Recent Grants Are Making The Circus Arts Safer

December 16 – Sarasota

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) has been exploring new and innovative ways to move forward with an exciting season, to bring the joy of live performance to patrons of all ages and maintain its mission of community outreach. Thanks to funding from area community foundations and Manatee County, the CAC has been able to supplement health and safety measures at its Sailor Circus Arena to ensure that the show will go on – with safety as its top priority. 

The CAC received grants of $10,000 each from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Gulf Coast Community Foundation to pay for the addition of a state-of-the-art air purifying ionization system to the HVAC system in the Sailor Circus Arena. This system, which is from Global Plasma Solutions, will reduce airborne particles, kill pathogens (including COVID-19), neutralize odors, and create a more environmentally-friendly atmosphere while reducing energy use and associated costs. The organization also received two $5,000 grants – one for sanitation supplies, the other for personal protective equipment (PPE) – through Manatee County CARES Act funding.

“In a community like ours where the circus legacy runs deep, the show must go on even during unexpected intermissions,” says Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “To keep the joy of the circus alive and thriving, we are proud to support The Circus Arts Conservatory in their efforts to thoughtfully innovate performances so when audiences of all ages take their seats this upcoming season they can feel safe, healthy, and as dazzled as ever under the big top.”

The CAC has adopted stringent COVID mitigation protocols, with masks required, temperature checks, reduced seating, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of the facilities (including fogging after each performance), pre-packaged concession stand items, ongoing COVID-19 testing for staff and artists, and more.

“Gulf Coast and our donors appreciate the unique programming and cultural legacy that Circus Arts Conservatory provides our community,” said Mark Pritchett, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “We are happy to support the CAC team as they find creative ways to carry on the tradition of the circus and continue offering safe, delightful experiences for all ages in this challenging time.”

For more information or tickets (live or digital) to the Circus Arts Conservatory’s season of shows, go to circusarts.org or call 941-355-9805.