THANK YOU!

I am happy to report that The Ringling ended its 2021–22 fiscal year in a great financial position! Our finances were helped by a resurgence of visitors to our region that brought our annual visitation up to 85% of preCOVID numbers. Interestingly, our income from admission sales increased with admission income, far surpassing our budgeted revenue expectations.

We were able to move back to a normal exhibition schedule during the year and featured Hard Bodies: Contemporary Japanese Lacquer Sculpture from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which opened in the fall and Rhodnie Desir: Conversations, the first installation by this Montreal-based dancer in the Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery. In November we opened As long as there is sun, as long as there is light, which highlighted a major gift of contemporary art by Murray Bring and Kay Delaney Bring. We finished the exhibition year with Metadata: Rethinking Photography from the 21st Century This innovative exhibition explored the life of data that travels with digital images and included an international lineup of artists.

Our performing arts program relied on an enlarged film program and implementing new artist residencies and performances during the year. Performances by jazz artist Jamison Ross, Yissy Garcia, Sharing Grandmothers, and the Makuyeika Colectivo Teatral concluded the season. The development of The Greatest Show on Earth gallery in collaboration with FELD Entertainment continued with our London-based design partners New Angle and Cultural Innovations and will open in the Tibbals Learning Center in 2023. Our education team performed remarkably well and provided virtual programs in a wide array of formats. Toward the end of 2021 we began introducing on site programs to small audiences and midyear 2022 renewed tours of the Ca’ d’Zan. Our Visitor Services, Security, and Facilities/Grounds teams were dedicated to customer service and keeping our buildings and grounds in top condition throughout the year.

The Ringling is an exceptional and unique institution, and I am very proud of our staff and board for their work and leadership over the past three years. I also appreciate the support and encouragement we have received from the leadership of Florida State University and President McCullough and Provost Clark. But ultimately, it is all of you, our members, donors, and visitors that keep us all motivated to provide an extraordinary experience when you visit.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you soon at The Ringling.