Throughout Sarasota County there exist unique places where the world of artistry and cultural identity converge, creating a nexus of inspiration, education, and entertainment. This article explores such a junction, focusing on organizations that not only serve as cultural destinations but also as artistic incubators, fostering creativity and community engagement.

At the heart of this exploration is the Circus Arts Conservatory, the Hermitage Artist Retreat, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Each institution exemplifies a commitment to preserving unique traditions, inspiring artistic exploration, and engaging the community in meaningful ways.

Circus Arts Conservatory

The Circus Arts have become pretty synonymous with Sarasota County, thanks to the world-renowned circus impresario, John Ringling and his brother Charles Ringling. Since moving the Ringling Brothers Circus winter quarters from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Sarasota, Florida in the 1920s, the Circus Arts have continued to be a staple on Florida’s Cultural Coast. Today, the Circus Arts Conservatory continues the tradition and is committed to sharing the entertainment, education, and enrichment that Circus Arts provides.

As the 2024 season comes to a close, two of their most popular shows are just around the corner. The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) and Key Chorale will come together once again for an all-new production of Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices, a one-of-a-kind performing arts experience. There will be three performances of “Untraveled Worlds,” with shows taking place March 22-23, 2024 at Sailor Circus Arena. In April, WONDERBALL will also return to Sailor Circus Arena. The high-energy event, promises to be an epic dance concert experience, headlined by renowned Norwegian DJ and producer Alan Walker. Proceeds from WONDERBALL benefit CAC’s youth education programs and will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 7 p.m.

For information about these events and more, visit: circusarts.org

Hermitage Artist Retreat

The Hermitage is a leading national arts incubator and multidisciplinary artist retreat located on Manasota Key (Sarasota County, Florida). For more than two decades, the Hermitage Artist Retreat has invited accomplished artists across multiple disciplines for residencies on its beachfront campus, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hermitage is the only major arts organization in Florida exclusively committed to supporting the development and creation of new works across all artistic disciplines.

Hermitage artists are invited to share their works-in-process with audiences throughout our region, reaching thousands of Gulf Coast residents and visitors each year with unique and inspiring programs. The Hermitage has been on a rapid growth trajectory in recent years, and now the organization presents more than 50 free community programs every year on its beachfront campus and at partner venues throughout Sarasota County and beyond.

Hermitage Fellows have included 15 Pulitzer Prize winners, Poets Laureate, Guggenheim and MacArthur ‘Genius’ Fellows, and multiple Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar winners and nominees. Works created at this beachside incubator by the diverse and accomplished group of Hermitage alumni have gone on to renowned theaters, concert halls, and galleries worldwide.

Each year, the Hermitage also awards two of the largest unrestricted arts commissions in the United States – the Hermitage Greenfield Prize for a new work of music, visual art, or theater; and the Hermitage Major Theater Award for an original theater commission. For more information, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org. 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers an expansive 45-acre retreat along the waterfront, creating a unique bond between visitors and the fascinating world of air plants, local flora, and the rich history of the region. Initiated by visionary women, the Gardens encompass two main sites: the 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus and the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus situated in the Osprey region of Sarasota County, Florida. The Downtown Sarasota site, positioned along Sarasota Bay, stands out globally as the sole botanical garden dedicated to the exhibition and research of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, and other tropical plants, emphasizing botany, horticulture, education, conservation, and historical preservation.

Less than 10 miles to the south, the Historic Spanish Point campus showcases a vast collection of indigenous Florida plants, presented in a manner that educates and engages the public. This campus is notable for reflecting around 5,000 years of Florida's historical saga. Proudly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens stands as a beacon of natural beauty and historical insight.

Discover more by visiting selby.org

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

At Mote Aquarium, immerse yourself in the mysteries of the ocean through engaging touch pools, observable working laboratories, and advanced interactive exhibits that highlight the globally recognized research conducted at the adjacent Mote Marine Laboratory. Encounter over 100 marine species, predominantly from Florida waters, featuring sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and a diverse array of fish. General admission grants entry to both Mote Aquarium and the Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.

Expanding its horizons, Mote continues to make progress on the development of its new aquarium, Mote SEA, within Nathan Benderson Park; a state-of-the-art facility designed to further enhance your exploration of marine life and Mote's scientific endeavors. This expansion aims to provide even more immersive experiences, showcasing a broader range of exhibits and educational opportunities.

Mote also offers a wide array of educational programs suitable for all age groups, along with numerous volunteer and internship possibilities, allowing you to dive deeper into the marine world and contribute to the conservation and study of marine environments.

Learn more by visiting mote.org

About the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

The Arts and Cultural Alliance is the leading advocate for arts and culture in Sarasota County and Florida’s Cultural Coast. Our primary goals include bolstering our arts-powered economy, promoting health and wellness to nurture our artists and audiences, and advancing arts education and community engagement to ensure accessibility to arts and culture for all. To learn more about the Alliance and our membership opportunities, please visit: sarasotaarts.org