Founded in 2016, Yes Arts is a community-focused organization dedicated to providing high-quality, low-cost, or subsidized arts programming. By partnering with local artists and community organizations, Yes Arts aims to mobilize the power of community and the arts to disrupt the cycle of addiction and support those at risk of substance use disorders.

Yes Arts is committed to creating evidence-based protective factors that insulate against substance use disorders. The organization provides out-of-school activities, fosters a sense of belonging and usefulness, and promotes engagement with mentors and trusted adults to empower youth and families in the community.

Yes Arts operates in an ADA-compliant, inclusive, family-oriented space that also serves as an art gallery. Located at Yes Arts at City Hall, just a few blocks from Frankfort's inner-city schools, the venue is strategically positioned to reach populations that are most in need, particularly those at risk of substance use disorders.

Yes Arts offers a variety of arts programming designed to serve elementary, middle, and high school youth, their families, local professional artists, and community members. The organization collaborates with local agencies to maximize outreach and avoid duplicating services.

Additionally, Yes Arts provides professional development for participating artists, staff, and local and state agencies, including training for the Frankfort Police Department and the Kentucky Historical Society. Training topics include substance abuse prevention principles, implicit bias, mental health, trauma-informed instruction, diversity and equity, and the signs and symptoms of addiction within families.

By fostering a creative environment and providing essential resources, Yes Arts plays a vital role in the community of Frankfort and surrounding counties. Their programs not only enhance artistic skills but also contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and families, helping to create a supportive and resilient community.

Organization's statement

Receiving the 2024 Kentucky Governor’s Award in the Arts for Community Arts is an incredible honor that affirms our commitment to uplifting and empowering our community through the transformative power of the arts. This recognition validates our efforts in focusing on recovery and youth prevention programs, emphasizing the vital role we play in addressing critical needs within our region. By involving individuals with lived experience—those who have faced addiction and trauma—in leadership and program design, we ensure our initiatives are not only impactful but deeply relevant to those we serve.

We serve as a bridge that connects diverse communities through creative expression and healing. Our work spans the entire addiction cycle, from youth prevention to recovery for individuals grappling with substance use disorder. By involving people with lived experience in peer support roles, we create programs that resonate with participants and foster community resilience. Our partnerships with schools, nonprofits, law enforcement, and public health organizations amplify our impact, helping to build a healthier, more connected community. Additionally, we are dedicated to providing arts programming for children of all ages, ensuring access to quality arts education for everyone.

Mentorship is central to our mission, particularly through artists who have overcome addiction or trauma and now guide others on their journeys. This peer-to-peer model not only aids personal recovery but also strengthens our community by passing on valuable artistic skills and life lessons. Our teaching artists play a crucial role in mentoring students, equipping them with the artistic and professional skills necessary for future employability in the arts.

In promoting the arts in Kentucky, we advocate for the transformative power of creativity, especially within underserved and underrepresented populations. We aim to demonstrate how the arts can heal, build community, and drive social change. By showcasing this impact, we hope to inspire greater investment in the arts at both local and state levels, ensuring that our programs remain inclusive and authentic.

Among our proudest accomplishments are the community partnerships we've cultivated across various sectors. These collaborations allow us to integrate the arts into different aspects of community life, addressing not only artistic needs but also social, educational, and public health concerns. Through these partnerships, we foster healing, education, and community-building, making the arts a vital part of Frankfort’s cultural fabric.

Our work tells a compelling story of resilience, creativity, and community, deeply informed by the experiences of those who have overcome personal challenges. By centering their voices, we demonstrate Kentucky's commitment to its people, especially those who have faced adversity. Our initiatives highlight the region’s dedication to using the arts as a powerful tool for recovery, transformation, and cultural expression, showcasing the vibrant spirit of our community to non-Kentuckians and beyond.