The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) announced that it will award $310,500 to 18 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 15 students. The awards will be given at an invitation-only event at The Exchange on June 9. The largest award is for $60,000 and is being given to the Asolo Rep in memory of Elizabeth (“Liz”) Lindsay, who was the co-founder of The Exchange and served on its board for 60 years. Lindsay, a long-time pillar in Sarasota's art community, died in January. “We’re honored to play an integral role in our region’s rich arts and cultural industry,” says Karen Koblenz, The Exchange’s executive director and CEO. “These funds are game-changing for our grantees, who often credit The Exchange for supporting pivotal moments in their success.” 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 educational impact these programs will have on area students. Individual scholarships are awarded based on grade point average, the individual’s artistic goals and achievements, and letters of recommendation.

The grant recipients for the 2022-2023 fiscal year are:
Asolo Repertory Theatre: Season Presenter
Arts and Cultural Alliance: Inspire Sarasota
Artists Series Concerts: Dover Quartet Concert
Choral Artists of Sarasota: The March of the Children
Circus Arts Conservatory: Sailor Circus Academy Holiday Show 2022
Florida Studio Theatre: Florida Studio Theatre 2022-2023 Cabaret Season
The Hermitage: Hermitage @ The Bay Series
Key Choral: Mystics and Kings
LaMusica di Asolo: 2023 Audience Development
Manatee Concert Band: 2022-2023 Neel Concerts
Perlman Music Program: Perlman 2022/2023 Outreach Program
The Players: Elf The Musical and the 93rd Season
Ringling College: 2022/2023 Galleries Season
Sarasota Opera: Sarasota Youth Opera "The Secret World of Og"
Sarasota Orchestra: Young Person's Concerts 2022-2023
Sarasota Ballet: 2022/2023 Season Sponsor
Sarasota Pops Orchestra: An Iconic 47th Season
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe: 2022-2023 Main Stage Season

The scholarship recipients for the 2022-2023 fiscal year are:
High School: Joseph Crowell, Abigail Holdway, Ella (Elijah) Mirman, Ashley Spadafora. College: Kenna Bartlett, Katherine Burcal-Terres, Jack Beatenhead, Danny Bo DeLongaig, Colin Leonard, Lindsay McKenna, Tay Peterson, Taylor Reister, Katey Stare, Luca Stine, Katherina Zdravkov.