Arts and Cultural Alliance Executive Director, Jim Shirley, has announced he will retire at the end of December 2022. Shirley assumed leadership in 2009 of what was then called the
Arts Council in 2009 and has served in that capacity for the past 13 years. The Arts Council was founded in 1986 and serves as the umbrella organization for all arts and culture institutions in Sarasota County. Its name was later changed to recognize the importance and impact of arts and culture on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The mission of the Alliance includes being the chief advocate for all facets of the arts in the community including arts education for all children in our schools. The Alliance administers the Tourist Development
Tax Arts Grant program for Sarasota County in addition to other granting programs supporting arts organizations and individual artists throughout the region. These programs have resulted in over $45 million of funding for the cultural community in Sarasota County.

“The Arts Alliance would not be where it is today if it were not for Jim’s hard work and dedication over the years. We are very grateful for the many things he has accomplished during his tenure. We will continue to move forward during this pivotal time and shortly will begin the process of engaging new leadership,” said Alliance President of the Board, Kelley Lavin.