High Five Creativity.
Celebrate Makers.
Build Bradenton’s Future.
Together, we’re making Bradenton a Friendly City for makers, musicians, and creatives.
Who we are:
The Friendly City Foundation is a 501(c)3 in the heart of Bradenton’s creative community, known for signature projects Oscura Performing Arts Center, Friendly City Arts Festival, and Art Club. Our goal is that 70% of our musicians and artists can support themselves and build their dreams through our programs.
Our Programs:
Oscura Performing Arts Center is our brick and mortar location Downtown Bradenton. Since 2018, Oscura has been our area's only independent live music venue hosting local bands and musicians. Oscura also brings artists bands from across the country and even from other countries to Bradenton, Florida.
The Friendly City Art Festival highlights our community of artists and makers. This monthly experience helps give place to independent artists of all disciplines helping them meet with collectors, patrons, and share their work with our community.
Supporting the Friendly City Foundation means fostering these vital programs and creating a welcoming, inclusive community for all who live, work, and dream here.
Your Support:
The Friendly City Foundation wants to invite you to become part of our community as an investor and patron of the arts. To keep our programs growing and sustainable we are looking to raise $25,000 by the end of the year.
With your investment, we are creating environments for living local artists to build their businesses and keep culture alive.
With your investment, local musicians and bands have a place to perform and build an audience.
With your investment, we are creating safe and inclusive spaces for everyone in our city to feel supported and seen.
The Dream We’re Building
“When artists thrive, communities thrive. Together, we’re creating a future where art, connection, and innovation flourish.”
Imagine a Bradenton that’s nationally known for its makers, musicians, and creatives—a city where every community gathering strengthens our local identity. The Friendly City Foundation is building this legacy through signature programs like the Friendly City Art Festival and Oscura Performing Arts Center, supported by the historic charm and community focus development of the Old Manatee Historic District.
Your gift today helps preserve this unique spirit and ensure Bradenton’s creative future shines brightly for generations to come.
Make Your Gift Today!
Every dollar supports Bradenton’s creative community and builds a legacy of connection and innovation.
Bradenton’s future starts with us.
Thank you for supporting the Friendly City Foundation and helping us uplift creativity and community.
You can request more information about how to get involved more directly by contacting us.