News & Blog

We at the St. Johns Cultural Council know that many individual artists and arts organizations are suffering greatly as a result of closures and cancellations related to COVID-19 — especially those hosting or performing for events or relying on ticket revenues.

We are working toward solutions to support our local arts community.

We need your help as we advocate for emergency funding, grant reimbursement for canceled events, and other sources of relief:

If events have been postponed or canceled, please update them on www.historiccoastculture.com. If you need help with this, please email Kathe O’Donnelly at sjcc@historiccoastculture.com. If you are a TDC grantee with a canceled event, please be sure to document your efforts to minimize expenses related to that event. This will be important information to share with the County when staff is making decisions about reimbursements for cancelled events. Complete the damage assessment survey at www.floridadisaster.biz. The results of this survey could make relief programs available to artists and arts organizations in St. Johns County.

Our staff is working remotely until at least April 1st, but you can reach us by telephone at 904-808-7330 or email to sjcc@historiccoastculture.com and christina@historiccoastculture.com. We are working regular business hours.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have or ideas for how we can better support you. Meanwhile, we are working to move scheduled workshops online and will be announcing an initiative to provide some support to individual artists before the end of this week.

Thank you all for making St. Johns County such a wonderful place to live and visit. These are difficult times, but I feel fortunate to be facing them in this culturally rich and beautiful part of the world.

Christina Parrish Stone

Executive Director

San Sebastian District

July 15, 2020

St. Augustine has an incredible art community and though you can find lots of galleries in Historic Downtown, the art doesn’t stop there! Head west of Flagler College to the San Sebastian District to discover St. Augustine’s great industrial history, public art, local restaurants, and a heaping handful of galleries run by recognized and reputable award-winning artists.

History

St. Augustine’s Bayfront – South of the Bridge of Lions

July 8, 2020

On a warm summer day, nothing beats a breeze coming in from beautiful Matanzas Bay during a walking along St. Augustine’s seawall! The Bayfront has long been a hot spot for visitors to St. Augustine with beautiful views and interesting attractions. This blog provides a glimpse into the history of this area along with suggestions for places to visit, eat, and stay.

Historic Site

Uptown Shopping and a Show

July 1, 2020

Uptown St. Augustine is not just home to some of the best attractions and dining spots in town: it is also full of unique boutiques and galleries featuring the work of local creatives. In this blog, we highlight some spots you’ll definitely want to check out when you need some retail therapy and a sweet treat to cap off your shopping spree, as well as a unique site to visit while you’re in the neighborhood. End your day with a show featuring talented local performers at The Limelight, St. Johns County’s original year-round community theatre.

Shop

Ray Charles & Marcus Roberts

June 24, 2020

St. Johns County is home to an outstanding music scene, with dozens of live music venues featuring performances by talented local performers, and a world-class amphitheater with concerts by internationally artists throughout the year. Our musical roots are deep, with public schools that include an exceptional performing arts academy and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, founded on 5 riverfront acres in Uptown St. Augustine in 1885 and now the largest school of its kind, a school that provided the formal music education for two of the world’s most accomplished pianists.

Uptown St. Augustine

June 23, 2020

You’ve shopped, explored, and eaten your way through the Historic District of Downtown St. Augustine. Go north! Uptown St. Augustine is home to some of the city’s greatest attractions, dinner spots, and even more shopping. Read on for a small selection of what you can find in Uptown.

Fountain of Youth

History of Catholicism in St. Augustine

June 17, 2020

St. Augustine’s architecture and streets named after famous explorers provide daily evidence of the Spanish influence in America’s oldest city. When Spain sent its fleet, they also delivered the Roman Catholic tradition to the New World’s shores.

St. Benedict the Moor Church and School

June 17, 2020

Historic Lincolnville is home to St. Benedict the Moor, the first African American parish of the St. Augustine Catholic Diocese, named for a Sicilian friar known for service to his community despite illiteracy and humble means.

Live Music on Anastasia Island

June 10, 2020

People travel to Florida’s Historic Coast for the beaches, restaurants, history, and art, but we also have some incredible local talent waiting to perform original music for you. After a long day playing tourist or relaxing on the beach, there’s nothing better than winding down with tasty food, good company, and a cozy atmosphere. Read on to learn more about venues that are locals-approved for ambiance, exciting menus, and amazing live entertainment.
Salt Life

St. Augustine: 100 Years of Film History

June 3, 2020

Most people know Hollywood as the destination for the film industry, but did you know America’s motion picture history began on Florida’s Historic Coast? Directors, producers, and actors came to St. Augustine, Florida to escape the cold New York winters and continue studio operations from December to April. Not only was the warmer weather better for film reels, the Sunshine State provided ample lighting for “indoor” scenes, which were shot on outdoor stages with false interior props because electric lighting was unreliable at the time.

Visual Art and Film: The Highwaymen

June 3, 2020

A new feature film about The Highwaymen – a group of self-taught black artists from central Florida – is currently in production by Stars North. IMBD provides the following film synopsis:

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