The Exchange to Award $404,000 to Local Arts Groups and Students

May 31, 2024 | Sarasota

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) announced that it will award $404,000 to 25 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 10 high school and college students. Additionally, seven organizations are recipients of the recent Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant. The awards will be given at an invitation-only event at The Exchange on Thursday, June 13, 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Media is invited to cover this event.)

Karen Koblenz, the executive director and CEO of The Exchange, explains that the Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grants Program, established last year, aims to “encourage local art organizations and educators to collaborate in designing and developing creatively innovative projects in the visual and performing arts for K-12 students.” These grants can fund curriculum-based residencies, workshops, arts-related day trips, assemblies/performances, and out-of-school experiences. Elizabeth (“Liz”) Lindsay, who co-founded The Exchange and was a significant figure in Sarasota’s art community, passed away in 2022.

Koblenz highlights that the organizational grants support specific projects and outreach programs, such as performances, exhibitions, educational initiatives, and special series. She notes that The Exchange’s board considers the long-term stability and financial health of the organizations, the program’s public appeal, and the anticipated impact on the community when making grant decisions. Individual scholarships are awarded based on factors like grade point averages, the individual’s 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,” says Koblenz. “These funds are transformative for our grantees, who frequently acknowledge The Exchange’s support during crucial points in their success.”

Koblenz emphasizes The Exchange’s keen interest in programs that foster a lively and engaged community. “The cultural arts industry is crucial to our region’s economic vitality and attracts tourism. We take pride in supporting our local creative talents.” She mentions that the funds for these grants and scholarships are generated entirely from the organization’s 15,000-square-foot consignment boutique in downtown Sarasota. Since 1962, The Exchange has distributed $10 million in grants to local non-profits and to high school and college students pursuing arts education.

The grant recipients for the 2024-2025 fiscal year are:

Organizational Grants:
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 Exc.
Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Orchestra
Sarasota Pops Orchestra
Sarasota Rising
The Art League of Manatee
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grants:
Chalk Festival
Florida Studio Theatre
The Hermitage
Key Chorale
Ringling College
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation
West Coast Black Theater

The scholarship recipients for the 2024-2025 fiscal year are:

• High School: Nanette Cooke and Lily Edwards.
• College: Graham Boggess, Chiaralis Brown, Vivianna Coppa, Abigail Holdway, Colin Leonard, Cecilia Marty, Danae Tran, and Madisyn Wandall.

Established in 1962, The Exchange is a self-sustaining organization of vital importance to the community. A consignment store like no other, it has become a favorite haunt for Sarasota residents and a must-visit destination for visitors from around the world. With funds received from its consignment operation, which consists of more than 260 volunteers, 5,000 consignors and tens of thousands of dedicated shoppers, The Exchange annually awards grants and scholarships to support the arts in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The 15,000-square-foot boutique offers an ever-changing inventory of affordably priced treasures, including high-end furniture, clothing, jewelry and accessories. The Exchange is located at 539 S. Orange Ave. in Sarasota. For more information, call 941-955-7859 or visit www.sarasotawex.com.us.