The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) has announced that it will award $250,000 to 20 regionally based arts and cultural organizations. The grant winners were selected for engaging the public with popular programs that promote diversity and civic engagement, while offering educational opportunities to area students. The groups are also chosen on the basis of their long-term stability and financial health. The money is raised entirely through The Exchange’s 15,000-square-foot consignment boutique in downtown Sarasota. Since 1962, The Exchange has awarded more than $8 million in grants to local non-profits and high school and college students pursuing a higher education in the arts.

Grant recipients for the 2018/2019 fiscal year include the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Art Center Sarasota, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Choral Artists of Sarasota, Florida Studio Theatre, FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Jazz Club of Sarasota, JoMo Productions, Key Chorale, La Musica, Manatee Concert Band, Perlman Music Program, Players Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Van Wezel Foundation and Venice Chorale.

In addition, nine high school students and 13 college students will also receive scholarships on the basis of their grades, artistic goals, accomplishments and letters of recommendation.

The Exchange