Pictured: The cast of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s production, Big Sexy The Fats Waller Revue, a grant recipient from The Exchange.

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) announced that it will award $500,000 to 24 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 14 high school and college students. Additionally, five organizations are recipients of the new Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant. The awards will be given at an invitation-only event at The Exchange on June 8, 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Media is invited to cover this event.) Karen Koblenz, The Exchange’s executive director and CEO, explains that the new Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grants Program is intended to “encourage local art organizations and educators to work collaboratively to design and develop artistically creative and innovative projects involving the visual and performing arts benefiting students grades K-12.” Grants may include curriculum-based residencies, workshops, arts-related day trips, assemblies/performances and out-of-school experiences. Elizabeth (“Liz”) Lindsay was the co-founder of The Exchange and a long-time pillar in Sarasota's art community before her death in 2022. Koblenz points out that the organizational grants are for specific projects and outreach programs, including performances, exhibitions, education initiatives and special series. She explains that 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 impact these programs will have on the surrounding community. Individual scholarships are awarded based on grade point averages, the individual’s artistic goals and achievements, and letters of recommendation.

“We’re honored to play an integral role in our region’s rich arts and cultural industry,” says Koblenz. “These funds are game-changing for our grantees, who often credit The Exchange for supporting pivotal moments in their success.” Koblenz adds that The Exchange is especially interested in programs that promote a vibrant and engaged community. “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.” She adds that the monies used for these grants and scholarships were earned entirely through the organization’s 15,000-square-foot consignment boutique in downtown Sarasota. Since 1962, The Exchange has awarded more than $9 million in grants to local non-profits and high school and college students pursuing a higher education in the arts.

Pictured: The cast of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s production, Big Sexy The Fats Waller Revue, a grant recipient from The Exchange.