PA University Eyes Downtown Bradenton Location For New Campus

BRADENTON, FL — A Pennsylvania university is exploring the possibility of establishing a presence in downtown Bradenton, with a performing arts program among the potential offerings, city officials said in a news release.

Discussions between Pittsburgh’s Point Park University and the city of Bradenton about a potential partnership that could bring a future university location to the Friendly City are in the early stages.

Initial planning is focused on Point Park's Conservatory of Performing Arts, though the university could eventually include additional academic programs and student opportunities at the Bradenton campus, the news release said.

"We are in the early stages of evaluating what a partnership in Bradenton could look like," Point Park University President Chris W. Brussalis said in a statement. "While the Conservatory of Performing Arts is a natural starting point for these conversations, the opportunity is much broader."

The potential partnership comes as Bradenton continues efforts to revitalize its downtown core, and attract new cultural, educational and economic opportunities, the city said.

Manatee County and Bradenton officials are considering whether existing downtown buildings could be used and retrofitted for a future Point Park presence, according to the news release.

The university said a Bradenton location could connect students with the region's arts, tourism, sports and business industries while providing opportunities for internships, experiential learning, and career development.

The proposal also could strengthen longstanding ties between Bradenton and Pittsburgh. Bradenton has been the Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training home since 1969, and the two communities have maintained a relationship that has been described as an unofficial sister-city connection.

"Bradenton and Manatee County value partnerships that strengthen our cultural and economic landscape," Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said. "This discussion with Point Park University reflects an exciting opportunity to showcase the Bradenton area as a place where students can learn, create, and connect with industries that are important to our region."

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor said Point Park's role in downtown Pittsburgh's revitalization could provide a model for what a university presence might bring to Bradenton.

"Point Park University plays a huge role in our downtown community and its revitalization, and this could be an opportunity for them to bring that same kind of energy to support Bradenton's urban core," O'Connor said.

Point Park enrolls nearly 3,700 students in more than 100 undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs. Its programs include dance, film, theater and animation, as well as business, communication, education and arts and sciences.