Sarasota short-lists six architects to design a new performing arts center
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 24, 2023

The Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation, formerly known as the Van Wezel Foundation, and the city of Sarasota have selected six semifinalists in the search for an architect for the new performing arts center.

The Architect Selection Task Force narrowed the search down to six groups from the 18 short-listed candidates. The six firms selected to advance are:

Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Foster + Partners Limited

Gehry Partners LLP

Henning Larsen

Renzo Piano Building Workshop

Snøhetta

"Thank you to the task force for their exceptional work in selecting the semifinalists,” city of Sarasota Manager Marlon Brown said in a release. “Their dedication and meticulous effort in choosing the best of the best firms from around the world will have a profound impact on the Sarasota community. This project will undoubtedly establish Sarasota as a cultural destination of international renown, and the Performing Arts Center will be a source of inspiration and pride for generations to come.”

The search began in October with the first of six public meetings. The search was funded through an appropriation from the state of Florida. There were 43 submissions from architecture firms to the request for quotations.

The next meeting, scheduled for May, will narrow the pool down to three finalists who will then come to Sarasota for in-person interviews.

"Our rigorous review process for selecting the architect for the new performing arts center is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to position Sarasota as a top-tier arts destination,” Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation Board Vice Chair and Chair of Architect Selection Task Force Jenne Britell said in a release.

Britell said that with the narrowing of the candidate pool, they are getting closer to “accomplishing our vision for a world-class facility that will be a hub for creativity and innovation.” Britell added they — along with the city — are “building a place for the arts that will inspire and enrich audiences for years to come."

The Architect Selection Task Force is comprised of Britell, Mark Famiglio, Michele Hooper and Mary Bensel.

In January the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation announced it had received a $10M contribution from the Paul Seed Fund at KBF CANADA to support the architect and design team in building the center.

The foundation is leading a multimillion-dollar capital fundraising campaign for the new performing arts center, which will be built in Bay Park. In 2018 the Sarasota City Commission approved the Bayfront master plan. When complete the project will transform the 53-acre site in Sarasota.

Part of this plan included building a new performing arts center at the center of the park. The RFQ included plans for a 300-seat flexible performance space and a mainstage theater with more than 2,000 seats. There are also plans to dedicate space to education and special events.

The architect will be selected this year and will immediately enter a concept and schematic design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 with an opening estimated for 2027-28. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will continue to operate until the new performing arts center is complete. A committee will soon be examining how best to reuse the existing hall.