Arts Center receives $10 million donation

a proposed Sarasota Performing Arts

Center has received a $10 million boost.

The gift from Canadian businessman Paul Seed, who in 2021 purchased a seasonal home on Longboat Key, is earmarked to support the architecture team, to be selected this spring.

Seed founded StarTech.com in 1985, an Ontario company specializing in connectivity accessories for IT professionals. Seed is an amateur musician and has worked to develop relationships with local musicians.

Seed also sought opportunities to engage with the city’s performing arts community, regularly attending music performances at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Now, he wants to give back to the arts community.

“Paul is a role model by believing and investing in making a major philanthropic inspirational gift,” said SPAC Foundation Board Chairman Jim Travers.

Design is included in the projected overall cost of $275 million. The SPAC Foundation