Emergencies, Disasters
and The Arts

This painting, “Crossing at Sunset” by Jason Bailey, was recovered from the mud following the Dec. 10, 2021, tornado in Mayfield. Photo by Mayfield/Graves County Art Guild Executive Director Nanc Gunn.

Disasters and emergencies are the largest threat to the careers of artists and livelihood of arts organizations across the country – yet addressing these issues falls to the bottom of the to-do list when skies are blue and danger is out-of-sight.

Devastating weather-related events are predicted to increase in coming years. Now is the time to explore issues related to readiness, response and recovery in the arts. Ask yourself: Are you or your organization prepared to handle a devastating emergency if it came your way?

The Kentucky Arts Council invites you to participate in a new online series for artists, organizations and other stakeholders in the arts to learn about the national resources available to the arts field in emergency and disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Experts will share information about their organizations and the makeup of the country’s arts emergency network, a cadre of organizations and resources that offer specialized assistance – including grant opportunities – when disaster strikes.

Interwoven in the series are stories from artists and organizations whose lives have been deeply affected by emergency situations.

Join the arts council and its partners for this important series and increase your knowledge about this integral segment of the arts community.

Each interactive session includes presentations with question-and-answer sessions. Registration is free and open to artists and organizations across the country in a call to increase safe and secure conditions for the nation’s arts community.

Questions? Contact KAC Executive Staff Advisor Emily B. Moses at emilyb.moses@ky.gov.