Sarasota County has long been a haven for the arts, a place where creativity thrives, and culture is woven into the fabric of everyday life. From the time John Ringling helped establish Sarasota as a cultural destination in the early 20th century to today’s flourishing arts scene, our community has been shaped by a deep appreciation for artistic excellence. The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County is proud to carry this legacy forward, serving as the local arts agency and advancing us towards a vibrant, creative future.

The arts aren’t just a pastime here, they’re a powerful force driving our local economy, attracting visitors, and making all of Sarasota County an inspiring place to live and work. As an organization dedicated to supporting and championing the arts, the Arts and Cultural Alliance exists to ensure arts and culture remains at the heart of our communities. We work to strengthen the entire arts ecosystem; supporting artists, cultural organizations, and initiatives that make Sarasota County a dynamic cultural destination.

What does that mean in practice? It means advocating for policies that support arts funding, fostering partnerships to help cultural institutions grow, and reinforce accessibility to arts education for future generations. It means providing resources and networking opportunities for artists and organizations. It means making sure the arts are not only celebrated but also recognized as a critical part of Sarasota County’s identity.

Sarasota’s arts scene is truly distinctive, shaped by a rich blend of renowned institutions and intimate creative spaces, all set against the backdrop of our stunning coastal environment. From captivating theater, opera, and dance to thought-provoking museums and concert music performances, artistic expression thrives here in many forms. But beyond the stage and gallery walls, the landscape of artistry is continuously evolving. Spaces and sites throughout the region are being transformed by dynamic works of art, while artists are pioneering new ways to engage audiences, whether through immersive installations or digital experiences. A broad spectrum of programming invites participation from all, ensuring that Sarasota’s cultural offerings remain as vibrant and varied as the community itself.

Sarasota has long been a haven for artists and a destination for those who cherish the arts, a place where culture thrives and inspires. But like all industries, the arts sector faces rising costs and economic shifts that require thoughtful planning and support. As the landscape changes, our cultural community must adapt to ensure that Sarasota County remains the vibrant, artistic place so many have visited, fallen in love with, and even chosen to call home. Now, more than ever, our arts and culture sector needs champions, those who appreciate its value and are committed to sustaining its future.

To stay connected, visit our website, SarasotaArts.org. There, you’ll find a comprehensive calendar showcasing performances, exhibits, and cultural events across the county. It’s also your go-to resource for discovering ways to get involved—whether by attending, sharing information, volunteering, or even donating to support the arts. However you choose to participate, your engagement helps keep Sarasota County’s creative spirit thriving.

Whether you’re an artist, a lifelong supporter of the arts, or simply someone who enjoys a night at the theater or a walk through a gallery, we invite you to be part of Sarasota County’s creative story. The Arts and Cultural Alliance is here to ensure that the arts continue to flourish, and we welcome you to join us in celebrating and supporting the incredible cultural richness of our community, Florida’s Cultural Coast.

Brian Hersh is the Chief Executive Officer of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. 

Pictured: Rubens Gallery in The Ringling Museum of Art. Photo Courtesy: John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

This spring marks five years since the global pandemic shifted much in our personal lives and ignited changes in our local and statewide economy. As we made our way through the last half decade, the professional aspirations of many have been altered, and at the same time, the population of Sarasota County has grown. As the long tail of the pandemic wags, we are starting to see effects from that time distinctly in indicators of need and bright spots surrounding education.

This month our Community Foundation has released a regional education report that examines many different factors of student success across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. This is an area we provide much support, both as the largest scholarship provider in the area, serving both students and adult learners, as well as funding investments in local schools, early learning and youth focused programs and services that enhance parent and student development.

The data provided is rich and thoughtful and includes insights from many local educational entities. Our aim in providing this data-centered report is to ask better questions about how to help children and adults pursue and achieve continuing educational success – however they define that journey.

I want to offer five key takeaways from the report specific to Sarasota County:

1. Sarasota County’s population growth – not just in the last five years, but since 2000 – has shifted and is driven by individuals over 55 years old and those under age 27, indicating an influx of school-aged people as well as an increasing number of those who will rely on strong community supports in the near future.  Some 45% of Sarasota County’s population is Gen X, Millennials, or Gen Z – and growing!

2. More than half (51%) of Sarasota County students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. It’s a signal of a broader financial deficit of families in our county, which has implications far beyond food security, such as access to quality medical care and therapies, technology, tutoring, and extra-curricular or enrichment activities. 

