The Sarasota Ballet announces today the award of an Arts Appreciation grant by Gulf Coast Community Foundation in support of the Company’s 2021 – 2022 Season and Director Iain Webb’s 15th Anniversary Season. This year’s ballet programming includes the World Premiere of choreographer Sir David Bintley’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s iconic work, A Comedy of Errors, along with a World Premiere by Resident Choreographer Ricardo Graziano, the Company Premiere of Mark Morris’ The Letter V, and treasured ballet classics and favorites from the Company’s extraordinary repertoire.
“We deeply appreciate the tremendous support provided by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation,” says Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet. “This Season is particularly special to me for two main reasons – firstly, it will see our return to the theater for in-person performances; and secondly, it marks my 15th Season with the Company.” Webb continues, “It is because of the support we receive from organizations like the Gulf Coast Community Foundation that the arts in Sarasota has managed to survive the pandemic. Through their funding, we can continue to bring world-class artistry to the community, impact hundreds of students, and reach out to thousands of individuals across the spectrum of our society.”
“Gulf Coast Community Foundation plays such an important role in strengthening the arts in Sarasota and Manatee County,” adds Joseph Volpe, Executive Director of The Sarasota Ballet, “and The Sarasota Ballet is appreciative of their support now more than ever. Above and beyond the world-class artistry that organizations like us bring to the stage, we also impact virtually every aspect of life here. From the tourism that we attract, to the children and adults our community engagement touches, the Gulf Coast of Florida would not be the same. This Arts Appreciation grant will allow The Sarasota Ballet to confidently move forward and achieve unprecedented levels of success.”
About Gulf Coast Community Foundation
For more than 25 years, together with its donors, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. Gulf Coast is a public charity that was created in 1995 through the sale of the Venice Hospital. Since then, it has become the philanthropic home of nearly 1,000 families, individuals, businesses, and organizations that have established charitable funds here. Together, they have invested over $425 million in grants in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org.
