Future of the Arts in Manatee County
BY SHELLY WEST
For nearly two decades, a dynamic duo has been at the heart of Manatee County’s performing arts renaissance. Together, Artistic Director Rick Kerby and CEO Janene Amick have transformed a local community theater into a regional cultural cornerstone—blending creativity and leadership to build not only stages but lasting impact. Their partnership stands as proof that when vision meets passion, art can shape an entire community.
Nearly 20 years ago, their collaboration began transforming the landscape of performing arts in Manatee County. What started as a partnership between an artistic visionary and a strategic leader has evolved into a powerhouse team at the heart of Florida Cultural Group, the nonprofit that owns and operates the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
At the time, the organization was preparing to leave its historic Riverfront Theatre and move into a new era. Rick brought decades of theatrical expertise—directing and producing award-winning shows that would define the community’s cultural identity. Janene brought the business acumen and fundraising drive to make that artistic vision a sustainable reality. The two of them built something larger than either could have achieved alone: a thriving cultural organization that blends artistry, education, and community connection.
Rick and Janene are two halves of a perfectly balanced creative equation. Rick’s direction and storytelling breathe life into productions that engage, educate, and entertain. Janene’s leadership ensures each of those performances aligns with Florida Cultural Group’s mission: to create, entertain, and strengthen an artistic, creative, curious, and thriving community by bringing people together.
“Our shared goal was simple yet deeply rooted—to create a place where people could come together through the arts,” Janene says. “What started as a commitment to great theater has evolved into a broader mission embracing education, access, and opportunity for all ages.”
“Janene and I bring different strengths to the table, and that’s what makes it work,” Rick adds. “She has deep community roots and a remarkable ability to connect people to our mission. My experience comes from a lifetime in live entertainment, so together we blend creative vision with practical leadership.”
Their shared understanding is simple but profound: art inspires, but leadership sustains. Rick gives the community a reason to gather—Janene makes sure there’s a place for them to do it.
When the two first began working together, productions were still staged at the old Riverfront Theatre. But a bigger dream was already forming: a state-of-the-art performing arts center that would anchor the community for generations. Through years of determination, advocacy, and a successful $22 million capital campaign, the Manatee Performing Arts Center opened its doors in 2013. Today, it welcomes over 38,000 patrons each year and generates over $4 million in local economic impact.
“Our first production in the new building—Miss Saigon—was a huge leap of faith,” Rick recalls. “We were rehearsing in a space that wasn’t even ready for audiences yet, but everything came together beautifully. It was the moment we knew the Manatee Performing Arts Center could live up to its potential.”
And they’re not done yet. Their next ambitious project—Sara’s Studios—will extend that legacy into the future. This four-story, 31,000-square-foot education and rehearsal complex is designed to expand the organization’s reach and ensure that creativity thrives year-round.
Sara’s Studios at a Glance:
1st Floor: Rehearsal and practice studios for students and performers
2nd Floor: Administrative offices and multipurpose classroom space
3rd Floor: Audio/visual learning rooms and recording studios
4th Floor: Orchestra rehearsal hall, music library, and offices
Open seven days a week, the facility will host lessons, youth programs, rehearsals, and community events—cementing Florida Cultural Group’s role as the region’s cultural hub.
“Sara’s Studios was inspired by a simple but powerful idea—that creativity deserves space to grow,” Janene explains. “It will do more than train artists; it will strengthen community, foster inclusion, and open doors for people of all ages to explore their creativity.”
“As proud as I am of our current space, we’ve lost the opportunity to expand our education department,” Rick says. “It will be wonderful to have a dedicated new building to make sure the next generation can grow and learn. It’s incredible to live in a community that supports the arts and its future.”
Rick continues to bring artistry and heart to the stage through a diverse slate of productions: Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical, DraMature’s Holiday Production, and a new interactive murder mystery staged at the Florida Railroad Museum.
“We’ve continued to raise the bar technically and artistically,” Rick says. “Our donors and community partners believe in the power of live theatre to change lives, and that support keeps our facility one of the most advanced in the region.”
“What excites me most about directing shows like Frozen or our new interactive mystery is the people,” he adds. “It’s inspiring to work with volunteers and performers who give so much of their time and talent to create something special for the community.”
As CEO and Chief Fundraising Officer, Janene Amick is known affectionately as Florida Cultural Group’s “Chief Cheerleader.” Her leadership is fueled by enthusiasm, gratitude, and a genuine love for connecting people to the mission.
“Being the Chief Cheerleader means leading with optimism and gratitude,” she says. “When people know their contributions matter, they give their best selves to the work—and that energy is contagious.”
She believes fundraising isn’t about transactions—it’s about relationships. Her approach has inspired trust among donors, volunteers, and staff, fueling major initiatives like the Sara’s Studios Capital Campaign, which has already attracted multimillion-dollar community support.
“The most rewarding moments are when donors see the impact of their generosity firsthand,” Janene adds. “It’s in those moments that the arts become personal.”
After two decades, Rick and Janene’s partnership continues to evolve—but its foundation remains the same: a shared belief that art changes lives.
“Without question, I’m most proud of the people,” Janene reflects. “Over the years, we’ve built more than new facilities; we’ve built a community bound by creativity, compassion, and shared purpose.”
“Looking ahead, I hope we’ll see even more collaboration among local arts organizations,” Rick says. “When we share resources and work together, everyone benefits.”
Their next chapter will focus on expanding access to arts education, nurturing new talent, and reimagining how the community experiences performance.