BIG ARTS (Barrier Island Group for the Arts)

BIG ARTS (Barrier Island Group for the Arts) is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 with a mission to provide quality cultural and educational experiences to the residents and visitors of Sanibel, Captiva, and neighboring communities. The organization offers a wide range of arts enrichment experiences, including performance events, lectures, films, receptions, and exhibits throughout the year. It also hosts workshops, children’s arts camps, and theater productions.

Located on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, FL, BIG ARTS has become a hub for arts and culture in the region. The organization's Dunlop Road location houses administrative offices, a spacious Schein Performance Hall, Gainer Veranda, Founders and Phillips Galleries, classrooms, and studio space. Additionally, the Herb Strauss Theater, a part of the organization, is known for its critically acclaimed theater productions and serves as a home for the local community theater program, BIG ARTS Community Players.

BIG ARTS is operational as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and relies on the support of more than 300 dedicated volunteers and donors, as well as individual and corporate sponsors, to sustain its programming. The organization's dedication to enriching the community with diverse arts experiences has made it a destination for arts enthusiasts and theater-lovers in southwest Florida.

Overall, BIG ARTS serves as a cultural center dedicated to promoting and celebrating the arts in the Sanibel and Captiva area, offering a diverse range of activities suitable for all ages and interests. With its long-standing presence and strong community support, BIG ARTS continues to be a home for all the arts, providing enriching experiences for residents and visitors alike.