Happy New Year! With the turn of the calendar comes a sense of hope, and each day, a little more light. As we begin a new year, the Kentucky Arts Council remains committed to supporting the artists, organizations, and small creative businesses that make our commonwealth such a vibrant place to live and work. 

We want to congratulate Mary Anne Carter on being confirmed as the 14th chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Since January 2025, Carter has been a senior advisor to the NEA. She previously served as NEA chairman during the first Trump administration, gaining deep knowledge of the agency's mission, programs and operations. We look forward to working with Chairman Carter again. 

And speaking of leadership, Kentuckians for the Arts is planning for its annual event in Frankfort on January 22. Kentucky Arts Day is a statewide gathering of friends of the arts coming together to remind elected officials why the arts matter to our communities, our schools, and our economy. This is an opportunity to help amplify a clear message: Kentucky’s creative future depends on strong public support through increased funding and arts-friendly policies. Register to be part of the conversation. 

Here at the Arts Council, planning is well underway for our annual Kentucky Crafted Market, and we’re especially excited about Wholesale Day on March 6, dedicated exclusively to buyers. If you’re a retailer, gallery owner, or small business looking to support Kentucky makers, this day is for you. This year, we’re focused on welcoming even more small business owners to connect directly with Kentucky artists and craftspeople, strengthening local economies and building lasting partnerships. Wholesale buyers who register will receive a special gift from us. The Market opens to the public on March 7-8, and we hope to see you there. 

In anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary, the National Endowment for the Arts has awarded 50 grants in 25 states to support arts projects honoring individuals recognized in Executive Order 13978, Building the National Garden of American Heroes. Each project will receive $25,000 and take place throughout 2026. 

In Kentucky, the award was granted to the Boone County Public Library District in Burlington. The project will support artist fees for the creation of an outdoor mural exhibition celebrating American heroes with ties to Kentucky as part of America250. The exhibition will feature mural panels by a local artist, complemented by interpretive signage and QR codes linking to educational content. The artworks will be installed along an outdoor walkway at the library and unveiled during a free, community-wide event featuring music and art activities. The project will benefit residents of Burlington and surrounding communities, offering accessible, engaging opportunities to connect with history through the arts.  

As always, thank you for being part of Kentucky’s creative community. We look forward to the year ahead, and to working together to ensure the arts continue to thrive across the commonwealth.