Foundation to pay for design phase of new performing arts center

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has announced it will be picking up the tab for the design concept phase of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

This private funding will be the foundation's contribution to the 50/50 public-private partnership with the city of Sarasota, “ensuring a collaborative and successful development process,” the foundation said in a news release. 

Under an agreement between the city and the foundation, all capital expenditures for a new arts center are to be divided equally among the public and private sectors. 

Renowned architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop, in collaboration with local architect of record, Sweet Sparkman Architects, is set to begin the design concept of the performing arts center following the city of Sarasota's approval of the Piano contract, which is scheduled for consideration later this month.

“The Foundation eagerly anticipates sharing preliminary designs from the acclaimed Renzo Piano team with the public in early fall of this year,” foundation CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko said in the news release. “We are thrilled to soon provide a tangible glimpse into the visionary design concepts that will shape the future of performing arts for everyone in Sarasota County and beyond.”

As the architects get ready to start work, some Sarasota County commissioners, who must also sign off on the plans for the center, have expressed concerns over details of the funding proposals. Meanwhile, the city welcomed the foundation’s announcement. 

“This funding commitment underscores the Foundation’s unwavering dedication to the project and charts a course that will provide the community and City Commission with much-needed information about Sarasota Performing Arts Center,” City Manager Marlon Brown said in the news release. “Thank you to the Foundation Board for this unprecedented commitment and partnership.”