Twenty years since its opening, the Patel Conservatory is going strong and ready to grow.
The Straz Master Plan will give the performing arts school a significant increase in space, and planning for its use is being addressed enthusiastically.
“We’re picking out flooring, special mirrors, special soundproofing. Special features like this will really address the unique technical needs of our programs and ensure our students have an excellent training experience,” said Alice C. Santana, vice president of education and community engagement.
With so much going on in the conservatory, the Patel’s 20th anniversary is inspiring at least as much looking ahead as it is looking back. To celebrate its accomplishments, Alice said “we’re collecting stories and messages from our alumni and others who have been influenced by the Patel over the years. We’re looking forward to sharing those memories and why Patel was special for them and why they love it so much.”
The conservatory is named for Dr. Pallavi Patel in recognition of the $5 million leadership gift she and her husband, Dr. Kiran Patel, made to the capital campaign for the construction of the conservatory. At the school’s dedication, Dr. Kiran Patel spoke of the importance of giving: “Whether it’s time, talent or financial support, your gifts make a difference. Whatever you have to offer – even if it is whatever you have left, will leave a lasting effect in our community… By supporting and promoting the treasures of (this arts center), we can ensure the richness of our community.”
Thanks to the Patels’ generosity, the conservatory became a reality that’s had an astounding impact on Tampa over the last 20 years, enriching the lives of more than 187,000 students through instruction in dance, theater and music. New opportunities for even more students will come when the expansion is complete.
“More classrooms and space is a huge deal for us. We will be able to offer new programs, and really do a deep dive into some of the levels within classes that we currently offer,” Alice said. “We’ll be able to open up more sections of classes that tend to sell out, and we’ll be able to increase our class capacities because we’ll have larger spaces and can accommodate more students at once.”
Expanding the Patel’s community outreach also is being planned. Programs that illustrate health benefits of the arts, that has been part of the school’s focus since 2017, will be enhanced with daytime program offerings and bringing in community partners to assist.
“The arts do have an impact on the whole – a sound body and mind – and what different elements can be offered to help support a person’s healing process,” she said. The Straz has hosted two on-site symposiums and is planning to develop Kaleidoscope, an arts and health performance series in the coming year.
She also credits the work of Community Engagement Specialist Fred Johnson as vital to the Straz’s efforts in this area. “His work on these initiatives shows our commitment to seeing how we can continue to grow and adapt with our community’s needs.”
Alice, who has been at Patel since 2016 when she was hired as student affairs and community relations coordinator, is enthusiastic about what’s ahead. “I’m looking forward to seeing our three disciplines continue to grow, develop and provide offerings that are going to help our students really achieve their goals of becoming professional artists or just very well-rounded individuals with experience in the arts. The arts offer a lot of great life skills.”
