A colorful, creative neighborhood in the heart of Bradenton where artists live, work, and share their craft.
What Is the Village of the Arts?
The Village of the Arts (VOTA) is a legal commercial overlay district encompassing more than 275 properties in the City of Bradenton. VOTA has been a unique Live-Work-Play-Art community since its formation in 1999.
The VOTA District is a kaleidoscope of artistic character with eclectic murals and sculptures decorating many of historic bungalows and colorful Florida Cracker homes. Some of the homes have been converted into a variety of businesses including Art Galleries, Restaurants, Specialty Shops, Healing Arts Studios, as well as other personal and professional services. Because they are also homes most businesses have abbreviated open hours.
Visit the Village of The Arts
VOTA is a Friendly City destination worth exploring, and best enjoyed during a casual stroll. We’re located a short walk from Downtown Bradenton and near LECOM Park, the Spring Training home for the MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates and FSL’s Bradenton Marauders.
Free street parking can be found throughout the VOTA District. Additionally, there is a City of Bradenton Parking Garage close by that is also free located at 615 12th St West.
The best time to visit is during our fun Events, as well as our popular Art Walk weekends held the first full weekend of each month. Find additional local craft vendors during the first Friday evening Bradenton Art Market and explore our local Shops and art galleries during the first Saturday daytime Art Walk.
VOTA History: Our Story
VOTA grew from a shared vision to revitalize a historic Bradenton neighborhood through creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. Artists began moving into the area, restoring homes, opening studios, and transforming the area into a living, breathing arts destination.
Growing into one of the most distinctive and visited cultural areas in Manatee County, the Village continues to evolve while staying rooted in its original spirit.
Read the full story here written by one of our founding members - LINK (coming soon)
The Artists Guild of Manatee
The Artists Guild of Manatee Inc. (The Guild) was formed in 1999 as a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to build a community where artists live and work while enhancing quality of life and creating a harmonious environment.
The Guild works in partnership with the City of Bradenton to oversee the Village of the Arts District - a legal commercial overlay encompassing more than 275 properties. The Guild membership includes VOTA residents, local business owners, and other community members who share a passion for art.
During the past twenty five years the Guild has worked with Village residents and City Officials to make the Village of the Arts District a vibrant live-work-play-art neighborhood and a nationally recognized place to visit for seasonal and weekend tourists.
The Guild hosts regular General Membership meetings which are open to the public. Please visit Events/GuildMeetings page for more info.
The Artists Guild of Manatee - Board of Directors
Thank you to everyone that previously served on our Board of Directors. We are a better community because of their volunteer support.
Our volunteer driven organization elects Board members to non-paid two year terms. Board members also serve as Committee Chairs for our various programs.
Board elections are held each April. If you're interested in joining the Artists Guild of Manatee Inc. Board of Directors please submit an application by 4/10 - LINK (coming very soon)
Current Board Members:***short bios to follow
- President - David Shiplett
- Vice President - Bryan Moore
- Treasurer - Ceci Hernandez
- Secretary - Maryann Garcia
- Director - Teri Natress
- Director - Alyssa Santiago
- Director - Bill Webster
- Director - Katie Taylor
Volunteer with The Village of The Arts
We have many ways to volunteer and support arts in Bradenton, please consider lending your time and energy for one of our fun projects. We have several committees which are a great way to get involved.
Committee Form
Volunteer Form
Fundraising for The Village of The Arts
The Artists Guild of Manatee, Inc would like to thank all the wonderful donors that supported the recent Giving Challenge hosted by Community Foundation of Sarasota - your generous donations and matching funds from The Patterson Foundation generated over $13,500 for our 501c3 nonprofit organization. Thank you!
Friends of The Village of The Arts
We love being part of a community that supports the arts. Thank you City of Bradenton for their ongoing support and shared vision.
Thanks as well to our friends and supporters including Realize Bradenton, Boys and Girls Club of Manatee, Pittsburgh Pirates, United Way, Discover Bradenton, and many more.
Come experience the Village for yourself.