The 45th season of bringing influencers from the world stage to our stage in Sarasota returns in January 2026. Speakers include Ken Burns, Laura Coates, Joel Sartore, Rob Reiner, and Antony J. Blinken.   

Kicking off the series in January, Ringling College’s TOWN HALL will welcome Documentary Filmmaker Ken Burns. Burns is one of only three speakers in the history of TOWN HALL to be invited back for a repeat program following his appearance in 2000. Burns has been making documentary films for almost fifty years. Since the Academy-Award-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Burns has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made, including The Civil War; Baseball; Jazz; The War; The National Parks: America’s Best Idea; Prohibition; The Roosevelts: An Intimate History; The Vietnam War; Country Music; The U.S. and the Holocaust; The American Buffalo; and, most recently, Leonardo da Vinci.

Next up, CNN Chief Legal Analyst Laura Coates will join the series. Emmy-nominated Coates joined CNN in 2016 and plays a central role in the network’s extensive legal programming. She has also held prominent roles in major news moments, including CNN’s coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the January 6th hearings, and the two impeachment hearings of President Donald Trump, hosting a special entitled White House in Crisis: The Impeachment Inquiry. Coates is also the host of the award-winning daily “The Laura Coates Show” on SiriusXM’s bipartisan P.O.T.U.S. channel where she interviews world leaders and politicians from both sides of the aisle and engages the audience with a lively discussion on the intersection of politics and the law.

National Geographic Photographer and Conservationist Joel Sartore will take the TOWN HALL stage in late February. Sartore specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes in order to show a world worth saving. He is the founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark, a multi-year documentary project to document every species living in zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries, inspire action through education, and help protect wildlife and their habitats by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts.

In March, legendary Actor and Director Rob Reiner joins the series to share highlights from his acclaimed Hollywood career. Reiner is a two-time Emmy-winning actor for his role in the landmark television series, All In The Family. He is also a renowned director of This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, A Few Good Men, The American President, Ghosts of Mississippi, and The Bucket List.

In mid-April, Former Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will close out the 2026 TOWN HALL season. Blinken served as the 71st Secretary of State of the United States from January 2021 to January 2025. A seasoned diplomat and foreign policy expert, Blinken’s career has spanned decades, marked by an unwavering commitment to advancing American interests, restoring alliances, and promoting diplomacy as the cornerstone of international relations.

“TOWN HALL 2026 will feature the leading visionaries and thought leaders from the diverse fields of documentary filmmaking, legal analysis, photography and conservation, entertainment, and global affairs,” says Executive Director Lauren Kurnov. “Our 2026 season promises to be not only entertaining but also illuminating and inspiring.”

“TOWN HALL continues to be an educational pillar for the Sarasota community,” adds Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design. “Ringling College is proud to present these engaging opportunities that foster meaningful and respectful dialogue on a wide range of topics that matter in today’s world. With such strong local support, we’re excited to bring another unforgettable season to the community.”

Since its beginning in 1981, TOWN HALL has invited influencers from the world stage to our stage in Sarasota, with a goal to expand horizons, stimulate conversation, and inspire the community. All five lectures will be presented at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, 777 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Morning lectures begin at 10:30 am and evening talks begin at 7:30 pm. The series is sold by subscription. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a member or subscribing to the series, should visit www.ringlingcollegetownhall.org