The Sarasota County Arts Council (SCAC) in partnership with digital agency atLarge, Inc. and a grant from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc., has launched an interactive campaign to solidify Sarasota County as the premier arts and culture destination. Given the international acclaim of Sarasota County's arts backdrop and SCAC's drive to facilitate a thriving creative economy in Sarasota County; the campaign had less than humble beginnings.

Community Foundation of Sarasota County president & CEO Stewart W. Stearns said The Community Foundation was very excited to underwrite the creation and administration of the Arts Council’s new Web site. He said, “We share a vision of not only helping to promote Sarasota County as a mecca for individual artists, lovers of the performing and visual arts and cultural organizations, but also creating awareness of how the arts are a vital economic driver for our future. atLarge and the Arts Council have done a tremendous job with this dynamic new community tool and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

SCAC Executive Director Russ Crumley echoed Stearns’ excitement adding, “We partnered with atLarge to build a site that connects art enthusiasts, visitors and residents to arts and cultural news, events and resources, as well as provides visibility for artists and arts organizations. Working with atLarge, Inc. we were able to provide new connections and a digital platform our members can use to promote their organizations."

SCAC member and artist Meg Pierce was one of the first artists to take advantage of the free individual mircosites available to members. She said customizing her information and uploading images of her art work was a breeze. She added that although the new site is advantageous for individual arts organizations, the real benefit is to the greater arts community.  “Our old site was awkward; you just couldn’t find what you needed. But the new site puts information front and center.”

The functionality and information flow of the new site targets:
•    Aspiring artists who can locate grants as well as promote their work and events online.
•    Teachers and families who can find resources for arts education and outreach events.
•    Residents that can find information on local events, purchase event tickets and find volunteer opportunities.
•    Out-of-towners who are able to browse events with a searchable calendar and purchase event tickets.

Special features of the site include a:
•    Member Portal: SCAC members (such as galleries, museums, artists, performing arts organizations) have their own customized pages where they can log into the site to add upcoming events, pictures and event ticketing information.
•    Events Calendar: Interactive calendar where visitors can easily browse events by categories (such as dance, theatre, free and family events), date ranges or keyword searches.
•    Directories: Allows visitors to browse the site by artists, venues, galleries, organizations or keyword searches.
•    Online Membership Portal: Lets art enthusiasts, artists and corporations support the arts by purchasing SCAC memberships online.

The site development was intensely collaborative involving SCAC employees, board members and stakeholders on everything from the project goals and discovery to the creative and technical build. The site marks reorganization within the Arts Council itself which has undergone significant changes including new leadership, significant membership increases, new partnerships as well as an organizational shift to a more collaborative, communications-focused vision.  The funding for the site was generously provided by The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc.

About SCAC
The Sarasota County Arts Council is a member-powered arts and cultural alliance passionate about building appreciation, participation and support for arts and culture.  Founded in 1986 by a group of committed citizens, the council has administered more than $10 million in grants to area artists and arts organizations. The council enhances the connection between the community and regional arts and culture by strengthening cooperation among business, community and elected leaders, audiences and the public.  This is achieved through arts advocacy, education and arts appreciation events.

About The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc
Currently celebrating 30 years of service to caring individuals and organizations, the Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council. Made up of more than 660 funds, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships totaling over $6 million annually, in the areas of arts, culture and humanities; education; civic engagement; health; human services; animal welfare and the environment. Stewart Stearns is CEO and president; Jim Shedivy is Board Chair.