Sarasota Performing Arts Center

A dispute between the city of Sarasota and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation over who would operate a proposed performing arts center at The Bay park has cast doubt on the project's future.

The city and nonprofit foundation enter a dispute resolution over the amended partnership agreement.

Sarasota’s proposed performing arts center has made far less progress than three other major cultural projects that were announced within about 18 months of each other less than a decade ago.

Violinist Adrian Anantawan and pianist Leigh McAllister were born with disabilities, but found ways to excel in music.

At an April 4 city commission meeting, the proposed partnership with the Van Wezel Foundation was approved 3-2. Opponents say there are aspects in the plan they don’t understand.