eventually coming back to Sarasota. “I feel every day that I am trying to pay back what was given to me and continue the legacy of John and Mable Ringling,” says Cartwright.

2026 Arts Summit, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 300, Sarasota.

Members of Key Chorale sing "America the Beautiful" at the 2026 Arts Summit. Provided photo.

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