The Exchange awards $404,000 in grants

Having awarded $10 million in grants and scholarships since 1962, The Exchange, formerly the Women’s Exchange, will award $404,000 to 25 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 10 high school and college students. 

The organization grants support specific projects and outreach programs. Individual scholarships are awarded based on factors such as grade-point averages, the individuals' artistic goals and achievements, and letters of recommendation.

“We’re proud to be a key player in our region’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” said Karen Koblenz, executive director and CEO of The Exchange, in a news release. “These funds are transformative for our grantees, who frequently acknowledge The Exchange's support during crucial points in their success.”

Organization grant recipients are Art Center Sarasota, Artists Series Concerts, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Azara Ballet, Chalk Festival, Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota, Choral Artists of Sarasota, Circus Arts Conservancy, CreArte Latino, Diversity: Voices of Sarasota, Florida Studio Theatre, The Hermitage, Key Chorale, La Musica di Asolo, Lifeline Productions, Sarasota Cuban Ballet, Ringling College, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Jewish Theatre, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Pops Orchestra, Sarasota Rising, The Art League of Manatee and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. 

Additionally, seven organizations are recipients of the Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant. They are Chalk Festival, Florida Studio Theatre, The Hermitage, Key Chorale, Ringling College, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and Westcoast Black Theater Troupe.

Established in 1962, The Exchange is a self-sustaining organization. With funds received from its volunteer-driven consignment operation, The Exchange annually awards grants and scholarships to support the arts in Sarasota and Manatee counties.