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 is always looking for more meaningful ways to invest in this critical sector.
Arts & Culture
Investing in the arts paints a brighter future for our region.
Our Work in the area
Gulf Coast embraces a leadership model emphasizing that partnering with all sectors of the community and creating systems of care is how we build thriving communities with opportunities for all. In arts and culture, this means supporting creative expression, preserving local identity, and strengthening cultural organizations that bring people together, foster belonging, and enrich community life.
Empowering Arts Grant Program
- To honor the contributions of our region’s cornerstone arts groups, we provide flexible funding so they can focus on their missions.
Arts & Culture Stories
Discover the Impact
Learn how community efforts support a stronger arts and cultural region.
Stories
SRQ Daily: Empowering the Arts, Empowering Our Community
The following guest column by Phillip Lanham appeared in the Saturday, September 20, 2025 edition of SRQ Daily.
Stories
SRQ Daily: The Economic Power of the Arts
The following guest column by Phillip P. Lanham appeared in the Saturday, July 20, 2024 edition of SRQ Daily.
Stories
Sarasota Magazine: Gulf Coast Supports Michael Kinsey’s Exhibit at Art Center Sarasota
The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on February 1, 2024.
Stories
Sarasota Magazine: The Power of Philanthropy and Inclusivity Through Education and Art
The following article was written by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and appeared on Sarasota Magazine’s website on January 3, 2024.
Stories
SRQ Daily: They Call It the Cultural Coast for a Reason
The following guest column by Phillip P. Lanham appeared in the Saturday, August 19, 2023 edition of SRQ Daily.
Investment in Arts & Culture
(Fiscal Year 2025)
$0.9
Million
Board-Directed Giving
Our Board of Directors' investment in arts & culture.
$6.5
Million
Donor-Directed Giving
Gulf Coast donors' investment in arts & culture.