Thank you for your support in these hard economic times As economic challenges concern us all, here are some thoughts on the value of culture.

Museums (as well as performing arts venues) support the economy. Annually, the Ringling Museum employs over 250 magnificent professionals, in addition to supporting countless vendors and contractors. Since 2000, we have invested some $100 million in our local economy through capital building projects, historic preservation and other site improvements – public investments leveraged through private philanthropy. Broaden this view to new performing arts facilities as well as local investment in colleges and universities throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties and you witness a staggering cultural investment.

The Ringling Museum is a major driver of regional tourism. Of the nearly 400,000 visitors we serve each year, two-thirds live outside our local counties. Nearly half come from out-of-state, 7% from other countries. Florida’s Gulf Coast boasts gorgeous white sandy beaches to our north and south, but how many waterfront communities offer opera, symphony, numerous theater companies, a marine laboratory, botanical gardens and an estate as magnificent as Ringling?

More, though, than money, the Ringling Estate – combined with the offerings of our sister cultural and educational institutions – provide us a quality of life beyond even the aspirations of most comparable communities. The value exceeds our ability to calculate.

To our loyal members and the many tourists who visit our museums of circus and art, the Cà d’Zan mansion, our special exhibitions and nightly performances in the Historic Asolo Theater, we thank you.            

Yours sincerely,

Dr. John Wetenhall
Executive Director