We know that spring in Kentucky can bring not only renewal but also the challenges of severe weather. This past weekend’s storms kept many of the arts council team up Sunday night, and this week’s projected weather could once again impact our communities.  

For those of you in a position to help, please consider donating to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. Even small contributions can make a big difference in helping families recover. 

At the arts council, we are committed to supporting Kentucky’s creative community during difficult times. Through our partners at KHERN, we will work to connect Kentucky artists with resources and assistance for storm recovery. 

Looking ahead to spring celebrations, we hope you will join us for the 2025 Kentucky Writers’ Day on April 24 at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. This annual event celebrates our literary heritage and includes the induction of the new Kentucky Poet Laureate.  

While the identity of the new laureate will be announced at the event, we can hint that their work is nationally recognized, and they are a poet, essayist, and teacher.  

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Capitol Rotunda, followed by a public reception. In the afternoon, from 2-4 p.m., the Paul Sawyier Public Library will host a reading featuring the new and former poets laureate. Both events are free and open to all! 

Governor Beshear will once again be hosting a Derby Week Kickoff at the Capitol on Saturday, April 26, from noon-5 p.m. The celebration will feature many Kentucky Crafted Artists and include live music, artist demonstrations, food trucks, games, breweries, wineries, craft distillers, and a farmers' market. The Governor's Derby Exhibit, featuring Kentucky 2D artists, will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, from April 30 to May 29.  

We would be remiss in forgetting to say thank you for making this year’s Kentucky Crafted Market a success, with over 8,000 attendees and 120+ artists! Applications for the Kentucky Crafted program open in June for the 2025 cohort. Last year we accepted 28 new artists to the program, and we hope to welcome even more artists in 2025. 

And speaking of applications, nominations open next week for the prestigious Governor’s Awards in the Arts. Nominations will be accepted through May 31. The awards recognize contributions to the arts. Categories include: 

• The Milner Award - outstanding philanthropic, artistic or other contributions

• Artist Award - lifetime achievement  

• Community Arts Award - positive impact in the community through the arts 

• Education Award - significant contribution to arts in education  

• Folk Heritage Award - outstanding effort to perpetuate and promote unique and diverse artistic traditions in Kentucky. 

• National Award - achievement of national prominence in the arts.  

Additional details about the nomination process and recipients of past awards can be found on our website.

We appreciate your continued support of the arts in the commonwealth and look forward to celebrating with you!