Events
Living Arts Festival
Bradenton • Sarasota • Venice
November 8-15, 2026
Performance events throughout the Cultural Coast will be presented at many area venues.
Teacher Tribute Awards
The Teacher Tribute Awards honor the teachers, coaches, and mentors who use the arts to inspire — from music and theatre to dance, design, and beyond. Submit a 500-word essay by October 15, 2026 sharing how your nominee sparked creativity, shaped character, or changed lives.
Two winners will receive cash prizes of $2,500 each and be recognized live at The Living Arts Festival Closing Performance on November 15, 2026.
Calling All Creatives!
As we prepare for the next Living Arts Festival, Sarasota Rising is opening the door to artists, organizations, and volunteers who want to help bring our vision to life. Whether you’re a seasoned painter, a local theatre educator, a band with a big sound, or a small arts group looking for a spotlight — we want to hear from you.
Even if you’re simply an arts lover ready to lend your time and energy, there’s a place for you in this growing movement. Together, we’ll build a diverse and dynamic lineup that makes the festival a glowing success.
Show Us the Magic
Join the Living Arts Festival Conversation the Face of the Festival!
The Living Arts Festival is more than a series of performances. It is a community celebration. We invite you to share your photos and videos throughout the week, tag @SarasotaRising, and use #LivingArtsFestival.
Your posts help spotlight local artists, amplify the energy across our Cultural Coast, and keep the excitement building from opening night to the final curtain.