SARASOTA’S FIRST artsEXPO A SUCCESS!
Area arts and business professionals enjoyed educational workshops and networking at this day-long event
(Sarasota, FL) The first annual artsEXPO took place May 29 at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center in Sarasota. A collaboration between the Sarasota County Arts Council and the Nonprofit Resource Center of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, artsEXPO provided a forum for arts and business professionals to compare calendars and plan creative collaborations for future marketing efforts. Nearly 150 people attended throughout the day.
“artsEXPO gave representatives from local businesses and cultural groups an opportunity to connect, coordinate and begin a dialogue that will last throughout the year,” says Russ Crumley, executive director of the Sarasota County Arts Council. “Many of these people met for the first time—over lunch, visiting booths, in workshops, even in the hallways! Many creative ideas begin with these types of basic, yet essential conversations.”
Crumley explained that the goal of the Arts Council was to “get people together, provide stimulating content and compelling presentations, and then get out of the way. Our arts organizations provided the energy needed to create new and exciting collaborations.”
Mary Beth Crockett of Sarasota Coach Lines, one of the exhibiting businesses, agreed with Crumley that partnerships between art organizations and business are key. “It’s all about collaboration,” she said. “I didn’t even know that some of these arts groups existed—or offered the programs they offer. I feel a lot more enlightened about our arts community.”
The arts are what “sets Sarasota apart,” said Tom Yorke, director of sales for the new Hyatt Place. “We’ve made a commitment to reaching out to our arts and cultural groups. Their events and programs bring visitors to Sarasota, which is an obvious benefit for our property. “
Bob Devin Jones, a renowned playwright and artistic director, and co-founder of The Studio@620 in St. Petersburg, was the keynote speaker. His appearance at artsEXPO was sponsored by Ringling College of Art and Design. In his energetic and uplifting talk, Jones spoke about the necessity of establishing creative partnerships without restrictive parameters.
artsEXPO also featured a series of workshops designed for area arts and cultural professionals, as well as a hands-on workshop to teach representatives from area arts groups how to use the Arts Council’s new interactive website, which will be unveiled to the general public this month. The website, SarasotaArts.org, was funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
About the Sarasota County Arts Council
The Sarasota County Arts Council is a member-powered arts and cultural alliance passionate about building appreciation, participation and support for arts and culture. Founded in 1986 by a group of committed citizens, the council has administered more than $10 million in grants to area artists and arts organizations. The council enhances the connection between the community and regional arts and culture by strengthening cooperation among business, community and elected leaders, audiences and the public. This is achieved through arts advocacy, education and arts appreciation events.
