Look closer: Why supporting the arts matters

Over the years, I’ve heard from many longtime and new neighbors alike that one thing they love most about Sarasota is its robust arts and cultural scene. No doubt it brings excitement and pride to know that on any given day, there are dozens of worthwhile offerings in theatres, concert halls, and museums so close to home. It would seem like a great bonus to be living in an already balmy, beautiful beach paradise.

Look a little closer, though, and it becomes evident that an arts scene is not just a bonus feature, but a staple of our community, fundamental to our identity and our economy. In short, the arts — far from being simply sources of pleasure and enjoyment — are key to sustaining our quality of life and well-being.

Locally, 117 arts and cultural nonprofits serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Charlotte counties have profiles on The Giving Partner, a searchable database of nonprofit organizations. From art museums to circus arenas and just about everything in between, these organizations offer experiences for residents and visitors alike that are emotionally and intellectually stimulating, preserve culture and diversity and promote social cohesion and civic engagement.

These are all important reasons to support arts organizations, but there is another reason: the arts stimulate a healthy economy. Through the arts we receive all the biproducts that economic strength leads to, including higher employment rates, access to capital, a high standard of living and higher resilience to economic shocks.

Employment opportunities in arts organizations in Sarasota County are prolific—between full- and part-time staff and consultants, 2,700 people in the county are employed by an arts organization in some capacity, whether that’s as an artist, an administrative assistant, or an accountant.

Not only are the arts a great generator of jobs, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 report by the Americans for the Arts. In Sarasota County these organizations and their audiences generated more than $12 million in local tax revenue in 2023. When people head out for a night at the theater, they often make a night of it, visiting local merchants and restaurants. In Sarasota County, attendees spend an average of $46.21 per person per event, beyond the cost of the ticket, which is vital income for surrounding businesses. And while much of this revenue comes from Sarasota residents, nearly half of all attendees of art events live outside of Sarasota County.

The many benefits of having a vital arts community have made this sector a sweetheart of the philanthropic community. Many local donors have centered the arts in their giving, recognizing the value of maintaining the arts as the heart of a healthy community.

Carrying out the philanthropic vision of committed, generous and caring donors for nearly 45 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has for decades maintained strong partnerships with arts organizations. Strategic partnerships with these organizations, which this fiscal year amounts to almost $670,000 in support, help ensure their longevity, so they can continue to contribute to our exceptional quality of life.

The contributions of these organizations go far beyond what they present on stages and in galleries. They maintain our community’s well-being economically, culturally and socially. Like works of art themselves, the arts community’s value is understood fully only through a closer look.