Celebrating the Arts

The show must go on.

Thanks in large to philanthropy, arts organizations continue to inspire our community in unique ways, despite cancellations and complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At Gulf Coast, we doubled down on Arts Appreciation grants to help protect our region's vibrant arts community. Gulf Coast donors have stepped up big time too. Our arts and cultural partners have risen to the challenge, continuing to amaze with creativity, innovation, and inspiration.

Speedy Adaptation

The Sarasota Opera adjusted its plans at lightning speed, adapting live performances, shifting its youth program to a virtual format, and reimagining the Opera's repertoire.

Performances were scaled down and moved to outdoor locations with beautiful backdrops like Selby Gardens and Historic Spanish Point. Performances also became available online for those unable to enjoy them in person. Performers even shared their talent on the road through the innovative traveling ‘Opera-mobile.’

“This has been an extraordinarily challenging time and we’ve learned a lot," says Richard Russell, executive director of Sarasota Opera. "It has been hard work but there have been lots of wins in this.

“I’m proud of our staff, who have done such an amazing job adapting and working hard under challenging circumstances. Especially our education team, who reimagined our youth program, kept students engaged, and found ways to offer the program for kids who wouldn’t have been able to participate otherwise.”

Utilizing Technology

When in-person performances were no longer an option, The Sarasota Ballet wasted zero time finding new ways to utilize existing tools and technology. In an unexpected 30th anniversary twist, the Ballet announced the winter-spring season would be offered virtually. Previously, performances were recorded from the back of the theater for archival purposes, not to showcase the performance. Now, the team has stepped up to learn new skills and how to use new technology and equipment, improving the quality with every performance.

“We’ve done so many new things, things we thought we didn’t have the resources for, but we adapted," says Chad Morrison, senior development director for The Sarasota Ballet. "Any time you do something brand new there’s room to learn, and we’re constantly trying to improve.” Thanks to its new digital platform, the Ballet has seen ticket purchases from 20 different countries—something it would never have been able to do otherwise!

Beyond virtual performances, the Ballet has found creative ways to engage its donor base and season ticket holders and provide them with unique, behind-the-scenes experiences. Through videoconferencing, staff and dancers answer questions and share insider information with guests—including sneak peeks at rehearsals. “We’re so fortunate that there’s been a lot of government help, foundation help, and generous support from our donors,” adds Morrison.

Setting the (Outdoor) Stage

Few theaters can perform live this year, but thanks to board-driven support, Asolo Repertory Theatre brought its shows outdoors.

By mid-February, Asolo Rep safely and successfully launched its third show on the newly built ‘Terrace Stage.’ Not only are performances outdoors and socially distanced, but masks are required as well.

"We’re so lucky to have so much generous support," says Benjamin Luczak, development director at Asolo Rep. "There are going to be theaters that will not survive this. They don’t have a robust and giving community like Sarasota and foundations like Gulf Coast who doubled their support. It took us a while to figure out how to pivot, but we know how fortunate we are to be performing.”

Beyond bringing performances safely outdoors, staff also took the opportunity to improve Asolo Rep's online presence. Rebuilding its website, offering online learning, highlighting its professional staff, and launching a podcast with artists from around the world are among the creative ways the theater is fostering new connections with its audience.

Want to learn about more bold innovations by Gulf Coast arts groups in response to the pandemic? Follow our Facebook page and the hashtag #CelebratetheArts as we continue to share their inspirational stories this month!