In 1972, the Beaches Fine Arts Series began offering the people of the Jacksonville Metropolitan area the chance to enjoy world class music and dance in 8 free performances annually. The stunning structure of St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Jacksonville Beach is the setting for the majority of our concerts. However, we bring our extraordinary artists to downtown Jacksonville at various venues at least once per season for our annual “Beach Meets West!” program, introducing a wider audience to our unique series. Our programming encompasses an eclectic blend of styles from classical to contemporary, from jazz to world music and dance, from traditional to avant-garde.

Beaches Fine Arts Series has always been guided by the belief that great art celebrates our common humanity in a uniquely transcending way that breaks down the artificial boundaries of race, class, religion, education, age and economic status. Our policy of not charging admission is based on this commitment.

Following each of our concerts, community organizations, as well as other arts organizations host a reception in honor of the performers, where the audience may meet and chat with them. At the reception we present an art exhibit featuring the work of visual artists from throughout the region. Our community hosts include businesses, churches, philanthropic and service organizations and other arts organizations.

Each artist that presents on our series also performs at an educational outreach for children in Duval County Schools. Our programs are open to all schools; however, we work closely with Duval County Music Coordinators to assure that underserved and inner city youth participate. We target schools whose funding has limited the arts exposure all children should have, but many do not. We pay for bus transportation to and from the concerts where children are entertained and have an opportunity to ask questions of the artists.

Once per year, we bring an artist or group for an entire week in an extended residency. Specific and appropriate schools are selected to host the artists in their classrooms for in-depth study. We often produce activity books and lesson plans for teachers to relate art and music with core academic subjects including math, literacy and history.

To promote and enhance the cultural life of all of the people of Florida’s First Coast by presenting an annual series of outstanding musical, theatrical and dance performances and exhibits of visual art, by supporting educational outreach activities that encourage participation in, and appreciation of, the fine arts and by nurturing emerging artists.

Recognizing that the arts and culture are among our most vital tools for bringing diverse people together, the Beaches Fine Arts Series, Inc., seeks to enhance the dimensions of diversity, which include ethnicity, race, age, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, socio-economic considerations and geographic location, throughout all aspects of governance, programming and outreach.