ARTS E-NEWS - National Conference and upcoming events

Lori Meadows of Kentuckians for the Arts, KAC Executive Staff Advisor Sarah Schmitt and Executive Director Chris Cathers attended the NASAA conference. 

Visit the Kentucky Book Festival Saturday, Nov. 2, at Joseph Beth Booksellers in Lexington.  

Episode 47- Celebrating Native Reflections

Led by South Arts in partnership with a range of organizations across the region, the Southern Arts Relief & Recovery Fund supports artists in need affected by Hurricane Helene and/or Milton in the entire region, and organizations in North Carolina that have been affected by Hurricane Helene and/or Milton. Find more information here.

The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) emergency relief grant focuses on artists working in craft or materials-based folk/traditional disciplines that are 18 years or older and have resided and worked in the U.S. or U.S. territories for the past 2 years. Artists must have experienced a recent, unforeseen, career threatening emergency. Emergency Relief is available year-round. 

Nov. 2, 2024

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies conference 2024 was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, last week. Some of the Kentucky Arts Council staff participated in four days of intensive networking and collaboration. This year’s assembly focused on essential topics such as artificial intelligence, data collection and management, climate change, and emergency preparedness, all of which are vital for state arts agencies to navigate effectively.  We were particularly inspired by Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). She shared important developments regarding how the NEA is fostering cross-sector collaborations to elevate the arts. These initiatives are designed to enhance public health, promote human development, grow a creative workforce, enliven public spaces, and strengthen our democracy. We are excited about the possibilities these discussions present and are eager to implement what we’ve learned to further advance the arts in Kentucky.  Additionally, we are excited to announce the upcoming Governor’s Awards in the Arts, which will recognize outstanding contributions to the arts in our state. While the details are still under wraps, the event will be held in the Capitol Rotunda on Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Be sure to watch for announcement of the winners in the coming weeks.   Speaking of the Capitol Rotunda, the Native Reflections Exhibit is currently on display there through Nov. 13.  In collaboration with the Kentucky Heritage Council, KAC is proud to celebrate the art of American Indians living in Kentucky.

Finally, as the gift-giving season arrives, the Kentucky Arts Council wants to remind everyone that supporting local artists, craftspeople, musicians, and performers not only enriches the community but also stimulates the local economy. When consumers choose to purchase handmade goods, artwork, or tickets to local performances, they help sustain creative livelihoods and foster a vibrant cultural landscape. This support creates a ripple effect, encouraging innovation and collaboration within the arts community. By prioritizing local talent, gift-givers can provide unique, meaningful presents while simultaneously contributing to the economic vitality and cultural identity of their neighborhoods. 

Chris Cathers
Kentucky Arts Council
Executive Director

The Get Ready Grant program provides individual craft artists grants up to $500 to conduct activities that will help safeguard their studios, protect their careers and prepare for emergencies. Artists are encouraged to use the Risk Assessment activity to generate ideas. Priority will be given to applications from people who identify in the global majority or as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)* and folk and traditional artists. Get Ready Grants are available multiple times a year.