City Commissioners will consider 36 applications for the Ad Hoc Van Wezel Purple Ribbon Committee when they make seven appointments on July 17. The new seven-member committee will study financially sustainable options, as well as the use, purpose, and lease of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 36 applications were submitted for seven seats in the following required categories: 20 - residents of the City of Sarasota; (2 individuals to be appointed); 6 - expertise in historical preservation; (1 individual to be appointed); 4 – financial expertise in the field of the performing arts; (1 individual to be appointed); 3 - expertise in architecture, design of performing arts center, reuse of large public structures and buildings; (1 individual to be appointed); 2 - expertise in climate adaptation, FEMA, and flood plains; (1 individual to be appointed); 1 - expertise in civil structural engineering; (1 individual to be appointed). The application process is closed. The number of applications being considered may vary due to individuals withdrawing. The committee will have two years to provide recommendations to the City Commission. The City of Sarasota and the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation entered into an agreement in April 2022 to establish and define responsibilities for the planning, financing, design, and construction of a new performing arts center to be located at The Bay Park.

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