What’s Next for the Van Wezel?

On August 18, Chuck Cosler and Jim Shirley presented the Purple Ribbon Committee’s findings to the Sarasota City Commission. The Commission unanimously voted to accept the report and directed Interim City Manager Dave Bullock to return with recommendations based on its findings. 

The committee concluded that the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall no longer meets the technical requirements of many current touring Broadway productions. Vice Mayor Liz Alpert and Mayor Debbie Trice echoed this conclusion, noting that while the Van Wezel has served the community well for decades, it is now obsolete—unable to host the scale and technology demanded by today’s modern, blockbuster productions. 

Importantly, it was emphasized during the discussion that work is already underway—and more is planned—to harden and improve the Van Wezel against potential weather-related damage. This effort is seen as essential, given that the design and construction of a new Performing Arts Center is expected to take approximately five years, if the project moves forward. 

The report also highlighted the importance of keeping the Van Wezel operational during this transition to support local arts organizations.

Consideration of the Van Wezel’s potential longer-term use will remain an open and ongoing discussion. No conclusions have been reached at this time.

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