2027–2028 Kentucky Poet Laureate Nominations Open

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting nominations for the 2027-2028 Kentucky Poet Laureate, a literary ambassador appointed by the Governor to promote the power of the written word across the commonwealth.  Selected for a two-year term through a public nomination process coordinated by the Kentucky Arts Council, the Kentucky Poet Laureate represents the rich literary traditions of Kentucky. While the … Continued

June ARTS E-NEWS

June 1, 2026 Dear friends of the arts,   As the Kentucky Arts Council prepares for a new fiscal year, we find ourselves reflecting on an inspiring season of work in support of the arts across the commonwealth. We’ve completed our busy panel season and will present recommendations to the Board of Directors later this month. It … Continued

Get Expert Advice Through the Kentucky Peer Advisory Network

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications from arts organizations, community groups and eligible artists to receive professional guidance, technical support and program development assistance through the Kentucky Peer Advisory Network (KPAN).  The deadline to apply is June 30, 2026.   KPAN connects applicants with experienced creative industry professionals who can provide short-term, arts-related assistance. Advisory topics include business and finance, emergency preparedness, fundraising, grant writing, product development, … Continued

Gov. Beshear: 12 Nonprofit Organizations Receive $50,000 in Grants to Support Health and Wellness Through the Arts

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 14, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 12 nonprofit organizations across the commonwealth will receive a total of $50,000 to support arts programs that promote health, wellness and community connection. “The arts bring people together, strengthen our communities and help improve the quality of life for our families,” said Gov. Beshear. “Team … Continued

 Applications now open to bring artists to your school!

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications for the Teaching Art Together program. Educators interested in hosting a teaching artist in their classroom during the 2026-27 school year are encouraged to apply. There is no match requirement, and the deadline to apply is Sept. 1, 2026.   With the Teaching Art Together grant, teachers can implement one- to ten-day … Continued

Derby Exhibit opens May 2

This year’s Governor’s Derby Exhibit, “Long Shot,” is now on display at the Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort, kicking off a showcase of Kentucky artists inspired by the spirit and tradition of the Derby season.  Part of the Governor’s Derby Celebration activities, the exhibit will be on display through July 5, and features work from 41 artists representing communities across the … Continued

May ARTS E NEWS

Dear Friends of the Arts, Whether in celebration, reflection, or rebuilding, the power of creativity brings people together. Last week, we had the honor of gathering in Frankfort for Kentucky Writers’ Day, a meaningful celebration of our state’s literary heritage. Poets from across generations took the stage, including Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell, former laureates … Continued

The Kentucky Arts Council needs your input!

The Kentucky Arts Council turns 60 this year, and we’d like to celebrate!   Before we break out the balloons and streamers and blow out our candles, we’re taking a look back — and forward — to make sure we serve the commonwealth better than ever.  We hope you will help guide how we support artists, communities, and creative work across the commonwealth … Continued

Finding Funding: Grant Search Basics 

The Kentucky Arts Council will host a free Creative Industry Summit Series webinar, “Finding Funding: Grant Search Basics,” on Wednesday, May 6, at 11 a.m. Eastern. This session will offer practical strategies for discovering and organizing grant opportunities using free, publicly available tools and databases. Participants will learn how to locate open calls, interpret eligibility guidelines, … Continued

Nominations now open for 2026 Governor’s Awards in the Arts 

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards in the Arts, the commonwealth’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding achievement and contributions in the arts.   Nominations must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Eastern on May 31, 2026.  Administered annually by the Kentucky Arts Council, the Governor’s Awards in the Arts celebrate the individuals and organizations whose … Continued

April Arts E-News

Dear Friends of the Arts,  Spring is arriving in Kentucky, and with it comes that familiar sense of renewal – ideas taking shape, creativity emerging, and communities gathering to share in something meaningful. That spirit was on full display at this year’s Kentucky Crafted Market.  While the Market looks different each year, what remained constant and unmistakable was the extraordinary … Continued

Writers’ Day at Kentucky History Center in Frankfort on April 24 

The Kentucky Arts Council will present Kentucky Writers’ Day, an annual celebration of the literary arts in Kentucky, on Friday, April 24, at 11 a.m. Eastern. The event will take place in the Brown-Forman Room at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 100 W. Broadway St. in Frankfort. Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell, … Continued

