Embracing Our Differences believes that everyone has the right to feel safe, to be empowered and to make a difference in our world.     Our project promotes diversity education throughout the community and works to teach everyone the importance of being an "up-stander," not a "by-stander."  Together, we can create a vibrant community that is safe and inclusive for all where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated.

The centerpiece of Embracing Our Differences is an outdoor juried international art exhibit featuring 39 billboard size images (12.5 feet by 16 feet) created by local, national and international artists, writers and students. The display reflects the artists' interpretations of the theme "enriching lives through diversity."

As Embracing Our Differences celebrates its 10th anniversary, our phenomenal growth continues.  Beginning this spring, the annual exhibit will not only be displayed in Island Park on Sarasota’s bay front but also in Bedenton Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton as well as on the grounds North Port High School.

2012 Exhibit

Each year the Embracing Our Differences international art exhibit gets bigger and better. The 2012 exhibit hosted 249,000 visitors to Island Park bringing total attendance, since 2004, to more than 1,350,000.

The 2013 exhibit received 4,419 submissions representing 52 countries and 41 states including such distant lands as Brazil, India, Israel, Japan, and South Africa. More than 60% of the submissions were made by students from 128 schools in 12 countries.

Education Program

Since 2004, more than 117,000 students have participated in our education program including 23,627 from 186 schools in 2012 alone. Compliments of our generous supporters, most of these students received free field trips to the exhibit – a lynchpin of our education efforts.

In addition, a variety of resources are provided to teachers which include workshops presented by nationally recognized educators and lesson plans prepared by Sarasota County Schools curriculum development specialists.

Participating teachers overwhelmingly rate our program as a meaningful and relevant educational experience for their students while independent evaluations consistently show that it helps students: (1) to learn to make sense of their world; (2) to make healthy lifechoices while recognizing the value of diversity; (3) to improve self-esteem; and (4) to experience new ways to learn and succeed.

We look forward to the 2013 exhibit and providing an opportunity for our community to reflect upon and deepen its awareness that embracing our differences, respecting the views of others and standing up against hatred and prejudice will lead to a better world for everyone. Respecting the beliefs of others is not only a way of thinking and feeling - but most importantly, of acting.