The City of Venice is pleased to announce the selection of the Venice Institute for Performing Arts Management (VIPAM) to operate the City-owned Venice Community Center beginning Oct. 1, 2026.

The local nonprofit organization was selected through a competitive request for proposals and evaluation process to manage, maintain, market and schedule the facility on the City’s behalf. VIPAM’s proposal stood out for its strong focus on community use, expanded services for event organizers and plans to enhance the facility and overall guest experience.

The Venice City Council approved the management agreement with VIPAM on June 23, 2026 following a staff presentation. The agreement is valued at $280,000 annually, and has an initial term of five years, with two additional 24-month optional renewals.

The Venice Community Center, at 326 Nokomis Ave. S., has historically been operated by Sarasota County through the City-County Parks Interlocal Agreement, although the facility is owned by the City of Venice. When the current interlocal agreement expires Sept. 30, 2026, the City will resume responsibility for the Community Center and several other City-owned public spaces.

“The Venice Community Center has long been an important gathering place for our community,” said Assistant City Manager Roger Omenhiser. “With VIPAM’s demonstrated success over several years managing the Venice Performing Arts Center for Sarasota County Schools, the City is confident that this partnership will provide an outstanding entertainment and special events venue at a great value to the community.”

VIPAM will officially assume operations on Oct. 1. Transition work is currently underway, including contacting existing event organizers and individuals or organizations that have submitted reservation requests for dates after Sept. 30.

Reservation requests for events occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2026, may now be submitted through VIPAM's landing page at VeniceCommunityCenter.com, using the QR code below, or by contacting Director of Community Outreach Eli Jason at eli.jason@vipam.org or 941-218-3779, ext. 108.

Every effort will be made to accommodate events previously scheduled under Sarasota County’s management, provided there are no scheduling conflicts.

VIPAM’s management plan outlines a “one-stop shop” approach designed to simplify event planning by offering expanded services to event organizers including food and beverage, audio and lighting, and apprentice opportunities. It also proposed seasonal pricing options, partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations, facility enhancements and new strategies for bringing a wider range of activities and events to the center during off-peak use.

“We are honored to have been selected by the City of Venice to manage the Venice Community Center," said Michael Hartley, Co-Founder and President of the VIPAM Board. "Our organization has deep roots in this community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the City to ensure the Community Center reaches its fullest potential. Our vision is to create a welcoming destination for residents and organizations, a source of civic pride, and a vibrant venue for performing arts, cultural programming, community celebrations, meetings, and special events. We look forward to working alongside City leadership, community partners, and local organizations to build on the Center's legacy while creating new opportunities that enrich the lives of everyone in our community.”

During the transition, reservation policies, procedures, rental rates and available services will be reviewed and may be updated to support consistent operations and quality customer service. Additional information will be shared as those details are finalized.

The City appreciates the community’s patience throughout the transition and is committed to working with the Venice Institute for Performing Arts Center Management to make the process as smooth as possible for event organizers, community groups and facility users.