Embracing Our Differences’ annual outdoor exhibit is at the heart of a year-round program of activities designed to use art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote diversity. Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art and prose to promote diversity. One way we accomplish this is through our annual international art exhibition in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. The juried exhibit consists of 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quote.

The winning artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message. Awards are given for "Best-in-Show Adult," "Best-in-Show Student," and "People's Choice" categories, with the last chosen by visitors to the exhibit. In honor of our 20th Anniversary, we are doubling the cash awards for the 2023 exhibit. Adult winners each receive $2,000; students receive $2,000 to be split with their school’s art or writing program.

The statements accompanying each artwork are also vital and provide insight into our common humanity—as well as the differences that make us all unique. The artwork and quotations are separate competitions, judged blindly by volunteer committees, and matched together for this exhibit. In 2022, 371,256 people visited the exhibition—bringing the total amount of visitors to more than 4 million since 2004.

The 2023 Exhibit had an impressive response to the call for artwork and inspirational quotes, with 13,733 entries pouring in from 119 countries and 45 states. Students from 424 schools around the world submitted artwork or quotes to the juried exhibit and more than 65% of submissions were from students.