Sarasota County’s Arts Community Gathers for “Perspective. Practice. Place.”

On May 21, Sarasota’s creative community will converge at the Sarasota Opera House for an afternoon of powerful conversations and artistic inspiration. Hosted by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Perspective. Practice. Place. is more than a summit—it’s a rallying call for artists, educators, cultural leaders, and changemakers to reimagine what’s possible when creativity leads the way. 

From 1:00 to 4:00 PM, attendees will explore how the arts foster unity, resilience, and innovation during times of transformation. “In a time of both uncertainty and possibility, this summit invites us to channel our shared commitment and reconnect with the creative pursuit that has always shaped our vibrant communities,” says Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance. “Through dynamic conversations with local and national leaders, we’ll explore how the arts transform challenge into beauty and enrich everyday life in Sarasota County.” 

Headlining the summit is renowned cultural leader Deborah F. Rutter, former president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where her trailblazing leadership from 2014 to 2025 redefined what it means to center the artist and the community in cultural institutions. With an extraordinary track record of innovation and inclusion, Rutter has collaborated with legends like Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, and Q-Tip, building bridges between genres, generations, and global perspectives.