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SARASOTA, FL - The Int'l Sarasota Chalk Festival announces a $7100 grant awarded from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to fund, in part, the engagement of Cascade Collective, a cultural sustainability firm. Cascade Collective aims to chart a strategic path forward for the Sarasota Chalk Festival (SCF) as it moves back to its original location, solidifying its legacy while ensuring its continued impact on the cultural landscape of Sarasota.
The grant, generously provided by the Edward K. Roberts Emerging Needs Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, underscores the foundation's commitment to supporting initiatives that foster cultural vibrancy and community engagement.
As part of this collaboration, the SCF in tandem with Cascade Collective, will hold a Public Meeting on Wednesday May 22, 2024 from 5-8 PM at Architecture Sarasota, 265 S. Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236. This meeting will serve as a platform to present outcomes from the initial phase of the consultation, see the organization’s long term goals and to hear from the community.
"The Sarasota Chalk Festival has always been more than just an event; it's an international celebration of different cultures that expands Sarasota’s community globally," said Denise Kowal, the Festival's founder, who turned 60 this year. "With the support of the Community Foundation and the expertise of Cascade Collective, we are embarking on a transformative journey to ensure the Festival's sustainability for generations to come."
The consultation with Cascade Collective aims to articulate the Festival's core values and goals, safeguarding its legacy while clarifying its value proposition for the city and visitors alike. Moreover, transitioning from a primarily volunteer organization, it seeks to develop a robust financial model that supports future staffing and explores avenues for compensating artists for their contributions beyond just paying for travel.
In addition to strategic planning efforts, the Sarasota Chalk Festival continues its mission to enrich the community through art, culture and education. The next international Sarasota Chalk Festival is scheduled to take place from November 8-10, 2024, featuring a debut of pavement flower tapestries, also known as Infiorata, in addition to the chalk pavement artists and a Grand Parade over the artwork closing hours. This unique addition to the Festival promises to showcase Sarasota's local flora and indigenous materials, offering a new dimension to the artistic experience.
"We're entering an exciting chapter in the Chalk Festival's journey," remarked Kowal. "With the continued support of our community partners and stakeholders, we look forward to shaping a vibrant future for the Festival and leaving a lasting imprint on Sarasota's cultural tapestry."
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About Sarasota Chalk Festival 501(c)3:
Sarasota Chalk Festival 501(c)3, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the arts and fostering community engagement through innovative cultural experiences. Since its inception in 2007, the Festival has been a beacon of creativity, attracting artists and enthusiasts from around the world.
About Cascade Collective:
The Cascade Collective for Cultural Sustainability is an NGO that sustains community through culture. Like other aspects of culture and heritage, heirlooms come from the past but have real value in the present, and our team collaborates creatively with local communities to support their quest for vitality and wellbeing. With a focus on building shared visions and empowering communities, Cascade Collective partners with nonprofits to navigate complex challenges and unlock their full potential.
About the Community Foundation of Sarasota County:
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. With assets of $488 million in more than 1,580 charitable funds, the Community Foundation awarded grants and scholarships totaling $40 million dollars last year in the areas of education, the arts, health and human services, civic engagement, animal welfare and the environment. Since its founding, the Community Foundation has been able to grant more than $435.8 million to area nonprofit organizations in our community thanks to the generosity of charitable individuals, families, and businesses. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000.
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