Culture in Florida is a monthly news roundup to showcase our state’s wonderful diversity, spotlight the organizations and artists that contribute so much to our communities, and stress the comprehensive benefits of arts and culture to Florida’s economy and quality of life.
October was a busy month for the Division as we celebrated our 50th Anniversary at the Ringling Museum, home to a Museum of Art, the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the Circus Museums and the Historic Asolo Theater. The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida administered by Florida State University.
Here’s a sample of arts and culture around the state for the month of October:
FEATURED EVENTS
Your Real Stories Gallery & Studio closed their 6th Annual Story Days in Tampa Bay with an art walk and closing reception at the ArtsXchange.
The Museum of Arts & Sciences opened three exhibits last month: Biodiversity in the Art of Carel Peiter Brest van Kempen, Volusia Wilderness Captured: Florida Paintings by Sandra Lloyd, and Painting with Paper: The Art of Akiko Sugiyama.
SPECIAL REPORT
The University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine and ArtPlace America released: Creating Healthy Communities through Cross-sector Collaboration! Read the full report: https://arts.ufl.edu/sites/creating-healthy-communities/resources/white-paper/
The report presents over 250 thought leaders from public health, arts and culture, and community development sectors who convened between 2018 and 2019. In addition to their voices, over 500 people participated in a national field survey and focus groups. The paper offers examples and recommendations for expanding cross-sector collaboration and innovation.
50TH CELEBRATION
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County hosted the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs (DCA) 50th Anniversary Celebration. Members of the DCA staff, Florida Council on Arts & Culture, and leaders of the Local Arts Agencies (LAA) were greeted on October 1 with a reception at Florida Studio Theatre.
The following day was filled with business meetings hosted at Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Ringling Museum. Afterwards, everyone joined local elected officials and arts executives for a celebration in the Ringling Courtyard. Jim Shirley, the Executive Director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, served as the master of ceremonies. The DCA staff, Florida Council on Arts & Culture, and LAA leaders were welcomed by the Director of the Division of Cultural Affairs, Sandy Shaughnessy, and the Executive Director of the Ringling, Steven High.
The Florida Secretary of State, Laurel Lee addressed the audience and presented featuring performances by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and a recent finalist on America’s Got Talent, Emanne Beasha.
Stay tuned for an upcoming release of the Division’s 50th Anniversary book, 50 Stories for 50 Years. This book will feature individual artists, fellows, festivals, community centers, local arts agencies, and arts organizations throughout Florida. The book will include the lasting impacts of state funding on arts and culture in Florida’s diverse environments and communities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out the wonderful collection of landscape art donated by Florida resident Ron Risner at the Museum of Florida History. The 163 paintings in the collection illustrate Florida’s unique and varied terrain throughout the sunshine state. The public is invited to the opening reception on November 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. For more information, call the Museum of Florida History at (850)-245-6400 or go to www.museumoffloridahistory.com.
If you haven’t already, apply for South Arts‘ Southern Prize and State Fellowships! Nine artists will share $80,000 in awards and be featured in a touring exhibition. All artists will receive $5,000 State Fellowship where one will be named Southern Prize finalist, receiving an additional $10,000 and one will be named Southern Prize winner, receiving an additional $25,000 and a 2-week residency at the Hambridge Center for Creative Arts & Sciences. The deadline to apply is December 3. For more information go to https://www.southarts.org/individual-artists/southern-prize-artist-fellowships/?fbclid=IwAR1OgmP4nPQlZVMg4LkCZWkySMeGciROsQ5jFLqoU_XuiL6dUsSV0Z7ZDkM.
Make sure to check in with your local arts council this month as performing arts organizations begin their new seasons across the state!
Have an event you’d like to see featured as part of this blog series? Please fill out this form: https://goo.gl/forms/rNFpweK1euL3y9YH2. Note: submission does not guarantee inclusion.
Culture Builds Florida 