3. About 20% of eligible Sarasota County children are enrolled in Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK). Research indicates the most meaningful time a human can learn is in the early years, and VPK, a half-day program available for free to four-year-olds living in Florida, aims to capitalize on the key early years to prepare children academically and socially for kindergarten by developing stronger cognitive skills in language, literacy, and math. Expanding to a full-day program could grow participation for households with working parents who are seeking quality care for their children. 

4. More than half (57%) of Sarasota County students scored above the minimum to show kindergarten readiness, slightly higher than the state average of 51%. Still, when 43% arrive unprepared to learn, this leads to widening achievement gaps, poor self-esteem, and behavior issues. 

5. Third Grade Reading Scores Vary by Race and Ethnicity: Some 68% of all Sarasota County third graders show reading proficiency in third grade, a milestone long-considered a harbinger for lasting academic success that leads to positive outcomes over a lifetime.Disaggregated by race, however, the numbers show worrying trends. Only 44% of Black students and 58% of Hispanic students are reading proficiently in third grade. There may be interventions that could narrow this pronounced achievement gap, ranging from school-based supports to community-based supports.  

6. Postsecondary Pathways are critical to ongoing skill building and overall economic mobility. With 49% of Sarasota County adults 25 and older not having credentials or degrees past a high school diploma – although 90% of students are graduating – Sarasota County Schools’ graduation strategy opens up more offerings to meet diverse interests of today’s graduates. This may come through apprenticeships and skilled workforce training, as well as accelerated courses and college advising. Clearly, education extends beyond high school to expand career opportunities that offer greater stability and benefits for the individuals, and our entire community. 

I encourage you to read the complete report 

Kirsten Russell is Vice President of Community Impact, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Pictured: Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County during the 2024 Embracing Our Differences Reading Day. Photo courtesy of Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

To read the complete report click here.

During a recent trip to Tallahassee, I reflected on the power of advocacy as a vital tool for influencing decisions, whether in the halls of state government or in the personal development of students. At the state level, legislative advocacy follows a structured process to secure appropriations for critical initiatives, ensuring that public funds are allocated effectively. Similarly, students must cultivate self-advocacy skills to navigate their educational, personal, and career paths successfully. While the contexts differ, the fundamental principles of advocacy remain the same.

Advocating for state appropriations involves developing a compelling case and engaging stakeholders, including research, coalition-building, and drafting proposals that outline the benefits of the requested funding. Advocacy groups present their cases to legislators and state agencies, utilizing data and personal stories to reinforce their positions. Advocates must understand their audience and adapt their approach accordingly. The last step involves following up and rallying support to ensure that proposed funding allocations become reality. It is a skill that I am actively developing as the Education Foundation is doing its part to seek an appropriation this year.

Similarly, students must develop self-advocacy skills to take charge of their education and future. This might mean asking for additional support in a challenging subject, seeking accommodations, or negotiating an independent study opportunity. In a career context, it includes articulating strengths in interviews, networking, and addressing workplace challenges. The ability to advocate for oneself fosters resilience and self-confidence.

Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children toward self-advocacy and knowing when to step back is essential. For example, when a student faces a grade dispute, instead of a parent immediately intervening, they can encourage their child to email the teacher or gather supporting information to present their case. When a student applies for jobs or internships, parents can coach from the sidelines, offering guidance on completing applications or practicing interview responses. These types of actions help the student build confidence in handling challenges while still having parental support in the background if needed.

There are opportunities for students to develop self-advocacy skills that reach beyond parents, and we saw an example of this last month when Lordana Guillaume, student success coach for the Education Foundation and PLANit Sarasota coordinator, traveled to Tallahassee with a group of student advocacy fellows for the Fourth Annual FCAN Advocacy Day. Supported by Florida College Access Network (FCAN), these high school students met with mentors over a period of several months to receive training and guidance in developing advocacy skills, all leading up to last month when the students met with state representatives to champion education policies surrounding college affordability and student success in Florida.

Lordana described a situation on their trip in which a representative stated that education wasn’t at the top of their priority list. The students eloquently presented their documented outcomes, and after listening to the students’ well-prepared research along with their personal stories, the representative shared that he learned about resources that could benefit his own children. It was a transformative moment for the representative and the students, who left Tallahassee with improved confidence in themselves, the system, and the power of advocacy.

These are the little wins that grow into big successes. Advocacy, whether in the political arena or in personal growth, is about making voices heard and affecting change. By teaching students the skills to advocate for themselves—just as policymakers advocate for funding and resources—we equip them with a lifelong tool for success.

Jennifer Vigne is the President and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Pictured: Lordana Guillaume (front row, right) and the 2025 FCAN Advocacy Fellows. Courtesy of Education Foundation of Sarasota County.