Artists and the Edge Roundtable: The Opportunities and Pitfalls of AI 

The Kentucky Arts Council will present “Artists and the Edge” a roundtable exploring the opportunities and pitfalls of AI on April 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern. Presenter Joshua Brown will discuss questions about the emerging technology, including what AI means for artists, and whether AI can/should be used to create art.   Brown will introduce examples … Continued

Kentucky Writers’ Day 2026 

Friday, April 24 Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History 100 W. Broadway St. Frankfort, KY  11 a.m., Kentucky Writers’ Day Ceremony, Brown-Forman Kentucky Room Readings by Kathleen Driskell, Kentucky Poet Laureate 2025 and 2026, former Poets Laureate Richard Taylor, Joe Survant, Sena Jeter Naslund, Maureen Morehead, George Ella Lyon, and Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate Esme Morris.   Noon Public Reception, Brown-Forman Kentucky Room Enjoy light refreshments … Continued

Kentucky Voices 

The Kentucky Arts Council will host Kentucky Voices, on Wednesday, April 15, 2 p.m. Eastern.  Award-winning poet, essayist, teacher and Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell will speak with poets Dave Harrity, Leatha Kendrick, and Shauna Morgan. All four poets will share their work.   Kathleen Driskell has authored six poetry collections, most recently Goat-Footed Gods (Carnegie Mellon University Press, 2025). Other collections include Blue Etiquette: Poems, a finalist for … Continued

The Kentucky Arts Council Board to Meet March 20

The board meeting will be held in person at the Mayo-Underwood Building  FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 18, 2026) — The Kentucky Arts Council first- quarter board meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Eastern, March 20, at the Mayo-Underwood Building, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Ky.   The meeting will be simulcast via Zoom. Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or … Continued

Kentucky Arts Council Now Accepting Submissions for 2026 Governor’s Derby Exhibit

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Governor’s Derby Exhibit, returning this May in celebration of the Commonwealth’s rich artistic talent and Derby tradition.  This year’s theme is “Long Shot.”  Inspired by the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, the exhibit invites Kentucky artists to explore risk, resilience, and the dreamers who … Continued

Application Open for New Arts Education Grant Program

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications for the new Creative Chapters Library Program Grant.   The Creative Chapters Library Program (CCLP) grant supports hands-on, sequential lifelong learning opportunities in Kentucky public libraries by funding residencies with artists from the Kentucky Arts Council Teaching Artists Directory. Librarians and artists work in partnership to design and implement the residencies, which may … Continued

Reading Between the Lines: Common Contract Traps for Individuals in the Creative Sector

The Kentucky Arts Council will offer a free webinar Wednesday, April 1, 2 p.m. Eastern. Join attorney Yuha Jung to discuss common contract traps for individuals in the creative sector.   Contracts are a routine part of creative work, but they often contain terms that can quietly shift risk, limit rights, or create long-term obligations that individuals may not fully … Continued

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies Awards $77,500 Grant to the Kentucky Arts Council

Kentucky is one of 28 states to receive funding through the Creative Aging, Creative Futures program FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2026) – Team Kentucky has secured $77,500 through the Creative Aging, Creative Futures program, a national initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. As one of 28 states to … Continued

March ARTS E-NEWS

March 3, 2026 Dear Friends of the Arts,   The Kentucky Crafted Market returns to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena March 6-8. On March 6, wholesale buyers will gather for an exclusive opportunity to connect directly with talented Kentucky Crafted artists, small business owners whose creativity fuels local economies across the commonwealth. The Market opens … Continued

Kentucky Crafted Market Returns to Lexington March 6-8

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) The Kentucky Crafted Market will return to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, March 6-8. This year, more than 120 of the commonwealth’s finest artists and craftspeople will participate in Kentucky’s premier showcase of arts and crafts.  “Every year, the Kentucky Crafted Market brings people together to celebrate … Continued

2026 Governor’s Derby Exhibit: Long Shot

The Kentucky Arts Council announces the return of the Governor’s Derby Exhibit this May and is pleased to reveal this year’s theme in advance of the official call to artists.  Inspired by the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, the 2026 exhibit invites artists to explore the idea of the “Long Shot.”  Artworks should explore the ideas … Continued

