The Ringling fulfills a unique and vital educational mission
Some 15,000 students will begin their academic year in Manatee and Sarasota counties later this month. Together, New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art and Design, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Eckerd College, and Florida State University/The Ringling make up the Consortium of Colleges on the Creative Coast (C4). This partnership creates opportunities for collaboration and cooperation among the institutions.
As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling fulfills an important educational mission. By offering both formal and informal programs of study, The Ringling serves as a major resource for students, scholars and lifelong learners of every age across not only the region but also the world. In addition to offering a master’s program in Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies and the only doctoral program in the country in Museum Education and Visitor-Centered Exhibitions, The Ringling provides unique resources for students and faculty. C4 students are granted free admission to The Ringling as well as access to the Art Library, one of the largest art research libraries in the southeastern United States, housing thousands of volumes from the 16th to 21st centuries.
Set on 66 stunning acres on Sarasota Bay, The Ringling is an extraordinary gathering place for students. Whether to debate in our coffee shop, sketch in the galleries or simply stroll through the gardens, students from across the Manatee-Sarasota area are frequent visitors to the campus. Additionally, the event that never fails to attract this group is Ringling Underground. Now in its fourth season, Ringling Underground presents six events over the academic year — September through November, and February through April — on the first Thursday of the month from 8 to 11 p.m.
These events feature an eclectic mix of local and regional live music, work by emerging artists, access to select galleries, and the community coming together to mingle and celebrate the fine and performing arts in the Museum of Art Courtyard.
Since its inception, Ringling Underground has grown exponentially as word has spread across campuses about this unique opportunity to experience The Ringling after hours, with recent events attracting over 900 attendees. Furthermore, students are increasingly becoming part of the planning and development of the program. These events also offer a chance to experience art and music that is being created in the community.
Sept. 1 will be our first Ringling Underground of the season with a special welcome to our C4 students. The Ringling is an extension of the campuses and classrooms, offering a place for learning as well as entertainment and engagement with the local community.
John Ringling wished that his museum would “promote education and art appreciation, especially among our young people.” And upon his death in 1936, he bestowed the entire estate to the people of Florida with the dream that Sarasota would become a great cultural center. The Ringling is at the core of this great cultural center that he envisioned and the C4 students have a unique opportunity to benefit from all that The Ringling has to offer.
Steven High is the executive director of The Ringling.
This story was originally published August 7, 2016 at 11:05 AM with the headline "The Ringling fulfills a unique and vital educational mission."