An expert panel from USA Today has curated a list of the top 20 arts districts in America, and St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District (WADA) has been proudly nominated. WADA stands out as a vibrant hub for artists and art enthusiasts alike. USA Today invites you to vote for your favorite arts district until polls close on Monday, February 17, at noon ET. You can vote once per day until the closure, and the winners, determined by popular vote, will be announced on Wednesday, February 26. Vote for St. Pete’s WADA here.
USA Today highlights WADA’s Duncan McClellan Gallery and ArtsXchange (originally founded by prolific sculptor and artist Mark Aeling) as the anchors of the district, describing it as “a creative ecosystem behind an industrial facade.” Indeed, the warehouses in WADA were once home to tomato and seafood packing plants, a commercial laundromat, and a sewer equipment manufacturer, among other businesses. The Warehouse Arts District Association has transformed these spaces into a “creative corridor” that attracts artists, innovators, and developers, breathing new life into the area.
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Located diagonally opposite ArtsXchange is The Morean Center for Clay, a unique establishment that has revitalized a once-deserted train depot. This historic site now houses 50 ceramics studios, making it a hub for art enthusiasts. Additionally, the Pinellas Trail, which runs through the district, transforms the area into an open-air art gallery with murals and sculptures that enhance the cycling experience, creating a truly immersive environment for visitors.
Building and sustaining a vibrant arts community
“In 2025, WADA not only remains dedicated to delivering culturally distinct and socially impactful programming, but we also stand as passionate advocates for the arts. We actively pursue diverse initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability and support for artists,” writes Markus Gottschlich, Executive Director of the Warehouse Arts District Association.
Residents of St. Petersburg will recognize that beyond its galleries and studios, WADA primarily functions philanthropically, championing artists through its programs and initiatives. “Our mission is to build and sustain a vibrant arts community in St. Petersburg, Florida,” declares WADA’s mission statement. “[One] that supports the success of all artists and the community at large through a variety of tools, including community revitalization, marketing, advocacy, and educational programming.” These initiatives are designed to empower and support both artists and the broader community.
Cast your vote for the Warehouse Arts District
USA Today’s inclusion of the Warehouse Arts District in their list of the top 20 arts districts in the nation testifies to the efficacy and success of WADA’s mission. So, residents of St. Pete, cast your vote of support and confidence for the Warehouse Arts District as America’s premier up-and-coming arts district.
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