The Manatee Arts Education Council and Manatee Education Foundation will host the 7th Annual Arts Alive Celebration on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West in Bradenton.
The annual event recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to arts education and the cultural community in Manatee County.
This year’s honorees include Kelly Burnette, recipient of the Linda Boone Dance Education Award; Karla Corona, Distinguished Manatee County Alumni Award; Steven High, Dr. Larry R. Thompson Arts Education Advancement Award; Karen Meinberg, Barbara Turner Grace Visual Art Education Award; Gina Messenger, Vernon DeSear Arts Champion Award; and the Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island, Herbie Rose Arts Innovation Award.
The evening begins with a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction showcasing student artwork. An awards ceremony will follow at 6:45 p.m., highlighting performances by students and alumni from the School District of Manatee County.
Scheduled performers include the Manatee High School Fiddlers, Braden River High School’s River Rhapsody, Parrish Community High School’s Bulls Theatre Company, and Manatee School for the Arts’ Turning Pointe Ballet Company. Additional performances will feature Robert E. Willis Elementary School student Katalea Hodaj and Bayshore High School alumna Karla Corona.
Tickets for the reception and reserved ceremony seating are $35. Admission to the ceremony only is free, with advance reservations required for non-reserved seating.
Manatee Memorial Foundation Inc. serves as the presenting sponsor.
The celebration highlights the importance of arts education while recognizing educators, artists, and community supporters who help expand creative opportunities for Manatee County students.
Tickets and additional information are available at maecarts.org/events/arts-alive-2026.
