Last week, the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a year-long contract with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County to manage the Tourist Development Cultural Arts (TDC/A) grant program and lead marketing efforts aimed at attracting tourists to Sarasota’s arts and cultural events.
This partnership highlights Sarasota County’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local arts and cultural community while promoting the region as a top destination for arts enthusiasts. Since 1988, funds from the local tourist development tax have helped arts organizations expand their marketing and bring high-quality exhibitions and performances to the community. The Arts & Cultural Alliance has been a trusted partner in administering the TDC/A program since 1995, developing guidelines and evaluating applications for the program for nearly 30 years.
In collaboration with the county, the Alliance has recently updated the TDC/A grant program guidelines to include enhanced visitor tracking, the collection of more detailed visitor information, and a requirement that a portion of the funds be dedicated to marketing efforts. These changes have strengthened the program’s alignment with county priorities and helped establish a demonstrated return on investment for the grant funds.
“We are grateful and honored to continue our partnership with Sarasota County,” said Brian Hersh, CEO of the Alliance. “The economic impact of our arts and culture sector is significant, drawing tourists from across the state, country, and world to experience Sarasota’s rich cultural offerings. By working closely with the county and local arts organizations, we ensure innovative strategies are in place to attract visitors and support the vibrancy of our arts community.”
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