Booker Middle School recently hosted the Arts Schools Network’s (ASN) 2025 National Conference, where educators, artists, and leaders from across the nation gathered to celebrate and advance arts education. This year’s conference brought together visionary minds under the theme: “Circus and Beyond: Big Top, Bigger Arts” (click here for video).
Attendees enjoyed an unforgettable week filled with performances, professional learning sessions, and collaborative exchanges designed to strengthen arts education and leadership nationwide. The conference featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers including: Terrance Jackson, a Booker alumni, influential arts advocate, and leader; Dr. Larry Thompson, President of Ringling College of Art and Design; and the dynamic duo Nya and Jerry Chambliss, who inspired participants with their message of creativity, purpose, and kindness through a screening of their film My Guardian Angel and the post-screening talkback.
Throughout the conference, Sarasota’s vibrant arts community shone brightly. Appreciation was extended to Booker Middle School for hosting this year’s event and to the additional schools and organizations that opened their doors to attendees including Booker High School, Sarasota High School, the Circus Arts Conservatory, the Sarasota Art Museum, and the Ringling College of Art and Design. Participants also enjoyed guided visits and tours at Booker High School, Booker Middle School, Rowlett Elementary Academy, and the Sarasota Opera, where they experienced the region’s diverse and thriving arts culture firsthand.
“We are proud that Sarasota County continues to be recognized as a destination where the arts thrive and education excels,” commented Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor. “The collaboration among our schools and community partners demonstrates the transformative power of the arts to inspire learning, leadership, and innovation. We are committed to providing these engaging opportunities for our arts educators.”
“Hosting the ASN Conference in Sarasota was an incredible honor,” reflected Dr. LaShawn Frost, Executive Director of Student Services for Sarasota County Schools and the outgoing President of the ASN Board of Directors. “Our goal was to create an experience that celebrated creativity while inspiring educators and leaders to return home with renewed passion to impact students through the arts, and we achieved just that.”
“Sarasota’s arts community is deeply rooted in creativity and collaboration,” noted Visit Sarasota President & CEO Erin Duggan. “Welcoming the Arts Schools Network to our community, known as Florida’s Cultural Coast ®, allowed us to showcase not only our cultural richness but also our ongoing commitment to supporting young artists and arts educators.”
The success of the 2025 ASN Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of its partners and sponsors. ASN extends its heartfelt thanks to each of these organizations for their partnership, generosity, and dedication to advancing arts education:
Producer Level
Johnson Singer Arts Education Fund
Ringling College of Art and Design
Director Level
Acceptd
Developing Arts Foundation
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Schmidt Vocal Arts
Visit Sarasota
Artist Level
P.S. ARTS
Patron Level
KI Concerts
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Your Farm and Garden
About Arts Schools Network (ASN)
Arts Schools Network is a national nonprofit association dedicated to providing leaders in arts schools with quality resources, support, and professional development. Founded in 1981, ASN’s mission is to promote excellence in arts education by supporting arts school leaders, programs, and institutions that serve students in the arts.