Step Into Creativity

ARTS & CULTURE

In Tampa Bay, the arts are everywhere, on our streets, in our galleries, and at the heart of our community. From striking public installations and dynamic performances to the people and programs that champion our creative spirit, culture here blends seamlessly with rich history to spark curiosity, connection, and adventure.

Tampa Bay Art Scene

Explore the vibrant mix of museums, theaters, and cultural spaces that shape our region’s identity. This series celebrates the artistry, storytelling, and collaboration that make Tampa Bay a place where creativity thrives.

Celebrating Tampa Bay’s
Creative Spirit, Together

Discover how advocacy, public art, and cultural access come together to make Tampa Bay a vibrant hub for creativity and connection.

Tampa Arts Alliance advances the arts in Tampa by providing foundational support to the arts ecosystem. We focus on identifying community stakeholders, encouraging the development of spaces for artists to live, work and display, fostering commerce in the arts industry, and promoting Tampa as a vibrant city of the arts.

Transforming Tampa’s streets, buildings, and public spaces into works of art that inspire, educate, and connect communities.

As the state-designated local arts agency, the Hillsborough County Arts Council provides a unified voice for all cultural organizations and activities in Tampa and Hillsborough County. The Council promotes the good news about the cultural vitality of our community to a national audience while providing grants, unified marketing efforts, research, and advocacy to help our cultural community to thrive.

LOCAL ARTIST FEATURE

Dylan Perry

Arts and culture are vital elements of Visit Tampa Bay’s marketing efforts. To support our international initiatives and direct flights from both the Netherlands and Germany, we invited Tampa-based artist Dylan Perry to showcase our creativity at events at The STRAAT Gallery (Netherlands) and the Millerntor Gallery at FC St. Pauli (Germany).

Ya La’ford

Renowned artist Ya La’ford, in partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, the Official Destination Partner of the London Art Fair 2025, presented an immersive installation that transcended boundaries and invited exploration. This site-specific, multi-sensory work celebrated Tampa Bay’s vibrant spirit while enveloping visitors in La’ford’s signature interplay of geometry, light, and space.

Tampa Bay Murals

With beautiful murals spread throughout downtown and several other neighborhoods, you’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for your next photo op.

Deep Dive into Tampa Bay Art

In Tampa Bay, arts and culture run deep. Along the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk, and throughout the downtown and Channel districts, a trove of rich culture and history awaits for you to uncover. From the Latin and Cuban influence of Ybor City to the pirate culture influenced by the legendary José Gaspar, visitors can find inspiration and adventure around every corner.

Tampa Soulwalk

Soulwalk spans approximately 46 miles and 25 neighborhoods and includes nearly 100 stops that visitors can explore, including public art installations, historic landmarks, museums, cemeteries, and more. The collaborative initiative, with partners such as the Tampa Bay History Center and the University of South Florida, brings fresh insights and opportunities to engage, remember, and explore.

Inside the History Vault

You don't need a passport to experience Tampa Bay's international influence that tells a unique story rich in culture and tradition. Tampa Bay has become a vibrant kaleidoscope of cultures represented throughout the streets of historic Ybor City, paved along Perry Harvey Sr. Park, and sprinkled down the dazzling Hillsborough River.

Where can I learn about Tampa Bay events?

Where can I get Tampa Bay art?

Visitors Center art

📍 Corner of 8th Ave and 13th St, Tampa, FL

You can find Tampa Bay–themed art and handcrafted souvenirs downtown at the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center, located on the ground floor of Tampa City Center (201 N. Franklin St.), where they offer a curated selection of locally made art, memorabilia, and apparel from Tampa artisans and authors. For a broader arts experience, head to the Tampa Museum of Art, which showcases modern and contemporary visual art along with ancient antiquities; its museum store carries artistic books and gifts inspired by its collection. Lastly, the Tampa Bay History Center’s Museum Store offers fine art, books, and home décor, making it another excellent spot to shop for Tampa Bay–inspired art and design pieces.

What are some Latino sculptures I can see in Tampa Bay?

Honors to Mothers of the World

📍 1002 E. Palm Ave, Tampa

The 6.5-foot Honors to Mothers of the World sculpture, depicting a mother with her children, has been a Mother’s Day tradition for decades. Originally installed at the University of Tampa in the 1940s and later moved to Ybor City, it was restored and, with Mayor Jane Castor’s support, found a new home at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County in 2024.

7th Ave. Streetscapes

📍 7th Ave, Nuccio Pkwy to 22nd Street, Tampa

A total of 123 depictions of tobacco shaped leaves scattered along the Seventh Avenue streetscape, serve to integrate the economic and cultural history of Ybor City. Each leaf contains a quote from long time resident Ferdie Pacheco.

Mayor Nuccio

📍 1800 E 8th Ave, Tampa

Nick Chillura Nuccio was probably the most colorful and animated politician in the history of Tampa and Hillsborough County. He was an extremely popular politician, known for his warm handshake and lively conversation. Born in Ybor City in 1901 to the son of Sicilian immigrants, he became the first person of Latin/Italian descent to be elected mayor of Tampa in 1956.

Mayor Greco

📍 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa

Dick Greco served as Tampa's Mayor twice, First Term: October 1, 1967 - April 1, 1974, Second Term: April 1, 1995 - April 1, 2003. While in his second term, Greco played a vital role in bringing the modern streetcar system to the city and revitalizing the Channel District. This sculpture of Mayor Greco, can be found at the downtown TECOLine Streetcar stop that takes you to Channelside and Ybor.

How can I go see inside historic Tampa Bay buildings?

Buildings Alive Architecture Hop

Buildings Alive is our annual architecture hop celebrating the historical preservation and cultural heritage of Ybor City. Popular with any age, "hoppers" board a rubber-wheel Jolley Trolley and visit 6 of Ybor City's historic buildings. Each stop provides a behind-the-scenes’ tour while enjoying light bites at each location. Tickets are limited! All proceeds support the Ybor City Historical Society programming including the Rollin' Through History mobile museum and the operation of the Tampa Baseball Museum.

Arts Alliance Video Series

What's fueling the growth of public art in Tampa Bay? In the second installment of "Art in Tampa," we explore the bay area's dynamic collection of public art, and the hidden impact art has on people and communities. World-renowned Tampa Bay artist Ya La'Ford and public art expert Robin Nigh provide their insights.

Tampa Artist Collaboration

10 local artist came together to create murals in the Tampa City Center to inspire joy happiness and hope into the community. This film documents their journey.