To help key nonprofit arts groups weather the COVID-19 crisis, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has awarded $470,000 in new Arts Appreciation Grants to 10 of the region’s cornerstone arts organizations. The emergency grants, approved by the foundation’s board last week, represent an unscheduled second round of the arts grants program during its current fiscal year. The grants are designed to let the organizations focus on what they do best: advancing their artistic missions.

Gulf Coast awarded the same amounts to the 10 grant recipients earlier in its fiscal year. They are Asolo Repertory Theatre ($70,000); Sarasota Ballet ($55,000); Sarasota Opera ($50,000); Sarasota Orchestra ( $50,000); The Ringling Museum ($50,000); Venice Theatre ($50,000); Florida Studio Theatre ($45,000); Embracing Our Differences ($40,000); Venice Symphony ($30,000); and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe ($30,000).