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 of risk, resilience, and the dreamers who remind us that anything can happen between the gate and the finish line. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly, considering moments of courage, unexpected triumph, perseverance against the odds, and the bold act of believing in possibility.

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 be focused on a specific artistic discipline or explore educational pairings.

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, former poets laureate George Ella Lyon, Maureen Morehead, Sena Jeter Naslund, Joe Survant, Richard Taylor, and Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate Esme Morris will read. The Kentucky Writers’ Day celebration is free to the public and will be followed by a light reception. 

The Kentucky Arts Council hosts webinars and online workshops featuring notable Kentucky artists, best practices for arts organizations, artist professional development, and more.