BIG Arts (Barrier Island Group for the Arts)

The BIG Arts community, which is short for Barrier Island Group for the Arts, is located in Sanibel Island, Florida. Their mission is to " provide quality cultural and educational experiences to the residents and visitors of Sanibel, Captiva, and the neighboring communities." BIG Arts has been in operation since 1979. It began as a small group of artists created a cultural center that the entire island would be able to enjoy. In addition to performing arts, BIG Arts also focuses on visual arts and events. The community has access to more than 200 workshops and classes annually because of BIG Arts. The organization is run primarily by volunteers, but there are some staff members. Originally, BIG Arts events were held in private residences. In 1987, a small cottage was donated to the organization. Thus began the organizations life on Dunlop Road. The Founders Gallery was opened in the cottage and concerts under the garden tent became the norm. In 1990, the organization moved to a larger facility, the Phillips Gallery,that featured an art gallery, classroom and concert hall. In 1997, this property expanded to include Schein Hall, a 400 seat concert venue and then in 2006, expanded again to include Boler Garden. The newest addition to BIG Arts, the Herb Strauss Theater was added in 2010.