"Changing perspectives through contemporary art."
The Sarasota Museum of Art serves as a catalyst for appreciation and understanding of globally significant contemporary art by artists both established and emerging. The Museum presents the avant-garde for audiences of all levels of experience with contemporary art.
In 2003, a group of 13 forward-thinking Sarasotans came together to further their goal of enhancing Sarasota’s rich cultural landscape with a contemporary art museum. After a two-year dialogue with area arts, educational, and community leaders, the Sarasota Art Museum partnered with Ringling College of Art + Design to transform the historic Sarasota High School into an art museum and visual arts educational center.
With no permanent collection, the Museum is "flexible and timely through an evolution of transformative, relevant, and pioneering new exhibitions and programs". At its core a learning institution -- it's division of Ringling College of Art and Design -- the Sarasota Museum of Art hosts community education programs and courses to immerse audiences in the power of contemporary art.
The museum is housed in the beautifully-repurposed old Sarasota High School building, an architectural gem designed by M. Leo Elliott.