Kentucky Arts Council Issues Warning About Vendor Application Scams

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 19, 2026) – The Kentucky Arts Council is warning the public and artists about fraudulent social media posts and messages falsely claiming to accept vendor applications for the Kentucky Crafted Market.   The Kentucky Crafted Market does not accept vendor applications through social media comments, direct messages, third-party websites or unsolicited emails. Participation … Continued

Wholesale buyer registration is still open, but space is limited 

There is still time for wholesale buyers to register for the Kentucky Crafted Market, and this year’s event offers even more reasons to attend. Wholesale buyers’ day will be held Friday, March 6, from 10 am to 5 p.m. at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena.  In addition to a strong roster of returning Kentucky Crafted … Continued

Literary artists: $7,500 and $1,000 grant applications now open

Applications are now open for the Individual Artist Fellowship and the Emerging Artist Award in literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, play/screenwriting). Applicants may apply for either a fellowship or an emerging artist award. The deadline to apply is March 15 for both programs.   Individual Artist Fellowship  The Individual Artist Fellowship is a highly competitive $7,500 award for working professional Kentucky artists who have demonstrated … Continued

Volunteers needed for the 2026 Kentucky Crafted Market 

The Kentucky Crafted Market returns to Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 6–8, 2026, celebrating the work of more than 120 of Kentucky’s finest artists and craftspeople. In addition to shopping, the Market features live music, artist demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.  Volunteers play a vital role in making the … Continued

Free Webinar: Copyright for Creatives 

On Thursday, Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. Eastern, the Kentucky Arts Council will provide a free Creative Industry Summit Series workshop, “Overview of Copyright for Creatives.” This event will provide an introduction to copyright law with a particular emphasis on how copyright impacts artists across disciplines. This webinar will help answer questions about the legal rights … Continued

2026 Poetry Out Loud State Championship Scheduled for Feb. 12

Students compete as part of national arts education event at Farish Theater in Fayette County FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2026) – The Kentucky Arts Council will host the 2026 Kentucky Poetry Out Loud State Championship on Feb. 12, 2026. This year’s event will begin at 10:30 a.m. EST at the Farish Theater at the Lexington … Continued

Now Accepting Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant Applications 

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications for the Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant. This program provides $4,000 to a Kentucky mentor folk or traditional artist to teach skills, practices, and culture to a less-experienced artist in their community over the course of a year. The deadline to apply is March 31.   … Continued

Kentucky Arts Council Board to Meet September 19

The board meeting will be held in-person at the Woodford Theatre in Versailles. FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2025) — The Kentucky Arts Council’s third-quarter board meeting will be held on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. Eastern at the Woodford Theatre, 275 Beasley Drive, Versailles, Ky.     The meeting will be simulcast via Zoom.  Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android here.   The … Continued

Performing Artists Directory Applications are Now Open

The Kentucky Arts Council is accepting applications for the Performing Artists Directory (PAD), an adjudicated roster of professional Kentucky performing artists who have an established performance history. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15. It is a marketing program that offers roster artists professional development and a variety of opportunities to promote their performance work. Additionally, the … Continued

Submit your activities to the Kentucky Arts Council’s event calendar

The Kentucky Arts Council invites arts, cultural and community organizations to submit upcoming public events for inclusion on the Events Calendar.  To be considered, events must:  All submissions are subject to approval by the Kentucky Arts Council.

Applications open for second round of Kentucky Arts Council America250KY Grants 

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications for the second round of America250KY Grants through August 24, 2025, for projects taking place within the grant period of Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 1, 2026.  As the United States prepares to commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the commonwealth … Continued

Creative Industry Summit Series Survey

The Kentucky Arts Council is looking for feedback as we begin scheduling our upcoming Creative Industry Summit Series. The arts council hosts webinars and online workshops featuring notable Kentucky and national artists, best practices for arts organizations, artist professional development and more. All webinars are archived on the KAC YouTube Channel.   We are asking artists and … Continued

Registration for Poetry Out Loud 2026 is now open!

