Van Wezel Receives Over $100k In Grants

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has received two grants totaling over $100,000 for the 2018-2019 season. The Sarasota County Commission awarded $93,481 to the Van Wezel as part of the Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Program, which ensures that tourist tax collections are reinvested in arts and cultural programming. Similarly, the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs awarded $9,950 to the Van Wezel from the General Support Program grant, an award designed to support organizations which further the state's cultural objectives.

Both grant proposals highlight the diversity of Van Wezel programming, including internationally-renowned artist performances, free summer concerts, inclusive outreach and in-depth education programs, and the hall's contributions to both Sarasota's economy and local tourist offerings.

Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel says, "I am very pleased that our Hall received a perfect score from the County's Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Program. We also received the highest amount rewarded from the State's Division of Cultural Affairs. We aim to increase our grant applications in upcoming cycles, but we are grateful for the recognition and funding that will help us continue to provide the high quality, diverse programming available here in Sarasota and within the state of Florida.

Sarasota Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. CABARET (The Sarasota Players)

23.3% of votes

2. SYNCOPATED AVENUE (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe)

21.7% of votes

3. CHORUS LINE (Ovation Theatre Inc.)

11.9% of votes

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