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Culture

Recognized as one of the nation's best small arts cities, Sarasota offers a wide array of cultural activities. Surrounding communities contribute their own unique arts destinations and events.

  • Anything Arts

    PO Box 1646, Sarasota, FL 34230

    941.374.5896

    http://www.anythingarts.com

    AnythingArts.com provides support to the arts utilizing the Internet. This support is provide based on a belief that a community is only as strong as sum of its parts. The arts have always been an integral part of the greater Sarasota community. The arts have contributed greatly to the strength, well-being and vigor of the Sarasota area. This site strives to provide a comprehensive guide to the local arts and entertainment scene.

  • Arts Council

    1226 N. Tamiami Trail Suite 300, Sarasota, FL 34236

    941.365.5118

    http://www.sarasotaarts.org

    The Sarasota Arts Council promotes the arts in our area. The council distributes grants to local art organizations, produces Arts Day each year, assembles educational workshops and exhibitions, hosts an annual awards program to recognize local arts leaders, and provides information about local cultural events. The organization was instrumental in the effort to return art education programs to all Sarasota County public schools, and is hard at work to ensure a bright future for the arts in Sarasota.

  • Asolo Theatre Company

    5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

    941.351.8000

    http://www.asolorep.org

    Originally founded by Florida State University in 1960 as a summer theatre company, the Asolo Theatre Company became a year-round professional theatre in 1966. The Asolo provides new artists a vehicle to produce their latest works, in addition to the classic revivals and perennial favorites performed throughout each season.

  • Florida Studio Theatre

    1241 Palm Ave. N., Sarasota, FL 34236

    941.366.9000

    http://www.floridastudiotheatre.org

    Founded in 1973, the Florida Studio Theatre (FST) has evolved into a theatre with more than 20,000 subscribers, an audience larger than any similarly sized theatre in the country. FST focuses on world premieres and contemporary works produced on or off-Broadway within the last five years.

  • Florida West Coast Symphony

    709 Tamiami Trail N., Sarasota, FL 34236

    941.953.3434

    http://www.sarasotaorchestra.org

    The prestigious Florida West Coast Symphony is the oldest continuing orchestra in the State of Florida. From its inception in 1949, the Florida West Coast Symphony performs at several Manatee and Sarasota County community venues.

  • Ringling Museum

    5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243

    941.359.5700

    http://www.ringling.org

    For a quiet afternoon of cultural appreciation, visit the historic Ringling Museum, and view the sculpture garden, art and heritage that created the cultural foundation of our area. The Ringling's brought much more than the circus to Sarasota -- they engendered a sense of appreciation for the arts, and the philosophy of preservation for paintings, sculpture, architecture, performance and much more. Also, enjoy the opportunity to explore The Gallery of the Circus and the Ca'd'Zan, the expansive Ringling mansion.

  • Sarasota Ballet

    5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234

    941.552.1032

    http://www.sarasotaballet.org

    Sarasota Ballet, a dance company in operation for over a decade, presents a wide array of dance in different styles. The company hosts a range of special events each year in addition to its regularly featured programs.

  • Sarasota Film Festival

    941.364.9514

    http://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com

    The Sarasota Film Society brings many brilliant films to local audiences, focusing its attention on less mainstream movies and foreign features. The annual film festival is a culmination of the group's efforts and has brought national exposure to our community.

  • Sarasota Opera

    61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236

    941.366.8450

    http://www.sarasotaopera.org

    Recognized by the State of Florida for its high caliber of artistry and fine performances, the Sarasota Opera Association features four operas in February and March.

  • South Florida Museum

    201 10th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205

    941.746.4131

    http://www.southfloridamuseum.org

    The museum's exhibits cover our local heritage from the Indians to De Soto to the Crackers who settled the region; the planetarium offers laser-lightshows and stargazing.

  • The Jazz Club of Sarasota

    330 S. Pineapple Ave #11, Sarasota, FL 34236

    941.366.1552

    http://www.jazzclubsarasota.com

    The Jazz Club of Sarasota, founded in 1980 with the goal of preserving, promoting and performing jazz, is one of the nation's largest jazz clubs, with 2,700 members. The organization offers approximately 100 events per year including monthly concerts, jazz jams, free concerts, a film/lecture series, educational programs and various community outreach programs.

  • Van Wezel

    777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

    941.955.7676

    http://www.vanwezel.org

    The curtain is always going up to a resounding applause as patrons take in a night at the opera, the ballet, or a performance at the Van Wezel by one of the many favorite international stars featured. The Hall, which opened in 1970 and recently was renovated, hosts about 140 performances annually and provides an exciting program which offers a mixture of theater, music and dance performances.