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. Participating students must be in grades 9 through 12, and any representative of a Kentucky public or private high school may apply. Each participating school receives … Continued

Celebrating the Black Experience Art Exhibit Launches Kentucky Tour 

The Kentucky Arts Council launched the Celebrating the Black Experience touring art exhibit this month. The fourth annual exhibit, presented by the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (KCAAH), includes artists from all over Kentucky, and some from Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida and Zimbabwe. Media includes fiber art, wood sculpture, textiles, copper, acrylic and oil paintings, drawings, and mixed media work with innovative … Continued

The Kentucky Arts Council Board to Meet June 20  

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 13, 2025) — The Kentucky Arts Council second quarter board meeting will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Eastern at the Singletary Center President’s Room at 405 Rose Street, Lexington, Ky.  The meeting will be simulcast via Zoom. Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.   … Continued

Applications are Now Open for the Kentucky Crafted Program

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications for its Kentucky Crafted Program, the commonwealth’s premier marketing initiative for professional visual and craft artists.  Kentucky Crafted provides networking, promotional and sales opportunities, as well as arts business training, to support the success of Kentucky artists. Adjudicated artists accepted into the program receive statewide and national exposure … Continued

March 2025 Board Minutes

Celebrating the Black Experience

The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage is collaborating with the Kentucky Arts Council to bring the annual art exhibition, Celebrating the Black Experience, to locations across the commonwealth. Join curators Aukram Burton and Julia Youngblood as they present two visual artists from the exhibit, Nahla Joy of Louisville and Derek King Jr. of Lexington. This free webinar will take place Wed., June 4, 2025, 11 … Continued

Creative Industry Summit Series: New Generations of Storytellers

The Kentucky Arts Council presents a free webinar, New Generations of Storytellers, on May 14 from 11 a.m. to noon Eastern. Meet Appalachian storytellers Hasan Davis and Mitch Barrett, both of Madison County, Ky. Hasan and Mitch are mentor artists participating in the arts council’s Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program. This year, they are teaching storytelling traditions to … Continued

AI and Arts Administration: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bot

Join the Kentucky Arts Council’s Creative Industry Summit Series on May 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. Eastern. In this free webinar, arts administrator Joshua Brown will explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace and how to use AI tools to improve your practice. Brown believes AI tools can empower artists, patrons, and grantees … Continued

Teaching Art Together Grant application is open!

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year for the Teaching Arts Together Grant.    With the Teaching Art Together Grant, teachers can implement one to 10-day teaching artist residencies in their PreK-12th grade classrooms. All artists have been carefully juried by a panel of arts education professionals and selected for inclusion in the Teaching … Continued

Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Art Business; a Step-by-Step Guide to Marketing Your Artwork Effectively

The Kentucky Arts Council will host a free webinar with Dr. Rachel Shane on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., focusing on marketing essentials for artists who want to sell their work, build their reputation, and connect with the right audience. This workshop offers a step-by-step framework for creating a personalized marketing plan … Continued

Applications open for Kentucky Peer Advisory Network

Applications are now being accepted for the Kentucky Arts Council’s Kentucky Peer Advisory Network (KPAN).  The network is open to all arts organizations, community groups and eligible individual artists interested in arts-related technical assistance. Applicants must be Kentucky residents, Kentucky-based organizations or serve Kentuckians in a significant way. Organizations do not need to be Kentucky … Continued

Nominations open for 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts 

The Kentucky Arts Council is accepting nominations through May 31 for the 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.  The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary and significant contributions to the arts in Kentucky. The nomination process is coordinated by the arts council, and more information about the process is available here: https://artscouncil.ky.gov/program/governors-award-in-the-arts-nominations/  … Continued

Writers’ Day Activities to take place April 24

The public is invited to attend the 2025 Writers’ Day activities in Frankfort on April 24. Kentucky Writers’ Day is an annual celebration on or around the birthday of Kentucky writer Robert Penn Warren, the first United States Poet Laureate. The Writers’ Day celebration was established in 1990, and poets laureate are inducted in odd-numbered years. This year’s … Continued

Nominations open for 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts 

The Kentucky Arts Council is accepting nominations through May 31 for the 2025 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.  The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary and significant contributions to the arts in Kentucky. The nomination process is coordinated by the arts council, and more information about the process is available here.  Eligibility … Continued

Accepting artwork for the Governor’s Derby Exhibit

Theme: “Spring is Here!”  Exhibit runs from April 30 – May 2 The Kentucky Arts Council invites all Kentucky visual artists to submit work for consideration in the upcoming Governor’s Derby Exhibit April 30-May 29, 2025. The works selected for the exhibit will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda, and available for viewing by … Continued