St. Petersburg Arts Alliance

We are deeply grateful for community partners like the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts and The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater. Their support makes an incredible difference in the lives of young artists! This year, SPAA’s Funding Futures program sponsored several talented youth to participate in transformative arts programs. Among them, Emma Otis (pictured first) attended The Little Mermaid JR. Summer Camp in partnership with the Bill Edwards Foundation. Thanks to these amazing partners, young artists like Emma have the opportunity to shine, grow, and thrive in the arts. These programs are only possible through the generosity of donors and community members. This holiday season, please consider making a gift to Funding Futures and help us continue to inspire and support the next generation of artists. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/eDeUq7BK

There’s one gift you can’t wrap this holiday season... You may never meet the person who receives it, but this gift is extraordinary—more meaningful than anything you could buy online. Funding Futures is designed to uplift students in Pinellas County, ages 10 to 17, offering them the chance to explore and express themselves through the arts. From dance, music, theater, and photography to digital, literary, and visual arts, this program opens doors for young creatives facing financial barriers. The program is open to all young creatives, and reinforces equity, diversity, access and inclusion. It also helps support art organizations throughout our city that offer these amazing classes in the summer and after school. The reward is twofold! Your support makes this possible. Your gift empowers the next generation of artists in St. Pete, enriching their emotional, intellectual, and social well-being while helping them find hope and a voice in today’s world. We hope to inspire you to imagine: the book you are reading, the music you are listening to, or the art you are admiring all came from artists who were encouraged by someone in their lives to believe that creating art holds endless possibilities. Please consider a donation to Funding Futures and open the door for someone else to walk through. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/edffUGnT Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at The St. Pete Arts Alliance!

Tune in to the latest episode of Arts Alliance Spotlights, where CEO Terry Marks chats with Helen Murray, Producing Artistic Director of American Stage. Fresh from her recent work Wierd in St. Pete, Helen gives us a sneak peek into The Mountaintop, opening in early November, followed by an immersive Tinsel Town experience and a unique 75-minute retelling of Wonderful Life starring local favorite Gavin Hawk. Helen also dives into American Stage’s provocative 2025 season, featuring This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, Hair, Fat Ham, plus enriching classes and the Beyond The Theater series—there’s something for every art lover! Listen to the episode here: [https://lnkd.in/gS4dVjFb]

Double the Arts, Double the Fun this weekend! Join us for Second Saturday ArtWalk on November 9th from 5-9 pm to explore St. Pete’s incredible galleries and studios. Then, keep the energy going as FloridaRAMA hosts the SHINE10 Celebration from 8-11 pm! Celebrate St. Pete’s vibrant arts community with us at this unforgettable event. Sidenote: Be one of the first 25 to show proof of a $50 purchase from any participating ArtWalk gallery and receive a free limited-edition print at the SHINE Celebration! Get your VIP tickets here: https://lnkd.in/ekt7BSWH

Join us for the upcoming Beyond ABA Session: From Conception to Completion: Bringing Artistic Projects to Life with Juntos Art Association, featuring artist and curator Diana Molina alongside multi-media artists Angel Cabrales and Alejandro Macias. Together, they’ll discuss the journey of the Icons and Symbols of the Borderland, Art From the US-Mexico Crossroads exhibition, currently on display at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art (August 24 – January 19). This conversation will take you through the road trip of conceptual inception to the evolution and impact of this collective project, offering insights into the creative process and practical steps for bringing artistic projects to life. Date & Time: November 13, 2024, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm (via Zoom) Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/eVHyRh9e Cost: $10 per session, FREE for ABA Alumni and SPAA Members. Want free access to all Beyond ABA sessions? Become an SPAA Member today! Members and ABA Alumni: Contact Karalyn at [email protected] for your complimentary admission code.

Your Vote Matters! The Pinellas County Schools Referendum is on the ballot this November! This critical funding measure supports art, music, reading, and technology programs in schools, along with teacher pay supplements—ensuring a vibrant, well-rounded education for our students. Early Voting is open until November 3, 2024, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Make your voice heard and help sustain essential programs in our community.

Big news! ?? As we continue to recover from the recent storms, we’re thrilled to introduce our updated membership program with options for both individuals and organizations! With flexible pricing and exclusive perks, there’s a place for everyone. To learn more visit our website and join us in supporting the arts today! https://lnkd.in/e5M9umMd

To our St. Petersburg Artists & Arts Organization, The St. Pete Arts Alliance is committed to providing as many resources as we can to support our arts community during this challenging time. Our hearts are with you as we navigate this recovery together. Resources Available: Craft Emergency Relief Fund: Relief grants are available. Please visit their website for more details. National Coalition for Emergency Preparedness: Their Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief simplifies the process of accessing federal disaster relief for the arts and culture sector. Visit their website to learn more. FEMA offers reimbursement for business supplies, food, hotel stays, and power outages. Individual assistance, including support for self-employed artists and entrepreneurs, has been streamlined this year. Please access online. SPAA is working closely with national organizations such as the NEA, South Arts, and Americans for the Arts, all of whom are aware of the needs in our area and are ready to assist. Creative Pinellas: Our friends at Creative Pinellas will soon offer free office workspace for displaced artists, creative workers, and staff members of cultural organizations. Check their website for updates on when this service will begin. We encourage you to connect with fellow artists to share resources and support. Sometimes a listening ear or a hug can make all the difference. Lastly, take care of yourself. Self-care is essential during times like these. Don’t forget to pause, breathe, and prioritize your mental health. If you have specific needs or questions, please reach out to us at: [email protected]. Your Arts Alliance

Please note that this Saturday's ArtWalk may be impacted, and we encourage you to contact galleries directly for updates if they are still participating. Additionally, SHINE10 will be rescheduled, and we’ll share the new dates as soon as they’re confirmed. Stay safe, St. Pete.

During this time, we encourage everyone to prioritize safety. Be sure to gather your storm essentials and stay informed with local updates.