From Our Chair

Welcome to the Van Wezel Foundation website.   Here you will learn how community support enriches  lives  through the performing arts.

Our work supports integrative arts education, Schooltime Performances, community outreach ticketing, free concerts and other community benefit  projects provided by the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

This  year the Van Wezel Foundation will celebrate 25 years of support of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and their excellent education programs.   The Van Wezel Education programs have been nationally acclaimed and have been a key factor in the selection of Sarasota for the Any Given Child initiative of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Any Given Child is a collaborative program whereby the Kennedy Center works with local arts organizations and the Sarasota County School District to create a long-range arts education plan for students in grades K-8.  Sarasota is one of a fewer than 10 cities nationwide selected to participate.

This is truly a great honor and a testament to the commitment to integrative arts education shared by the citizens of Sarasota, the Sarasota County School District and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.  

Your financial support allows the hearts and minds of our youth to be challenged, grow and reach their greatest potential.  We, and they, thank you.

Mark P. Famiglio
Chairman of the Board
Van Wezel Foundation