Lloyd Lasenby, Commissioner Laura Moss and John Michael Matthews. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

It’s no secret that Indian River County has a vast array of cultural arts opportunities and with the release of the latest Cultural Arts Guide, now everyone will be in the know about the 2023-24 season. Hot off the presses, the guides were launched at a Reveal Party at the Kilted Mermaid hosted by the Cultural Council of Indian River County.

Numerous events are organized within the glossy publication in various categories: Theatre & Dance; Concerts, Opera, Orchestra & Symphony; Fine Art, Galleries & Museums; Speaker Series, Lectures, Literary and Film; Community Events & Festivals; Family Events; and Children’s Activities.

There are 25,000 copies of the guide that will be available at locations around the county as well as at four Visit Florida Welcome Centers. Additionally, the Cultural Council’s online calendar is a valuable resource for any updates and changes that occur throughout the year.

It’s been a busy year for the Cultural Council. In addition to promoting the arts, the nonprofit has continued to support the development of the Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center. Alicia Quinn, Cultural Council board president, said they are currently seeking community input regarding that venture. They also continue to serve as the fiscal stewards for the planned World War II Tribute on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.

“Both projects are moving comfortably forward,” said Quinn.

Once the City of Vero Beach has finished replacing the bridge to Memorial Island, the World War II Tribute project can move forward.

Nearly half of the $700,000 goal for the project has been raised to date. Donations can be made through the Cultural Council website.

Quinn happily shared that they plan to continue their Cultural Connection series. Last year’s successful inaugural year enabled attendees to go behind the scenes at Riverside Theatre, the Vero Beach Museum of Art, McKee Botanical Garden, and the Environmental Learning Center.

“We’ve extended that grant. We’ll be visiting four additional sites this year; soon to be determined and announced,” said Quinn.

As of Dec. 1, she said, the Cultural Council office will relocate to 2400 25th Ave., off Route 60.

“We’ve been very happy the last two-and-a-half years at the Indian River County Chamber’s office building on 21st Street, but they are growing and have brought in some additional staff, so they no longer have room to house us,” said Quinn.

Looking forward, she said the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will perform three concerts again this year and, after the success of the inaugural Emerging Artists Showcase, a juried Art in Public Places exhibit for high school students at the Intergenerational Center, they plan to host another one.

“Our focus has always been outreach into the community; to educate and make them aware of what’s available in the cultural arts,” said Quinn.

“The audience is growing and changing. There’s more available for young families. Ballet Vero Beach, Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art are offering more and more family-oriented programs and programs for young special needs family members,” she said.

“From little, tiny ones through school-age children, many find fantastic connection and release through the arts, whether it’s performing arts or through the creative aspects of visual arts,” said Quinn.

“Things are moving forward comfortably with the local cultural arts. We have such a vibrant organization.”

For more information, visit Cultural-Council.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis