Two decades of Hermitage alumni came together in New York on Monday, June 5th to celebrate the lasting legacy of the Hermitage and connect with Hermitage Fellows across all artistic disciplines. Nearly 200 alumni – including Pulitzer Prize winners, Tony and Grammy Award winners, MacArthur ‘Genius’ and Guggenheim Fellows, National Book Award winners, and more – gathered together at the Sanctuary Hotel’s Haven Rooftop to commemorate the impact of this leading national arts organization located on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“Yes, the Hermitage is a beautiful and inspiring place to create, but the more than 700 extraordinary Hermitage Fellows are the true heart of the organization. These incredible artists and their experiences at the Hermitage are collectively changing the face of the artistic landscape,” said Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “They are all part of a remarkable tradition that has fostered generative artists, writers, creators, and innovators of diverse backgrounds, many of whom have earned national and international recognition.”
The outdoor event coincided with the sunset, an iconic memory for many Hermitage Fellows, and the party featured free-flowing food and cocktails, a silent disco dance party, and more. More importantly, the evening brought together multiple generations of Hermitage alumni to connect and reconnect as they shared stories of what they accomplished while in residence on Manasota Key, how the Hermitage has impacted their work and careers, and what the organization means to them as both artist and individuals. Sandberg briefly interrupted the party to thank everyone for coming, to encourage everyone in attendance to take a moment to recognize the collective talent in the room, and to take pride in the shared legacy of what it means to be a Hermitage Fellow.
The Hermitage, through its expanding commitment to alumni engagement, endeavors to build upon what many of the artists in residence share as one of the most meaningful experiences of their careers. In addition to serving as a leading national arts incubator, the Hermitage annually presents two distinguished national commissions – the annual Hermitage Greenfield Prize and the Hermitage Major Theater Award, which will be presenting workshops and readings in major arts capitals such as New York, London, and Chicago. The Hermitage is the only major arts organization in Florida committed exclusively to developing and supporting new work across all artistic disciplines.
“It was an honor to celebrate with this passionate, beautifully diverse, and undeniably talented network of alumni,” added Sandberg. “We are in awe of the work this community creates and privileged to continue making space for their artistry to thrive.”