The Kentucky Arts Council is well-prepared for 2025. You may have noticed that our website has undergone significant changes in the past month. We’ve launched a user-friendly site to provide streamlined access to the resources and services most important to artists, organizations, and businesses. From grant applications to program information, the redesigned site ensures you can quickly find the tools you need to grow your presence in Kentucky’s thriving arts sector. 

The deadline to apply for the Teaching Artists Directory is Jan. 10. The directory is an online resource of Kentucky artists who produce high-quality work and have the skills to collaborate with teachers and students in designing and implementing arts education programs. More information and the application can be found on our website. 

The Kentucky Arts Partnership grant application is now open. The grant provides unrestricted operating support to arts organizations, ensuring year-round participation in the arts for the people of Kentucky. The amount funded is based on a formula that includes the organization’s operating revenues, the assessment of the application by panelists, and the funds available for the program. There have been updates to the guidelines this year, so we encourage you to carefully review the revised criteria. The application deadline is Feb. 15, so be sure to submit your application on time. 

We are also pleased to invite business owners to Wholesale Buyers' Day at the Kentucky Crafted Market on Friday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This exclusive, smaller-scale event is designed for wholesale buyers to connect directly with some of the best visual and craft artists in Kentucky. If you're interested in meeting Kentucky’s top artisans and exploring unique products for your store or business, Wholesale Buyers' Day offers a valuable opportunity to network and make purchases. Registration can be completed on our website. 

Buyers are business owners or employees authorized to initiate purchasing contracts with artists. To enter Wholesale Buyers' Day at the Kentucky Crafted Market, buyers must present proper business credentials, including a copy of a resale certificate or business/vendor license and a business card. Whether preregistered or registering on the day of the event, all buyers must check in at the show entrance to receive a badge. Buyer badges are strictly for business purposes and should not be used for personal acquisitions. Additionally, there will be no cash-and-carry transactions on Wholesale Buyers' Day. 

Following Trade Day, the Kentucky Crafted Market will be open to the public on March 8-9 at the Alltech Arena in Lexington. This highly anticipated event will showcase the finest in visual and craft arts from across the commonwealth. Parking at the event is $10 per day, but admission to the Market is free. We encourage you to explore the exceptional talent that Kentucky’s artists have to offer. 

Thank you for your continued support of the Kentucky Arts Council. We look forward to your participation in these events and to working together to advance the arts in Kentucky.