Neighbor News
The Exchange awards $250,000 to local arts groups and students
Since 1962, The Exchange has awarded more than $8 million in grants to non-profits and students pursuing a higher education in the arts
The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) announced $250,000 in awards to 19 regionally-based arts and cultural organizations and 22 students.
“We’re honored to play an integral role in our region’s rich arts and cultural tapestry,” says Karen Koblenz, The Exchange’s executive director and CEO. “These funds can be game-changing for our grantees, who often credit The Exchange for supporting pivotal moments in their success.”
Koblenz points out that the organizational grants are for specific projects and outreach programs, including performances, exhibitions, education initiatives and special series. The Exchange’s board bases its granting decisions on the long-term stability and financial health of the organizations, the program’s overall appeal to the public and the educational impact these programs will have on area students. Individual scholarships are awarded based on grade point average, the individual’s artistic goals and achievements, and letters of recommendation.
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“We’re especially interested in programs that explore diversity, nurture educational opportunities, and promote a vibrant and civically engaged community,” says Koblenz. “The cultural arts industry plays a pivotal role in our region’s economic health and serves as a magnet for tourism. We’re proud to invest in our home-grown creative talents.”
The grant recipients for the 2018/2019 fiscal year are:
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Arts and Cultural Alliance: Inspire Sarasota
Asolo Theatre, Inc.: 2018-2019 season
Florida Studio Theatre: 2018-2019 winter cabaret series
FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training: 2018 season of Dog Days Theatre
Gloria Musicae: Patriotic Showcase
Hermitage Artist Retreat: Hermitage Artists Programs’ live streaming project
Key Chorale: Misatango - Celebration of South American Music and Dance
La Musica di Asolo: La Musica educational outreach
Manatee Concert Band: 2018-2019 season
Perlman Music Program: Outreach programs
Players Theatre: Season sponsor
Pops Orchestra: 2018-2019 concert season
Sarasota Ballet: World premier by Ricardo Graziano
Sarasota Cuban Ballet School: On Stage program
Sarasota Opera: Sarasota Youth Opera's performance of Benjamin Britten's “The Little Sweep”
Sarasota Orchestra: Young Person's Concerts program
Selby Gardens: The 2019 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition
Van Wezel Foundation, Inc.: Schooltime Performances program
Venice Chorale: Expansion of apprentice and youth programs
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe: 2018-2019 main stage season
The scholarship recipients for the 2018/2019 fiscal year are:
High School: Jessica Apatow, Zoe Heil, Beatrice Kelly, Ariana Koopman, Laura Elizabeth McKenna, Rachael Rice, Theo Shultz and Alyssa Volack.
College: Margaux Albiez, Summer Altier, Victoria Byrd, Emily Cain, Marie Dull, Joshua Galindo, Melanie Gasparoni, Abigail Hodgson, Jessica Pope, Rachael Querreveld, Autumn Rose, Haley Rosenthal, Olivia Valek and Teia Watson.
The monies used for these grants and scholarships were earned entirely through the organization’s 15,000-square-foot consignment boutique in downtown Sarasota. The Exchange, which consists of more than 260 volunteers and 5,000 consignors, has become a favorite haunt for Sarasota residents and a destination for visitors from around the world.