Village of the Arts

Village of the Arts: an arts district in Bradenton, Florida

The Village of the Arts (VOTA) is a legal commercial overlay district encompassing more than 275 properties in the City of Bradenton, Florida. Since its formation in 1999, it has operated as a Live-Work-Play-Art community in which artists reside, work, and share their craft. The district is known for its eclectic murals and sculptures, which decorate many of the historic bungalows and colorful Florida Cracker-style houses. Some of these homes have been converted into art galleries, restaurants, specialty shops, healing arts studios, and other personal and professional services. Because they are also homes, most businesses have limited opening hours.

Origin and evolution of the district

VOTA grew out of a shared vision to revitalize a historic Bradenton neighborhood through creativity, collaboration, and community involvement. Artists began moving into the area, restoring houses, opening studios, and transforming the area into a living arts destination. Over time, it has become one of the most distinctive and most visited cultural areas in Manatee County, and it continues to evolve without losing its original spirit.

The Artists Guild of Manatee

The Artists Guild of Manatee, Inc. (The Guild) was incorporated in 1999 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission of building a community where artists live and work, improving quality of life, and creating a harmonious environment. The Guild works in partnership with the City of Bradenton to oversee the Village of the Arts District. Its membership includes VOTA residents, local business owners, and other community members interested in art. Over twenty-five years, the Guild has worked with residents and city officials to turn the district into a vibrant neighborhood and a nationally recognized destination for seasonal and weekend tourists. The organization holds general membership meetings that are open to the public.

Activities and events

The district offers a year-round schedule of events. The monthly Art Walks are held on the first full weekend of each month: on Friday evening, the Bradenton Art Market takes place, with local craft vendors, and on Saturday morning, the Art Walk runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, when many of the shops are open. Seasonal events are also organized, such as the VOTA Trick-or-Treat in October, the Festival of the Skeletons in November, holiday shopping in December, the Suncoast Cigar Box Festival in February, and the Wonder Wall Mural Festival in March. The community also hosts events with live music and activities for all ages.

District businesses and services

The VOTA directory includes a variety of establishments grouped into categories such as art galleries and studios, food and drink, healing arts and yoga, and specialty shops and services. Among the listed businesses are The Village Seamstress, 10th Ave West Studio, Adobe Kava, Arte Caffe Restaurant, Arte Coyoacano, Bite Me Cookies by Cindy, Bits & Pieces (Quilt Fabric Shop), Blue Sky Yoga Arts, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food, Divine Excess, Flamingo Bay Brewing Co., Jerk Dog Records, Joan Peters Gallery, Left of Center Gallery, Manatee Pottery, Motorworks Brewing – Bradenton, Ortygia, Saw Blossom Furniture, Studio “C”, Sun Lab Brewing, The Rabbit Hole, The Village Art House Collective, The Village Mystic, The Village Patio, Turner’s Donuts, Wilder’s Pizza, and Witchgrass Studio.

Setting and accessibility

VOTA is within walking distance of downtown Bradenton and near LECOM Park, home of spring training for the MLB Pittsburgh Pirates and the FSL Bradenton Marauders. There is free street parking throughout the district, as well as a free City of Bradenton parking garage at 615 12th St West. The district is described as a destination for exploring on foot, with a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Support and community

The district is sustained by the continued support of the City of Bradenton, local businesses, residents and property owners, as well as the Bradenton arts community. The Artists Guild of Manatee, Inc. channels donations and volunteer efforts to support the monthly Art Walks, local artists, public events, and neighborhood initiatives. The organization has volunteer committees and appreciates the support of entities such as Realize Bradenton, Boys and Girls Club of Manatee, Pittsburgh Pirates, United Way, and Discover Bradenton, among others.