The Hermitage Artist Retreat received a $100,000 matching grant from the Manasota Key-based Cook family at the beginning of April. That challenge was met in less than one month. $30,000 of this was received through the 2020 Giving Challenge, including more than $18,000 from individuals and nearly $12,000 from The Patterson Foundation. Now, thanks to a generous additional wave of support, the Hermitage has received a $50,000 pledge from a group of supporters to extend this matching challenge above and beyond the Cooks’ original gift. As a result, all gifts to the Hermitage will continue to be matched through June 30.

“We are truly overwhelmed by the response from our community,” says Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “This generous matching challenge has been met by artists, audiences, volunteers, staff, trustees, and so many more. We are deeply grateful to the Cook family and to all who believe so deeply in the Hermitage. It is wonderful to have such champions in this time of great need, and it is inspiring to see the outpouring of support for artists and the creative process during this critical moment in our cultural history.”

In addition, dozens of celebrated artists have come together to share stories of their experience as Hermitage Fellows. Pulitzer Prize-winners, MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipients, Tony Award-winning playwrights, national arts education leaders, celebrated visual artists and musicians, acclaimed poets and novelists, and past Hermitage Greenfield Prize winners have shared video messages about how the Hermitage has changed their lives. 

Click to view artists' testimonials.