AdventHealth Partners with Straz Center to Enrich Tampa Bay's Arts Scene

AdventHealth Teams Up with Straz Center to Boost Arts Access

In an exciting development for Tampa Bay's cultural landscape, AdventHealth has announced a new partnership with the Straz Center for the Performing Arts aimed at enhancing artistic opportunities for the community. This collaboration is rooted in the Straz Center's Boundless Campaign, a visionary initiative designed to revitalize and expand the arts’ impact in the area.

The centerpiece of this partnership is the AdventHealth Riverwalk Stage, a state-of-the-art venue that will be constructed along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk. This innovative space is intended to provide free access to world-class performances, allowing residents and visitors alike to experience the transformative power of art right in the heart of downtown Tampa. The stage and its surrounding spaces will be designed to make the arts accessible and inviting to all, a goal that aligns closely with AdventHealth's mission of holistic care, which nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.

David Ottati, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "AdventHealth is honored to partner with the Straz Center to support their Boundless Campaign and arts education programs. Engaging with the arts enriches our emotional and social well-being, providing moments for laughter, connection, and reflection. Integrating the arts into whole-person care is a natural extension of our mission."

In addition to the AdventHealth Riverwalk Stage, the partnership will also enhance Straz Center's summer camps and classes at the Patel Conservatory. These programs aim to foster creativity and confidence among young participants through exposure to musical theater, dance, and other performance arts. This initiative underscores the shared commitment to develop future generations of artists and performers who will enrich the local cultural scene.

Lauren Key, senior executive officer for consumer strategy at AdventHealth, emphasized the broader impact of the collaboration, noting, "Investing in a partnership with the Straz Performing Arts Center is also a strategic investment in our community. It will stimulate economic growth through increased tourism, job creation, and supportive measures for local businesses."

Straz Center President and CEO Greg Holland added, "We are delighted that AdventHealth will partner with us on the Boundless Campaign. As we reimagine our place in the downtown arts district, the new riverfront performance area will enhance our role as an arts educator and community builder. Through community partners like AdventHealth, our expanded facilities will create added dimensions for the Straz, opening our doors to everyone."

The construction of the AdventHealth Riverwalk Stage is slated to begin in 2025, marking a significant investment in Tampa Bay's cultural future. This development is anticipated to offer numerous unique opportunities for artistic expression, fostering community engagement and accessibility in the arts. By bringing free, world-class performances to the area, the partnership hopes to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts within the Tampa Bay community and beyond.

As AdventHealth and the Straz Center prepare for this ambitious project, the synergy between health and arts continues to take shape, reflecting a holistic approach to well-being that resonates with the community's values and aspirations.