Uplifting Our Community Together
A Partnership Guide for Local Businesses & The Fabulous Arts Foundation
For 16 years, FabAF has served as a vital catalyst for the LGBTQ+ community across Sarasota and Manatee counties. Born out of the legacy of the Harvey Milk Festival, FabAF uses the transformative power of contemporary art, music, and film to cultivate safe, affirming creative spaces where every individual feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
From establishing the resilient 925 Maddox Gallery + LGBTQ+ Center, which persisted and expanded after its roof was torn off by Hurricane Milton, to launching crucial peer support and mental health wellness initiatives, FabAF provides the life-affirming foundation our community relies on during tough times.
Local business owners are the bedrock of this mission. When you step up as a partner, you are not just purchasing a package; you are directly investing in local artist stipends, accessible queer youth programming, and vital mental health care funds. Together, we build a more inclusive, resilient, and beautiful Florida Suncoast.
Community-Centered Partnership Tiers
The Microbusiness Tier (Tier 1) Perfect for local cafes, independent shops, and freelancers wanting to stand in solidarity. By anchoring the foundation of our network, grassroots businesses ensure that local creators have accessible resources year-round.
The Visibility Tier (Tier 2) Designed for established local businesses looking to champion physical and digital equity. Your business directly helps sustain free and low-cost community-centered arts programming throughout the region.
The Event Activator Tier (Tier 3) Designed for corporate allies, law firms, real estate groups, and medical offices ready to activate positive social change. This tier directly funds mental health initiatives and creative sanctuary spaces for those navigating hardship.
The Premier Presenting Tier (Tier 4) For major regional brands, banks, and hospital networks striving to leave a lasting, transformative community legacy. Your premier corporate stewardship guarantees that safe spaces, community panels, and emergency healing infrastructure remain operational and fully accessible.
The Amazing Work of FabAF: Where Your Support Goes
Every partnership contribution directly fuels the year-round, life-changing programming curated by Executive Director & Founder Shannon Fortner and the FabAF team:
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Operating in the emerging Limelight Arts District, this newly expanded, ADA-compliant sanctuary space houses dedicated artist studios, community potlucks, and a private mental health room.
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Providing peer support networks, support groups, and specialized creative wellness workshops tailored specifically for underrepresented and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
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Fostering connection and community-centered storytelling by bringing together indie filmmakers, youth creators, and regional audiences for an immersive multi-day experience.
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Vibrant community traditions uniting local small businesses, artisans, and performers in a joyful, safe public celebration of equity and justice.
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Providing regular multidisciplinary spaces, such as intergenerational art shows and spoken word events, where connection is forged when the community needs it most.