Why FSU?
Both the University of South Florida and the Florida State University were asked to provide an analysis of the benefits and disadvantages of a Ringling merger. These documents were widely distributed and analyzed. The Legislature concluded that FSU s excellence in the visual and performing arts made it the right partner for Ringling. For example: FSU already operates a distinguished arts program — a graduate theatre program connected to Asolo Theater Company (not to be confused with the museum s historic Asolo Theater); The university has an extraordinary group of fine arts programs in music, theatre, dance, visual arts and film; The Sarasota Ballet is located in the FSU-owned and operated building, The Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts; FSU has experience in museum operations (one in Tallahassee and one, the Appleton Museum, in Ocala); FSU is the only university in Florida and one of the few in the southeast that offers a doctoral degree in art history; The univ
