MISSION
The mission of the Arts and Cultural Alliance is to serve as the voice, advocate, and resource for arts and culture in our community.
VISION
The vision of the Arts and Cultural Alliance is that arts and culture are essential to the continuing development of a vibrant, creative community.
VALUES
• Access
• Collaboration
• Education
• Inclusiveness
• Integrity
• Service
• Unity
DESCRIPTION
At the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, we see the arts as a luminous force, highlighting our identity as Florida’s Cultural Coast. The arts enlighten our lives with beauty, emotion and understanding, acting as a constant reminder of the goodness and creativity inherent in humanity. As Sarasota County’s dedicated Local Arts Agency, the Arts and Cultural Alliance stands as a guiding light in this vibrant, cultural region.
PURPOSE
To champion the arts, advocating for their vitality and ensuring they flourish throughout our community. The Arts Alliance serves as a connector— building bridges between artists, organizations, and you, in collaboration and celebration of this incredible, creative light we all share. We are the voice of the arts at the forefront, advocating tirelessly to secure the future and enhance the rich cultural tapestry that defines Florida’s Cultural Coast.
With the arts generating over $300 million annually, we work to fuel our arts powered economy. We recognize how the arts influence our health and the importance of promoting initiatives that support the well-being of our artists and audiences. And we work to advance arts education, ensuring every student and member of our community has access to the arts. Through this lens, art is not just an expression but an essential element, with the Arts Alliance acting as a beacon, ensuring that our arts and cultural vibrancy remain ever-present in Sarasota County. Together, we shine brighter through the arts.
PRODUCTS/SERVICES
• ADVOCACY
A core part of the Alliance’s mission is to serve as the voice and advocate for the arts and cultural sector of Sarasota County. Our goal is to maintain an effective conversation with our elected officials and successfully tell the story of why investment in the arts sector matters – to bolster our local arts-powered economy, promote wellness through the arts, and continue to encourage the creation high-quality artistic experiences in our region. Learn more through the Sarasota County Arts Data.
• ARTS EDUCATION
The Sarasota County Arts Education Partnership (SCAEP) (formerly, the Arts Education Task Force) has been a standing committee of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County since 1988. The SCAEP brings together education professionals from over 30 arts and cultural organizations, Sarasota County School Staff, teaching artists and community members to support arts education in our schools and community. The group meets monthly and focuses on advocacy, information sharing, and monitoring the health of the arts in our schools.
EdExploreSRQ is a web-based search platform that is transforming the way Sarasota County teachers, principals and parents identify and learn about experiential learning opportunities available in our area. Featuring hundreds of offerings by local non-profits and individual teaching artists, each EdExploreSRQ “exploration” is reviewed and approved by school district staff to ensure connections to educational standards.
• GRANTS
The Tourist Development Cultural/Arts (TDC/A) program offers competitive funding to arts and cultural organizations for the production and marketing of performances, exhibitions and events that attract tourists to Sarasota County. Funding for the TDC/A program comes from the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collected on room rentals for a term of six months or less in Sarasota County.
Opportunity grants are intended to support smaller, local arts organizations that do not qualify for or did not receive TDC/A funding. This grant program is supported by funds from each “State of the Arts” license plate purchased in Sarasota County. As the designated local arts agency for Sarasota County, the Alliance is responsible for establishing the program, managing the application and evaluation process and ensuring funds are used to support arts and culture.
• PATRIOT PLAZA
Over the past decade, Patriot Plaza has welcomed more than 73,000 visitors (including thousands of students) who have come to Sarasota National Cemetery to honor veterans and their family members and to experience the beauty of this outdoor museum that inspires an appreciation for the sacrifices made to protect and promote our democracy. Explore Patriot Plaza with our weekly guided tours! Patriot Plaza is open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering free admission to visitors.
Educational field trips catering to Grades 4-12, with transportation funded by The Patterson Foundation for schools in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Learn more about School Tours.
• CULTURE COLLECTIVE
Whether you’re new in town, looking to expand your circle, or just want to engage more with the arts in a fun and relaxed setting, Culture Collective is your ticket in. Revamped for a new generation of creatives, professionals, and explorers (ages 21–39) who want to experience Sarasota County’s vibrant arts scene without breaking the bank.
• JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES
We’re happy to share job opportunities, upcoming auditions, and calls for artists on our website for Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County member organizations.
