All about the Arts

Gulfshore Playhouse Naples Art Institute Naples Players production, Ada and the Engine

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As Mayor of Naples, I am often reminded of what draws people to our city. Again and again, residents share that it is our vibrant arts and cultural scene, a defining hallmark of Naples that reflects the dedication, passion, and vision of those who lead and support our arts community. Through theater, visual arts, and diverse cultural programming, the arts enrich our daily lives, strengthen our civic identity, and bring people together in meaningful ways. The City of Naples has long recognized this essential role, understanding that a thriving arts environment enhances our public spaces, preserves our history, and deepens our sense of community.

Two institutions in particular were intentionally positioned to draw people to Naples and have since become cornerstones in shaping the city’s cultural landscape. Founded in 1953 and establishing their permanent home at the Sugden Community Theatre in 1998, The Naples Players have anchored Fifth Avenue South as a centerpiece for the performing arts. Each year, they welcome tens of thousands of patrons, offering opportunities for shared artistic experiences that foster creativity and community connection. Just across Fifth Avenue in Cambier Park, the Naples Art Institute, established during this same year, continues to broaden our cultural horizons through exhibitions, classes, and public programs that nurture artists of all ages and backgrounds. Their continued success reflects the enduring vision of those who believed that the arts should be woven into the very fabric of our community, a vision that continues to guide us today.

Building upon this foundation, I am proud to share that on October 8, 2025, the city council approved a Public Art Partnership Agreement with Gulfshore Playhouse. This collaboration marks an important step forward in our commitment to supporting creativity and cultural enrichment citywide. Through this agreement, the city and Gulfshore Playhouse will combine their public art funds to commission a single, signature piece of public art. A joint selection panel will oversee the artist selection and site placement to ensure the artwork reflects our shared values of aesthetic excellence, public accessibility, and lasting artistic significance. This initiative underscores Naples’ belief that public art is a powerful expression of community spirit.

Our dedication to the arts was further demonstrated during recent discussions with the new Four Seasons Naples Beach Club. I am delighted to highlight their Public Art Program, which features five outdoor sculptures by artists Daved H. Turner and Guillaume Castel. From life-sized bronze wildlife sculptures such as “Henry” the pelican and Great Blue Heron III to the abstract stainless steel piece Samare, each work celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of our region. Placed along a public, walkable trail that connects Market Square to the gulf beach, these sculptures invite residents and visitors to pause, learn, and explore. They also reflect important partnerships with local institutions such as The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and United Arts Collier, ensuring that art, nature, and history remain intertwined in the Naples experience.

Together, these efforts affirm Naples’ longstanding belief that the arts are not simply an enhancement, they are a defining feature of who we are. By investing in strategic partnerships, supporting public art installations, preserving historic landscapes, and uplifting artistic expression, we ensure that Naples’ cultural legacy endures for generations.

I encourage all residents and visitors to experience the many ways art enriches life in Naples whether through a performance, museum visit, art class, lecture, or concert. May these moments inspire you, deepen your connection to our community, and create memories to share with family and friends.

With joy and blessings,

Teresa Lee Heitmann