Centering the Arts in Tampa

Join us to kick-off a campaign for an exciting project that centers the arts in Tampa.  This rare opportunity will place a proven arts advocate in the middle of the action with a presence that promotes and represents the value of the arts in Tampa. 

The Tampa Arts Alliance has secured a 5,000 sq. ft. ground-floor space in the heart of downtown, generously donated by Farley White Interests, at 201 E. Kennedy Blvd. This prime location ensures the arts will have a visible, strategic seat at the table as our city continues to grow. We are now raising funds to build-out the space into a first-class showcase for regional artists and organizations. With the expertise of The Beck Group, we plan to open by March 2026.

We need your help to take advantage of this incredible window of opportunity. 

Start-up funds needed by November 1, 2025
$ 1200000
Current status * : July 7, 2025
$ 0

* Current status incorporates in-kind donations including the value of a Class-A building lease for year one. The multi-year lease donation by Farley White Interests is valued at over $1M.

 

Make a Donation to Center the Arts

Thank you for your support. Together we will create a beautiful space that inspires the community and creates opportunities for artists. All donations are appreciated. 

If you are interested in making a gift over $10,000, a recurring pledge over time, directing investment funds, or in naming rights for a major aspect of construction, please contact:

Michele Smith, Executive Director    

Checks can be mailed to our post box:
Tampa Arts Alliance
701 S. Howard Ave, #106-233
Tampa, Florida 33606

Tampa Arts Alliance is a 501(c)(3) EIN#82-4533259

The Vision

I- Showcase Regional Talent

The center showcases the talent of regional artists and organizations.

Exhibitions will be supplemented with the work of internationally established artists to encourage connection and growth. General access will be free and open to the public.

This unique space will be an amenity to thousands of workers, residents and visitors moving through downtown every day, with a prime location on the corner of Kennedy Blvd. and Tampa St. across from Lykes Gaslight Park. This will amplify awareness of Tampa’s diverse arts community eager to be seen. 

Unique Design Elements

Moveable Walls: an overhead rail system organizes moveable display walls with curated exhibitions sourced from cultural spaces and regional artists. The wall system perfectly complements 15ft high floor-to-ceiling windows wrapping around the perimeter of the space. 

Flexible Space: the main gallery will showcase a curation of 2D & 3D visual art. However, the 5000 sq ft space can be reconfigured for special events, seated presentations, a temporary stage and more.

The Vault: this former bank vault will be an artistic haven with the potential to offer an immersive experience.

In April we hosted a Center Preview for area stakeholders who are excited to collaborate. Read more

II - Connect & Represent the Arts Ecosystem

The arts center will provide a venue for disconnected arts organizations to connect, develop relationships, and expand their programming and reach.

The Tampa Arts Alliance has catalogued over 200 galleries, theaters, museums, artist studios, and independent art stores in Tampa. The center will be a hub of connection for serving this thriving ecosystem, across all mediums.

Downtown is home to several of the region’s finest arts institutions, world-class education and award-winning festivals, all who attract massive audiences and are a major economic stimulus to the region. The center will act as a connective agent that inspires collaboration across the entire art scene, large and small. 

Our location – adjacent to City Hall, Tampa City Council, the Board of County Commissioners, the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and more—centers the arts amidst planners and decision makers.  

 

Our new space is housed in Fifth Third Center, 1st Floor on the corner of Kennedy Blvd. & Tampa St. across from Lykes Gaslight Park.

III- Create Experiences that Endear the Arts

The arts center will work with local stakeholders to activate public spaces.

Downtown has over 60,000 workers, 20,000 residents and attracts millions of visitors. Bringing the arts into public spaces increases visibility to the arts center and our exhibits. 

Local agencies like Tampa Downtown Partnership, Visit Tampa Bay, and Gasparilla Festival of the Arts have experience activating the parks with music, art and performance. We intend to continue to partner with them and other agencies to create experiences that innovate and inspire.  

Arts Pop-Up collaboration with Visit Tampa Bay in Poe Plaza featuring local visual and performing artists.