Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs
The $20,016 General Program Support grant will help fund the organization’s 2017-2018 cultural and artistic programming.
(Sarasota, FL) The State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs recently awarded Embracing Our Differences a $20,016 General Program Support Grant to help fund its 2017-2018 cultural and artistic programming, which includes its annual international art exhibition in Sarasota’s Island Park. The 2018 exhibition is scheduled for March 31-May 31. The grant will also be directed to empower EOD’s annual educational outreach programs and initiatives.
“It’s a great honor to be awarded this major grant from the state,” says Michael Shelton, executive director of Embracing Our Differences. “We’re grateful that the panel of judges recognizes the positive impact we’ve made in our community—and beyond.”
For 14 years, Embracing Our Differences has drawn on the passion and perception of artists, writers, students and others from around the state, nation and the world to create powerful statements of diversity and acceptance in an outdoor exhibit featuring 45 billboard-size images and quotes reflecting the theme, “enriching lives through diversity.” Shelton notes that the scale and impact of this outdoor exhibition has continued to grow, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors since its inception. This exhibit is the heart of a year-round program of activities designed to use art as a catalyst to create awareness of and promote diversity.
“Embracing Our Differences is a vital part of Sarasota’s dynamic arts, cultural and education landscape,” says Shelton. “Our programs consistently attract people from around the region, the country and the world. We’re proud that we’ve become a vital component of Florida’s rich cultural tapestry.”
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs is Florida’s legislatively designated state arts agency. The Division promotes the arts and culture as essential to quality of life for all Floridians. To achieve its mission, the Division funds and supports cultural programs that provide artistic excellence, diversity, education, access and economic vitality for Florida’s communities. For more information, visit dos.myflorida.com/cultural.
For more information about Embracing Our Differences, call 941-404-5710 or visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.
About Embracing Our Differences
Embracing Our Differences is a not-for-profit organization that uses the transformational power of art and education to celebrate and promote the diversity of the human family. It accomplishes this through an annual, large-scale outdoor juried art exhibition and a comprehensive series of educational initiatives, programs and resources designed for teachers and students. Visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.
