The money is designed to encourage events and programs that will boost tourism in the county.
At a time when they are suffering from lost revenue due to canceled performances and events because of the coronavirus, arts and cultural organizations will share about $1.6 million from tourist tax revenues collected by Sarasota County.
The County Commission has approved the grant money to be divided among 40 organizations. But the total represents about a 20% decline from last year’s $2.08 million, a reflection of how a drop in tourism can cause a ripple effect in other areas. The grants are funded by a portion of the county’s bed tax.
The money, recommended by the Tourist Development Council and administered by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, is designed to encourage events and programs that will boost tourism in the county. Some organizations saw slight increases in funding levels while others face more severe cuts in funding based on their…