The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County is a member-powered organization that serves as an advocate for arts and culture in Sarasota County.  Founded in 1986 by a group of committed citizens, the Alliance has administered more than $20 million in grants to area artists and arts organizations. The Alliance works to ensure arts and culture remain essential to the continuing development of a vibrant, creative community. This is achieved through arts advocacy, education, and community outreach.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community.

The Hermitage exists today as perhaps the last existing example of pioneer beachfront homesteading on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. It exists because it found its true purpose. It is a special place and many people throughout its history have recognized its unique qualities. The artists of all disciplines who get to experience the Hermitage tap into its energy and it becomes the catalyst for their creativity. Great art is created here. It is the art of our day by the artists of our age inspired by our ecological beachfront treasures and by this architectural history.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota is dedicated to preserving and promoting jazz, America’s original musical art form. Founded in 1980 by the late Hal Davis, the former publicist for Benny Goodman, the Jazz Club has approximately 700 members and is growing. The Club presents over 50 events throughout the year.

Since 1931, creatives from every corner of the world come to Ringling College of Art and Design to deepen, transform, and explore their passions. Our 1,400 students are fueled by a need to create—and we deliver the tools to turn passion into profession: an award-winning faculty, cutting-edge technology, and a supportive, creative community.

The Van Wezel is a landmark Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation performing arts hall located directly on Sarasota Bay which offers a world of great music, dance, theater, comedy and family fun, as well as Schooltime Performances and an array of educational outreach programs for youth and lifelong learners.

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was founded in December 1999, as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission has always been to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates the African-American experience, attracts diverse audiences, supports and develops African-American artists, and builds the self-esteem of African-American youth.