Arts in Sarasota Florida, Museums, Theatres, and Institutions
Known as Florida's "Cultural Coast", Sarasota County is home to many professional theaters, art galleries, symphonies, ballets and operas. Attractions include the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Asolo Theatre Company, Florida West Coast Symphony, Jazz Club of Sarasota, Sarasota Ballet of Florida, Sarasota Film Festival and Towles Court Art Association. Few artistic mediums can satisfy the desire for new experiences and cultural enrichment quite like the theater. In Sarasota, you can be a part of the thrill of the stage all year long.
Catch an independent film in the 1920s styling of Burns Court, or watch artists at work in the galleries of Towles Court. The Sarasota Film Festival draws famous faces and screens more than 100 films over the course of 10 days. Come for the white sand and get a bit of culture after the sun sets.
An open-door policy invites you along the Annual Historic Homes Tour, in March, through Sarasota's Laurel Park. Admire architecture, history, furnishings and even artwork on this walking tour through some of the area's most charming residences.
Recognizing the valuable impact of cultural institutions to our quality of life, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce established an Arts Task Force to optimize support for the arts.
The Arts Task Force, whose members include representatives from the cultural and business arenas, meets at the Sarasota Chamber office on the first Wednesday of each month. The group reviews such venues as city and county government agencies, the Arts Council, State of Florida cultural programs, Federal programs and grants, and best operating practices for arts organizations.
