For 50 years, the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota has been working to preserve and support a variety of art forms and their creators. It will continue doing that under a new name.
The organization announced Monday a rebranding program that includes a new name, Arts Advocates, along with a new logo and website.
“Our vision is to be the leading arts organization in this vibrant community where art reigns,” president Donna Maytham said in a statement. “There are many non-profit groups that support a single art form such as dance, theater, music or opera, but Arts Advocates is the only member-based group that embraces all art forms.”
Under its new name, Arts Advocates will continue to award scholarships to high school and college arts students. Since its founding in 1969 it has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships. It also makes grants qualified arts organizations, sponsor events and promote the work of Florida artists through its collection of paintings and sculptures on display at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. It offers docent tours of the collection at the Van Wezel.
Maytham said the organization plans to expand the number of public programs it presents each year, including a new lecture series “Speaking of the Arts,” which will begin in November with longtime Baltimore Symphony conductor Marin Alsop. It also will open its monthly meetings to non-members.