Jim Shirley, who has led the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County through transformation for the past 13 years, has announced that he will retire at the end of the year.
Shirley was hired in 2009 as the executive director of the Sarasota County Arts Council, an organization that represents arts and cultural organizations and works to improve their work with the public and strengthen support from local governments and state governments. The group changed to its current name in 2010.
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Shirley was hired several months after the council began reshaping its board of directors, moving from people elected by the community to leaders of the organizations it represents.
“It has been a great privilege to work with all the people in our amazing culture and heritage and to represent the arts with our business and political leadership,” Shirley said in a statement. “We are fortunate to live in an area that offers such a rich environment and diverse culture.”
Shirley joined Alliance after serving as director of development for what was then called the PAL Sailor Circus. The young circus is now part of the Conservatory of Circus Arts. He previously owned a large research firm. He said the art was part of what drew him and his family to Sarasota in the late 1980s.
In his announcement, Shirley said he serves as the public face of a group of board members, staff members and volunteers who believe “that the arts are an essential part of a happy and prosperous life. The arts community and al Sarasota County’s private arts industry employs more than 7,400 people and generates an economic impact of over $300 million annually. We have truly earned the title of ‘Florida’s Cultural Capital.’
Kelly Lavin, who was appointed chairman of the board late last year, said the organization “would not be where it is today if it weren’t for Jim’s hard work and dedication over the years.” She added, “We will continue to move forward at this critical time and will soon begin implementing new leadership.”
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