Andy Sandberg | Hermitage Artist Retreat

The Hermitage Artist Retreat is the only major arts organization in Florida exclusively committed to supporting the creation of new works across all disciplines. A leading national arts incubator, the Hermitage provides residencies to artists spanning theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, film, and more.

Andy Sandberg was selected to lead the Hermitage in 2019 as Artistic Director and CEO. Sandberg is an accomplished director, writer, and producer, who at age 25 became the youngest producer in history to win a Tony Award. His work as a director, playwright, and screenwriter is largely focused on new work. “That’s what drew me to the Hermitage,” Sandberg notes. “Many people go to opening nights and talk about being there at the beginning, but the real beginning is years earlier. The Hermitage is one of the only organizations wholly committed to supporting artists at that most vital and exciting stage.”

Despite the pandemic, Sandberg has catapulted the Hermitage to new heights. “While productions and exhibits were forced to close, artists still needed space to create.” Focusing on outdoor programs that feature works-in-process, the Hermitage was one of the nation’s first organizations to safely resume live events. Since 2020, Hermitage programming has dramatically expanded with over 50 events per year featuring leading world artists—15 Pulitzer Prize recipients, MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellows, plus Grammy, Tony, and Oscar winners. The organization’s budget and staff have tripled under Sandberg’s leadership, and he’s established new partnerships locally and nationally.

Works created at the Hermitage go on to renowned concert halls, theaters, and museums. “The Hermitage is putting Sarasota on the national map because of the projects conceived here,” adds Sandberg. “Artists whose shows are coming to life on Broadway and iconic venues are saying, ‘If it weren’t for the Hermitage, this wouldn’t have happened.’”

The Hermitage also awards two of the nation’s largest arts commissions: the Hermitage Greenfield Prize and the Hermitage Major Theater Award, launched in 2021 with a gift from Flora Major. “I’ve known Andy through his work in the theater, and he’s extraordinary,” says Major. “What he’s doing at the Hermitage is unbelievable, and people around the country are taking notice.”

Sandberg maintains his theater roots, with new directing projects in development for Broadway and London. Though a native New Yorker, Andy embraces Florida’s nature by paddleboarding to work. He’s been known to paddle home with a headlamp at 2am. “Fortunately, I’ve only been knocked over by manatees once!”

6630 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223

hermitageartistretreat.org