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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Opening May 16, After Venus by multidisciplinary artist Babs Reingold explores strength, power, and the evolving representation of the female body through paintings, drawings, monotypes, and encaustic collages—many on view for the first time. Drawing inspiration from women’s bodybuilding, ancient fertility symbols, and art history, the exhibition challenges traditional ideals of femininity while celebrating woman-centered strength and transformation. 

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Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and Fever, the world’s leading tech platform for discovering culture and live entertainment, are proud to announce Candlelight®: The Lord of the Rings, an international concert series celebrating the 25th anniversary of the beloved film franchise in 2026. Sarasota is among the select cities worldwide chosen to host this special series, with limited tickets available. In Sarasota, the St. Boniface Episcopal Church serves as the setting for this one-of-a-kind musical experience taking place in iconic venues renowned for their historic nature or distinctive character — from cathedrals and theaters to museums — in cities such as New York, São Paulo, Singapore, Madrid, Milan, Sydney and many more across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Fans can book their tickets via Fever’s app and website to be part of this global celebration of one of cinema’s most beloved sagas. Performed by talented local string quartets, the program will bring to life the most memorable musical moments from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Audiences will be immersed in the epic world of Middle-earth through evocative melodies that capture its adventure, friendship, and timeless sense of wonder. For more information visit candlelightexperience.com 

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What does it mean to visualize the unknown? Award-winning glass artists Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin examine the profound mysteries that underpin our understanding of the universe in their upcoming exhibition at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design. On view Nov. 15, 2026-April 17, 2027, “Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin: Precession Through Glass” presents a thought-provoking array of sculptures, installations and mixed media, including several new commissions that invite visitors into a world where science meets the sublime. More at SarasotaArtMuseum.org. 

On June 6, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its final Independent Artist Program showcase of the season, with “JoAnna Ford’s Heart Wide Open: A Musical Lesson of Vulnerability.” Ford is a classically trained soprano who has performed around the globe - as well as for several years on WBTT's stage - before an autoimmune illness sidelined her for seven years. Through a rich mix of jazz, soul, and storytelling, Ford will tell the story of her journey from grief to reclamation and joy with humor, humility and grace. 

Schmidt Vocal Arts (SVA), the premier national organization supporting early-career classical singers, announces the full roster of qualifiers for its fifth annual National Vocal Competition for high school singers, presented in partnership with Sarasota Opera on May 30 and 31, 2026. 

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Join us for a special performance by the Dirk Quinn Band at our Historic Spanish Point campus. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 to 7:30pm, Historic Spanish Point campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey.