Panama City, Fla. – Panama City is on the cusp of becoming an artist’s and art lover’s mecca since establishing itself as a diverse and dynamic destination for both the performing and visual arts. With the creative energy of a progressive city, Panama City is home to a host of cultural facilities, an eclectic mix of venues and a thriving live-music scene.

“Panama City is on the rise as a destination for the arts, and we are thrilled to welcome visitors who come to experience our bustling arts scene in addition to the world-class water activities we have long been known for,” said Jennifer Vigil, President and CEO of Destination Panama City. “In the past, our culture has largely been guided by its proximity to the water, so our evolution as an artistic destination is the perfect complement.”

Downtown serves as Panama City’s art and theater district, anchored by the stage of the 1936 art deco Martin Theater, the 2,500-seat auditorium at the Marina Civic Center and the City Arts Co-Op, a 7,000- square-foot facility with performance and studio space. These venues host a range of varied events from local talent to international touring acts and Broadway performances.

In addition to operating the Marina Civic Center, Bay Arts Alliance (BAA) operates the Panama City Centre for the Arts and is committed to providing cultural enrichment to the city through a wide range of art courses including painting, sculpture and digital design. Each spring, The Centre and BAA host the Bay Annual, a juried art contest and exhibition featuring the work of local artists residing in 16 Panhandle counties.

Global Arts Society provides Panama City citizens the opportunity to participate in and gain exposure to visual and performing arts, removing the economic barrier and developing the destination’s creative potential.

Hosted by Bay County Public Library Foundation in April, the annual booksALIVE! festival draws noted writers – including New York Times Best Selling Authors – from around the country to Panama City for a celebration of the written word.

From Music Matters, a grassroots campaign credited with revitalizing the Panama City music scene, to the 200-person Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews, Panama City’s thriving music scene is experiencing a major breakthrough. Downtown Panama City comes alive with light, sound and art during Public Eye SOAR, a digital projection art festival that transforms downtown’s streetscape with animations and films.