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The Ringling Presents FrEnemies of Contemporary Performance and Art New Program Honors the Legacy of Chick Austin Contact Name: Virginia Harshman Contact Email: virginia.harshman@ringling.org Contact Phone Number: 941-359-5700 ext 2803 Sarasota, Florida- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is looking to inspiration from the past to create innovative programming for today. Arthur Everett “Chick” Austin, Jr., the Ringling’s first Executive director’s innovative outlook on embracing art in all its forms brought a revitalized interest in different types of artistic media to the Ringling in 1949. A true visionary, Chick, revolutionized museum practice with a deep appreciation for the artistry of musicians, choreographers and dancers, and was a leader in presenting performance in American museums. “The function of a museum,” Chick said, “is more than merely showing pictures. The museum is the place to integrate the arts and bring them alive.” Chick also created a program in which those who loved and/or hated contemporary performance could come together to discuss why. He called this program the Friends and Enemies of Contemporary Performance. The Ringling is now honoring his memory by bringing these round table talks back- now called the FrEnemies of Contemporary Performance! Each program will focus on a particular performance medium and will be moderated by a local performance practitioner, curator, or scholar within each field of focus. These discussions will allow visitors to freely share their opinions on contemporary performance and will create the opportunity for unbiased dialogue and conversation. Sonja Shea, The Ringling’s Assistant Performance Producer said” We are pleased to offer this experience that will honor our heritage as a center for performance while creating a space for contemporary dialogues. We highly recommend that visitors experience the differing performance mediums in the Historic Asolo Theater's season of performance before attending these discussions.” The event will kick-off March 19, 2020, from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. as part of Art After 5 programming. Brendan Ragan, Co-Artistic Director of Sarasota's Urbanite Theatre, will facilitate a special round table discussion on contemporary theater. Whether you love or hate abstract and experimental forms of theater join Brendan as he explores what constitutes contemporary theater, how it decisively challenges forms of drama while expressing newness through investigational attitudes and structures, and why it can sometimes be so difficult to experience. These programs are free but do require a ticket reservation as space is limited. More information is available at Ringling.org or 941-360-7399. ### About The Ringling The Ringling is a center for art, history and learning situated on 66 acres on Sarasota Bay. It is built on the legacy of circus entrepreneur, collector of art and financier John Ringling and his wife Mable. The Ringling inspires visitors with an acclaimed collection of Old Master paintings, explores with them the diverse cultures and art of Asia, delights them with the story of the American circus, and transports them to the Roaring Twenties during a tour of the magnificent Ca’ d’Zan mansion. The Ringling is also committed to exhibiting the work of an emerging community of living artists that moves beyond traditional practice and features dynamic and engaging contemporary visual and performing arts, including a diverse roster of theater, music and dance. The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida. Affiliated with Florida State University, it is one of the largest university art centers in the nation. Media Contacts The Ringling: Virginia Harshman Public relations specialist Virginia.harshman@ringling.org 941-359-5700 X 2803