We need to begin to panic. Our arts and cultural gems are on a collision course with no growth.

Why should we panic? According to the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, a 2015 study revealed that the arts and cultural attractions brought 7,445 jobs and $295 million in direct expenditures. Four years later, that number has grown for sure.

Most of our arts and cultural attractions are located in the City of Sarasota. They experience the bulk of the prosperity from our area unofficially being labeled “The Cultural Coast.”

We have witnessed one arts and cultural institution outright sell their space and three experience a less than welcoming, and in some cases, hostile reception from local government leaders when they tried to stay and expand for their future sustainability.

One is moving out of the city, a second is moving its tourism out, a third and fourth are now looking for homes outside the city.