Dear friends of the arts,
It doesn’t quite feel like fall, but the Kentucky Arts Council is looking ahead to another season of creativity, collaboration, and celebration across the commonwealth. Whether you’re attending a festival, visiting a gallery, or supporting artists in your own community, thank you for helping make Kentucky’s arts community so vibrant.
One of the highlights of August is the Kentucky State Fair, returning to Louisville Aug. 20-30. The fair is one of Kentucky’s largest annual celebrations, bringing together agriculture, education, entertainment, and the arts while showcasing the creativity and talent found in every corner of the commonwealth. If you’re planning a visit, we encourage you to take time to experience the many exhibits, performances, and competitions that celebrate Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage.
We also invite you to experience “Celebrating the Black Experience,” our traveling exhibition presented in partnership with the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. The exhibition will be on display at Hazard Community and Technical College this month, with a special artist talk featuring Larry Humphrey and Debra Harley on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 5:30 p.m. Eastern. The conversation will be a wonderful opportunity to engage with artwork that explores identity, resilience, history, and cultural continuity through the voices of an extraordinary group of artists. The full tour schedule can be found on our website.
Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP)
The Emerging Traditional Artists Program supports artists who are deepening their practice while carrying cultural knowledge forward for the next generation. Awardees receive a $5,000 award, along with professional development opportunities, peer networking, and mentorship designed to strengthen both their artistic practice and long-term impact.
The program serves eligible artists living in Appalachian Regional Commission and Delta Regional Authority communities, as well as members of state or federally recognized Native American tribes. Learn More and Apply Here
We currently have two exciting opportunities available for Kentucky artists and organizations. Applications are open for Arts Access Assistance (AAA) grants, which provide awards of $2,500 or $5,000 to support arts-based projects that enhance the health and well-being of underserved individuals and communities across the commonwealth. The application deadline is Aug. 24. We are also accepting applications for the Kentucky Crafted Program, our adjudicated marketing program for Kentucky visual and craft artists. Kentucky Crafted offers marketing and promotional opportunities, professional development, and eligibility to participate in the Kentucky Crafted Market and other sponsored events. Applications for Kentucky Crafted are due Aug. 16.
As always, thank you for being part of Kentucky’s creative community. Your passion, generosity, and dedication continue to strengthen our commonwealth and ensure that the arts remain an essential part of our shared future.
With appreciation,
Chris Cathers
Executive Director
Kentucky Arts Council
Episode 68: Appalachian Literary Arts Festival
Readiness Reimagined: Arts Disaster & Crisis Preparedness Conference
The Kentucky Arts Council has teamed up with the University of Kentucky’s Department of Arts Administration to offer a limited number of participant stipends to attend the Arts Disaster and Crisis Preparedness (ADCP) Conference at the University of Kentucky’s main campus in Lexington, Kentucky, on September 24-25, 2026. More information and the application can be found here.
Deadline: August 12
Artist Enrichment Grant
For Kentucky artists seeking professional growth, don’t forget that applications for the Kentucky Foundation for Women’s Artist Enrichment Grants are due Aug. 24. These grants support artists pursuing new techniques, artistic development, residencies, and projects that use art to inspire positive social change. We encourage eligible artists to learn more and consider applying.
Deadline: August 24
Teaching Art Together Grant
The Teaching Art Together Grant enables teachers to implement artist residencies in their classrooms. Teachers and artists work in partnership to design and implement one- to 10-day residencies focusing on a specific artistic discipline or cross-curricular pairings, such as dance integrated into a math lesson or curriculum, or new media integrated into a science lesson/curriculum. Teaching Artists Directory artists offer residencies in dance, folk arts, literary arts, media arts, music, storytelling, theatre, and visual arts and crafts.
Deadline: Sept. 1
In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants
In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants support nonprofit organizations preserving handcrafts, foodways, music, and other traditional arts across the region. Through $30,000 awards, the program strengthens the operational foundation these organizations depend on, supporting essential expenses that build long-term sustainability and community impact. Learn More and Apply Here
Arts in Community Grants
Arts in Community Grants support organizations that host Southern artists to create meaningful public experiences that extend beyond a single performance or exhibition. Projects include a public presentation alongside a community engagement activity such as a workshop, discussion, lecture, demonstration, or masterclass, creating opportunities for audiences and artists to connect in lasting ways. Awards of up to $10,000 are available for eligible projects featuring Southern artists working across film, literary, performing, traditional, and visual arts. Learn More and Apply Here