The Leadership Tampa 2023 class enjoyed a fantastic Arts & Culture Day on November 9. The chair of the day was Jill Witecki, Vice President and Director of Marketing & Community Relations at Tampa Theatre (LT 2014). Jill put together an incredible day of visits to museums, theaters and parks so that the class could get a taste of the amazing cultural offerings in Tampa.
We started the day dark and early at the Tampa Bay History Center, enjoying tours led by Dr. Brad Massey and Rodney Kite-Powell. It was a treat to learn about the Cuban Pathways exhibit from Massey, with emphasis on how they worked to not lose sight of individual stories when examining 500 years of history. Kite-Powell showed the class the Touchton Map Library, and explained the current display of Florida maps.
After a short bus ride, the class explored Oaklawn Cemetery, the oldest remaining cemetery in Tampa. Several factors make the cemetery unique, including the diverse population interred there. Highlights included the grave of William and Nancy Ashley and the tomb of Vicente Martinez Ybor.
We then walked to Perry Harvey Park for a tour of the public arts on display by Melissa LeBaron Davies, Project Coordinator, Arts and Cultural Affairs for the City of Tampa Arts Program. Many in the class had not visited the park before and expressed delight at the variety of art installations. We enjoyed learning about the different artists represented and seeing the marker for old Central Avenue.
Next up was an in-depth tour of the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory in Ybor City. On our way to the factory we drove by Jackson House, a boarding house for African-Americans in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, the house has fallen into extreme disrepair and we are in danger of losing an important historic site. Upon arrival at the cigar factory we enjoyed a welcome by Drew Newman, who gave us a brief overview of the history of the company and their operations today. What followed was the factory tour. We saw the hand-rolling stations, the curing/aging room, the archives (with a sneak peek at a hidden staircase!), a space to rehydrate tobacco leaves, and the machine rollers. The factory can produce 40,000-60,000 cigars per day.
Somehow, after all this our day was not even halfway done!
We boarded the bus and traveled to Cena Restaurant, where we were welcomed by Chef Michael Buttacavoli. Rae Ann Boyle, ASD SKY (LT2022), greeted us and welcomed us on behalf of the day’s sponsor. Lunch was delicious, and accompanied by a fascinating discussion of Tampa’s food culture by Jeff Houck of the 1905 Family of Restaurants. Jeff emphasized the diversity of restaurant and food culture in the area, including both small and large food establishments.
Once we’d been recharged with an Italian feast, we walked next door to Stageworks Theatre for a presentation by Karla Hartley and a short improv exercise. Karla discussed the power of theater and the different types of programs offered – including theater for anger management and the benefits of theater for children! The improv activity allowed us to work together in small groups, playing off each other and being creative.
A quick hop on the bus led us to the Tampa Museum of Art, where we learned about the planned Museum expansion from Executive Director Michael Tomor. The expansion will help the institution reach a more diverse audience, who might not otherwise enjoy the programs and exhibits offered. Several class members expressed interest in returning at a later time to explore the Museum’s galleries.
We walked across the street to The Straz Center, where we learned about the major changes upcoming to the lobby areas. This expansion is also designed to improve access to the spaces and allow for community building. A backstage tour by Bill Rolon included stops in the Patel Conservatory performance space and the largest theater in the facility. It was quite a view looking out at the 2,600 seats arrayed in front of us!
Our final stop for the day was Tampa Theatre, where we were greeted with popcorn and soda (a very welcome treat)! The day ended with a panel discussion moderated by Tampa Theatre President & CEO John Bell. Participants in the panel were: Janette Berrios, Symphonic; David Cox, Gasparilla Music Foundation; and Tyler Martinolich, Film Tampa Bay. The three provided their perspectives on the music and film scene in the area. In particular we learned about the issues regarding lack of incentives for filming, and the challenges in collaborating among different regions.
After a very full day we got back on the bus, our feet tired and our heads full of the incredible arts and cultural resources in Tampa. We were exposed to a great variety of organizations, and left wanting to learn and explore more! Our thanks go to all the speakers, organizers, sponsor, and day chair.