With its world-class arts organizations, performances, and collections, Sarasota County has earned a reputation as Florida's "Cultural Coast." Our region is a place where inspiration and artistic expression meet -- drawing new visitors and residents every year. Because the arts so meaningfully impact our quality of life and our regional economy, Gulf Coast Community Foundation is always looking for more meaningful ways to invest in this critical sector.
Gulf Coast has invested grants in the arts since the foundation's inception. Over the years, several exceptional arts organizations have consistently earned support from Gulf Coast and our donors because of the vital and dynamic roles they play in our cultural community.
In 2014, the Gulf Coast Board of Directors adopted a new, more flexible approach to funding these groups in pursuit of their artistic missions. Gulf Coast's "Arts Appreciation Grants" offer unrestricted funding to cornerstone arts organizations to use as they best see fit.
Our current Arts Appreciation Grant recipients for fiscal year 2024, totaling up to $725,000 are:
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Circus Arts Conservatory
Embracing Our Differences
Florida Studio Theatre
Hermitage Artist Retreat
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota Ballet
Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Orchestra
Venice Symphony
Venice Theatre
West Coast Black Theatre Troupe