Fairgrounds St. Pete has secured a sponsorship by Jeff and Penny Vinik to launch its new program, “Art for All,” which will provide 2,000 complimentary experiences to Tampa Bay public schools and approved nonprofits each month for one year.

Fairgrounds St. Pete is not just a venue; it’s a place where people of all ages can explore the magic of creativity and how art and storytelling are transformed by cutting-edge technologies. And now, the captivating installations and activities at Florida’s only immersive art and tech museum will be accessible to even more people, completely free of charge.

An immersive Florida experience for inquiring minds

“With the Viniks’ continued generosity, we are able to make our artist-made world accessible to those who may have never received the opportunity otherwise,” said Liz Dimmitt, CEO and Co-Founder of Fairgrounds St. Pete. “For so many of these kids, the Fairgrounds St. Pete experience ignites a curiosity and passion that stays with them for years to come—it doesn’t get much more rewarding than that.”

At the heart of Fairgrounds St. Pete’s mission is nurturing a love for the arts and innovative technology among local youth, while also introducing underserved community members to the joys of creativity. In line with this goal, recent partnerships have included providing exclusive experiences for organizations like Artz 4 Life Academy, which promotes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and cultural enrichment. Other collaborations have involved Metropolitan Ministries, Blake High School, and several others.

A profound impact on the Tampa Bay region

“We believe Fairgrounds St. Pete has had a profound impact in the Tampa Bay region, from showcasing the talents of our local artists to engaging the community with meaningful programming and events,” said Penny and Jeff Vinik. “We are proud to support the Fairgrounds St. Pete as it continues to inspire and empower the next generation to dream big, think critically, and express themselves.”

Beyond journeying through a warehouse of immersive exhibits that transport them to an alternate reality, students can dive deeper into the uniquely Florida narratives with added educational activities. These range from a safari to find and identify 20 native bird species created by artist Cecilia Lueza to “Pepe’s Plight,” a riddle-based scavenger hunt guiding them throughout the experience with the help of rhyming clues. Public schools and community groups with an emphasis on youth enrichment and serving families throughout the Tampa Bay area are invited to apply for the opportunity online. Organizations will be notified within two weeks of applying. Questions can be emailed to education@fairgrounds.art.

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