Pictured: Brian Hersh, the CEO of the Art & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. Photo courtesy of Sorcha Augustine.

The Art & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Brian Hersh, plays a pivotal role in promoting and advocating for the arts within the region. With a deep appreciation for timeless wisdom, Hersh guides the Alliance in fostering a vibrant and creative community. Through initiatives like co-hosting the Behind The Masterpiece podcast and engaging in critical community conversations, the Alliance ensures that arts and culture remain integral to the development and enrichment of Florida’s Cultural Coast. In this enlightening Q&A series, we learn a bit more about Hersh and his work with The Art & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.

What book are you reading now that expands on your business acumen?

I continue to turn back to The Art of War by Sun Tzu, over and over again. I’m captivated that something written over two thousand years ago still resonates. A treatise that stands the test of time in this manner is indeed a work of art. In a business sense, the writing really digs into organizations and how strength comes from understanding the components of conflict, ultimately guiding a victorious outcome.

What podcast are you listening to that is inspiring you in your business life?

You’re talking to a musician here, so when I listen to anything, I generally prefer music. But when I do listen to a podcast I’m going to pick: I 501(c) You hosted by Michael Corley from The Corley Company. Michael offers great support and wisdom as a business leader to our nonprofit leaders. I also went to college with Jon Fortt, co-anchor of The Closing Bell: Overtime on CNBC. It’s nice hearing a familiar voice talk about what’s happening, so I’ll tune into his podcast from time to time. Finally, I have the great honor to co-host Behind The Masterpiece, a podcast produced by Visit Sarasota County, to help share the excitement of Florida’s Cultural Coast.

Share one of your business bucket list items.

Though I lived in New York City for years, I never made it into the New York Stock Exchange. I would love to be on the floor and experience the opening or closing bell!

What inspired the creation of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, and how has its vision evolved to become the guiding light for arts and culture in the region?

Sarasota County has been a hub for Arts & Culture since the early 20th Century. With that, what was originally formed at the Sarasota Arts Council was incorporated in 1986 and has always supported and promoted arts and cultural organizations and individual artists. The Arts & Cultural Alliance continues as a resource, voice, and advocate of arts and culture, ensuring they are essential elements for the development of a vibrant, creative community.

How do the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County work to advocate for and secure the future of the arts, ensuring they continue to thrive and enrich the cultural landscape of Florida’s Cultural Coast?

We do our best to be at the table around community issues. We believe that arts builds community. So, if there are issues our community faces, such as attainable housing, then it is important to be in that conversation. It also means we have to listen a lot to our artists and organizations --- to help channel their work to positively impact the community. As we continue to advocate, it is important for voters and elected officials to see how arts and culture help our region advance.

For more information about the Art & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, you can visit their website here. https://www.sarasotaarts.org/

Pictured: Brian Hersh, the CEO of the Art & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. Photo courtesy of Sorcha Augustine.