Art Center Sarasota executive director is stepping down

Kinsey Robb, who guided Art Center Sarasota through the pandemic and elevated the profile of the 98-year-old cultural institution, is departing after three years as executive director.

Robb is leaving to pursue a nonprofit visual arts role in New York City, where she lived before moving to Sarasota in 2021. A graduate of Syracuse University's Visual and Performing Arts program, Robb worked at such high-powered art galleries as Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin and Perrotin.

Reflecting on her tenure at Art Center Sarasota, Robb called her three years there "immensely rewarding."

She added, "I am constantly inspired by the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of our artists and the Sarasota community. As I look ahead, I am excited about Art Center Sarasota’s growth and evolution.”

Although it is Sarasota's oldest artistic institution, Art Center Sarasota is frequently misunderstood. It isn't a museum and doesn't charge an admission fee. The nonprofit gallery holds regional juried shows and solo exhibitions that allow artists to sell their works and offers art education. Its summer art camps for children are especially popular.

Located at 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Art Center Sarasota now finds itself within the confines of The Bay Park, Sarasota's two-year-old public park. The first 10-acre phase of The Bay opened in October 2022.

During her tenure, Robb improved the physical plant of Art Center Sarasota, hired professional installers and streamlined the submission process, working together with Christina Baril, curator and director of exhibitions.

Art Center Sarasota's opening receptions have become must-attend events for arts patrons in Sarasota as have its talks with artists and jurors for its themed regional shows. 

“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we extend our deepest gratitude to Kinsey for her exceptional leadership and dedication over the past years,” said Ramsey Frangie, Art Center Sarasota board president, in a statement. “Her inspirational guidance through unprecedented times has been instrumental in our growth and success. We wish her all the best and are excited to continue building upon the strong foundation she has established."

Frangie added that the organization will launch a search for a new executive director soon.

Like other Florida cultural institutions, Art Center Sarasota lost funding in June, when Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed $32 million earmarked for state cultural grants in fiscal 2025. In fiscal 2024, Art Center Sarasota received $45,297 from the state.

Robb was one of the first arts administrators in Sarasota to speak out publicly about the unprecedented cuts in state arts funding. 

Art Center Sarasota will honor Robb's contributions to the organization with a reception on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Those who plan to attend the tribute are asked to RSVP. For more information, visit ArtCenterSarasota.org.