Pictured: Join the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County for an inspiring afternoon exploring the powerful intersection of creativity, community, and civic engagement.

In Sarasota County, we know that the arts are more than performances or exhibitions, they are lifelines for connection, imagination, and transformation. That’s why we at the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County are thrilled to invite you to Perspective. Practice. Place., a special summit on arts, community, and creative leadership taking place Wednesday, May 21, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Sarasota Opera House.

This is not your typical afternoon gathering. It’s a chance for all of us—artists, educators, cultural advocates, and curious community members—to come together and reflect on how creativity continues to shape our lives, especially during times of challenge and change.

At the heart of this event is a belief we at the Arts Alliance hold deeply: that the arts are a powerful force for unity and resilience. They give us space to reimagine, to heal, and to lead. And when we gather with open minds and shared purpose, we unlock the collective spirit that defines our region and strengthens it for the future.

We are honored to welcome Deborah F. Rutter as our keynote speaker. Deborah is a visionary in every sense of the word. Her historic tenure as the first woman to serve as president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts redefined how institutions serve their communities and support artists. Her leadership has been grounded in authenticity and the courage to innovate, and I know her insights will challenge and inspire us all.

As Deborah shared with us, “The arts and those who create welcoming environments for artists to share their extraordinary talents are vital to the health of every community.” We couldn’t agree more. Sarasota County has long been a place where creativity thrives, and this summit is our moment to ensure it continues to do so, for everyone.

Our program also features outstanding local voices who are driving meaningful change through their work:

• Maria Schaedler-Luera will explore how participatory arts can be a catalyst for social connection.
• Marty Hylton will speak to how design and architecture help us navigate a changing world.
• Angelica Hull will give a much-needed look at arts funding and the cultural landscape here in Sarasota.

Alongside thought-provoking conversations, attendees will enjoy live performances and interactive experiences that reflect the vibrant pulse of our arts community. And after the summit, we’ll continue the dialogue during a casual social hour in the Opera House lobby from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and the Ringling College Town Hall, two partners who share our belief in the power of the arts to transform lives.

We hope you’ll join us. Because when we gather, listen, and imagine together, we build something far greater than the sum of our parts, we build momentum for a more connected, inspired, and creative future.

Visit SarasotaArts.org/event/perspective-practice-place for details and tickets.

Let’s keep building this community, through perspective, through practice, and in place.

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

Pictured: Join the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County for an inspiring afternoon exploring the powerful intersection of creativity, community, and civic engagement.

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