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Arts + Culture

Former Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter talks with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, at an Arts Summit held May 21 at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 22, 2025
Summit highlights challenges and opportunities for Sarasota arts scene

Potential loss of government funding is offset by upbeat demographics and philanthropy.

  • Arts + Culture
Artist Stephen Harlan offers a glimpse into his creative process this weekend at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 22, 2025
Self-taught digital artist shakes up high-end art world

Florida-based artist Stephen Harlan met with fans this weekend at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Urbanite Theatre's "From 145th to 98th Street" follows a Black family who changes neighborhoods in New York City.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 21, 2025
Urbanite's 'From 145th to 98th Street' follows a family's search for a better life

Nia Akilah Robinson's world premiere challenges stereotypes with sharp storytelling and lyrical language.

  • Arts + Culture
Arts Advocates honors Andy Sandberg with Luminaire Award
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2025
Arts Advocates honors Andy Sandberg with Luminaire Award

The prize celebrates outstanding contributions to Sarasota arts.

  • Arts + Culture
Joshua Stayton has been hired as artistic director of Azara Ballet.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2025
Azara Ballet adds artistic director position

Joshua Stayton joins the company for its third season.

  • Arts + Culture
Nate Jacobs and members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host the third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 22.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2025
WBTT to host third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival

The festival takes place June 22 at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's campus.

  • Arts + Culture
These summer camps inspire future artists, performers and cultural connoisseurs
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 16, 2025
These summer camps inspire future artists, performers and cultural connoisseurs

Wondering what to do with the kids this summer? Arts camps abound for a variety of interests.

  • Arts + Culture
Benny Sato Ambush is the artistic director of the Venice Theatre.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 15, 2025
Benny Sato Ambush steps down as artistic director of Venice Theatre

Ambush helped the community theater rebound from COVID and Hurricane Ian.

  • Arts + Culture
Save the date for these fall arts and entertainment events in Sarasota
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 14, 2025
Save the date for these fall arts and entertainment events in Sarasota

Here are six shows that you won't want to miss.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Orchestra violinist Max Tan is the founder and artistic director of Soundbox Ventures, producer of the Suncoast Composer Fellowship Program.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 13, 2025
Suncoast Composer Fellowship Program explores musical storytelling

The public event will feature seminars, masterclasses and concerts.

  • Arts + Culture
Joseph Holt was appointed artistic director of Choral Artists of Sarasota in 2011.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 9, 2025
Joseph Holt to retire as artistic director of Choral Artists of Sarasota

Holt joined the group's predecessor in 2009 as conductor.

  • Arts + Culture
Towles Court Art Center is located in a 1920s building just footsteps from downtown.
    By
  • Emily Leinfuss
  • May 7, 2025
Towles Court Art Center is a hidden gem walking distance from downtown

Nine artists have studios in the 1920s building that hosts yoga, music and other community events.

  • Arts + Culture
Funnyman Will Luera shows a serious side in 'Entangled'
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 5, 2025
Funnyman Will Luera shows a serious side in 'Entangled'

The autobiographical show is the sophomore effort of Lifeline Productions.

  • Arts + Culture
Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota will host an arts summit on May 21
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 30, 2025
Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota will host an arts summit on May 21

Former Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter will be the keynote speaker.

  • Arts + Culture
George Nickson and Samantha Bennett are co-artistic directors of contemporary classical music group ensembleNewSRQ.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 30, 2025
EnsembleNewSRQ pays tribute to a modern master

The contemporary classical music group brings Rihm's "Jagden und Formen" to the Sarasota Opera House.

  • Arts + Culture
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