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Sarasota News Leader July 26, 2013 Page 47 UNLIKE THE SITUATION IN 2012, THE COUNTY COMMISSION READILY APPROVES FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ARTS PROGRAMS IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR By Rachel Brown Hackney Editor After just a few questions about meetings involving representatives from South County, Sarasota County Commissioner Christine Robinson joined her colleagues this summer in approving recommended cultural and arts grants for the next fiscal year. Our Differences competition and displays the resulting artwork. The latter plans to showcase the winners for a month at North Port High School in addition to hosting its annual display in the city of Sarasota's Bayfront Park. Because of those plans, Tavalin noted, a total The $1,533,965 in funding from Tourist De- of 9.4 percent of the grants funding will be allocated toward South County events. velopment Tax (TDT) revenue will go to 34 organizations, with 8 percent of it allocated In July 2012, Robinson cast the solitary "No" to three South County entities, according to vote on the annual awarding of the arts and Fern Tavalin, grants director for the Arts and cultural grants, which are designed to spur tourism. During a June 2012 appearance beCultural Alliance of Sarasota County. fore the County Commission, Jim Shirley, Two other grants recipients plan performanc- executive director of the Arts and Cultural es in South County, Tavalin added in her July 9 Alliance, was unable to provide all the inforpresentation to the County Commission: Art- mation Robinson had requested regarding his ist Series Concerts of Sarasota and Coexis- efforts to encourage more South County orgatence Inc., which holds the annual Embracing nizations to apply for the funding. The Sarasota Ballet has made a national name for itself in performing works by Sir Frederick Ashton. The company presented Les Rendezvous during the 2012-13 season. Photo by Frank Atura