On May 16, a devastating tornado outbreak claimed 19 lives across Kentucky and left widespread damage in its wake. In times like these, the arts and cultural sector not only reflect the resilience of our communities, they play a vital role in healing and recovery. The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a partnership between FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, is offering resources to help Kentucky’s artists, cultural organizations, and the public recover:
For cultural institutions and arts organizations, the National Heritage Responders are available 24/7 at (202) 661-8068 to guide collection, salvage, and recovery.
For the public, questions about family heirlooms and treasured objects can be directed to nhrpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.
Downloadable fact sheets on salvaging water-damaged items—available in multiple languages—are at Save Your Family Treasures.
Please help us assess the impact. If you or someone you know in the arts community was affected, encourage them to complete a Rapid Damage Assessment Form for their specific category: Cultural Institutions , Arts Organizations or Individual Artists and Performing Groups
We’re also reminded of the power of music to bring people together. The Lexington Philharmonic Brass Quintet performed its sixth free concert at the Lexington Senior Center late last month, drawing more than 200 attendees for an hour of beautiful chamber music in honor of Memorial Day. This ongoing partnership is supported by the Friends of the Lexington Senior Center and made possible through a Performing Artists Directory-Touring Grant from the Kentucky Arts Council, with funding from both the National Endowment for the Arts and state tax dollars.
As we look toward future opportunities, we encourage eligible nonprofits to apply for the Levitt Foundation’s Music Series Grants, which provide $120,000 over three years to activate public spaces through free outdoor concerts. The application deadline is June 30, 2025 at 5 p.m. PDT.
Finally, we must address the growing concern over federal arts funding. Many arts organizations in Kentucky recently received notices from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) canceling or rescinding grant awards, and these cuts are already affecting festivals, libraries, community centers, and youth programs across the commonwealth. Additionally, elimination of the NEA has been proposed in the White House budget. We encourage you to connect with the state arts advocacy organization, Kentuckians for the Arts, and support local art events and artists this summer.
Kentucky has shown strong leadership in supporting the arts—Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly have made bold investments in our creative sector. But federal support is essential to amplify these efforts. 100% of NEA funds administered by the arts council go directly to artists and cultural organizations, strengthening education, tourism, workforce development, and small business growth.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Please stay safe, stay connected, and continue to advocate for the arts in your communities.
