The Visual Arts

Manatee County boasts a superb offering of visual and performing arts. Through support and promotion of The Manatee County Cultural Alliance, the Art League of Manatee County, the Artists Guild of Manatee County, and many others, residents and visitors are afforded access to several galleries, classroom space, and numerous learning opportunities. The cultural resources of the area work to bring opportunity for professional and amateur artists to exhibit their talents through instructional programs for all skill levels, as well has exhibitions. A host of privately owned galleries and independent groups operating on both the mainland and its neighboring islands top off the county's cultural calendar with exhibitions, courses, and special events. Capturing the heart of many art enthusiasts, local support has redeveloped the Village of the Arts locale into a showcase neighborhood in which artists live, work, and display their talents.

The cultural calendar is also loaded with performances of theater, ballet, and concerts. The renowned Manatee Players perform at Riverfront Theatre and the Island Players on nearby Anna Maria Island. Their live productions have graced these stages for more than 40 years. For those who appreciate ballet, the Manatee Ballet enjoys a solid base of community support for their repertoire of programs.

Music opportunities abound in the Manatee area. The Florida West Coast Symphony boasts over 50 years of concerts for area music lovers. A broad range of musical appetites are satisfied through the six-concert Masterworks Series presented by Manatee Community College, in addition to the many concerts and other musical events produced by its theater and music departments. Also nearby is the 90 member Sarasota Pops Orchestra who perform to packed audiences in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and other convenient locations. The Manatee Convention Center in Palmetto and the Municipal Auditorium in Bradenton furnish a variety of musical performances, giving the area true bragging rights to a top quality community of the arts. Also look for music/jazz on the islands in August.