ArtCenter Manatee Announces Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Art Center

August 7, 2023 – Bradenton

After much anticipation, ArtCenter Manatee is excited to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for their new center for the arts, on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the future site of the Center located at 209 9th St W, Bradenton. 

ArtCenter Manatee first announced the new building campaign, Transforming Lives & Building Community, in September 2018, just before COVID hit.

“Breaking ground on our new iconic Center is an historic event.” said ArtCenter Executive Director, Carla Nierman. “For the past 68 years, we have operated out of our current facility, making renovations to increase class and exhibition space, turning students away because we did not have room to grow. We share a commitment with the community to build a stronger, more engaged community through the shared experience of art. The arts provide inspiration and joy to residents, beautify public spaces, and strengthen the social fabric of our communities. They are a powerful tool to bring people of all backgrounds together.

The new Center will be named Herrig Center for the Arts. The new Center’s address will be 888 Avenue of the Arts (3rd Ave W).

We are grateful for the generosity of our donors including members, friends, and businesses, especially our transformational donors: The Steve & Natalee Herrig Family Foundation, the Bishop Parker Foundation, the Johnson Singer Foundation, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Bradenton CRA, Johnson PhotoImaging and the State of Florida. We look forward to serving community needs with a 2-story 28,000 SF facility that will meet the growing demand for visual arts classes, exhibits, and other arts programming, well into the future.

The ArtCenter will operate uninterrupted in their current facility while the new one is constructed. Once construction is complete, the building will be razed to make room for a community park and sculpture garden that will face 9th St W, creating a beautiful welcoming entrance into Bradenton.

The groundbreaking event will feature key community leaders as well as the ArtCenter Executive Director. Due to parking and seating limitations, the ceremony will be by invitation only.