Sarasota Voted Best Small City For Arts

Another month, another top ranking for Sarasota.

American Style Magazine's readers' poll ranked Sarasota the No. 1 arts destination among cities with populations of 100,000 and smaller.

Special mention was given to  Art after 5 series and St. Armand's Circle's first Wednesday art events.

"We are thrilled that Sarasota has received the designation as the #1 Small City in the Nation for the arts," says Jim Shirley, executive director of The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. "This is truly a testament to all the artists, organizations, donors, volunteers and civic leaders who call this wonderful community home."

Virginia Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County, added “The collaborations between The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County and Visit Sarasota County, along with the arts and tourism industry as a whole is what makes this recognition so meaningful. 

"Seeing the Gulf Coast of Florida have so many communities included in this list; Bradenton as No. 2, and Naples as No. 9, makes the accolade even more impactful.  For years we’ve known we’re the Cultural Coast, and that message is resonating loud and clear within our communities and beyond.”