Of course, it's Arts Day everyday in Paducah!
But this Friday it's Arts Day in Frankfort at the capitol. Each spring organizations around the state are awarded Kentucky Arts Partnership (KAP) grants from the Kentucky Arts Council. On Arts Day, these non-profit entities meet in Frankfort to talk with legislators about their work and to showcase their individual artistic focus.
This year Maiden Alley Cinema, The Carson Center, Market House Theatre, Paducah Symphony Orchestra, the National Quilt Museum, and the Paducah Symphony Orchestra will be making their way to our state capital to receive their funds and to meet with local legislators to discuss the contributions each is making in our region.
"The National Quilt Museum brings more than 40,000 people per year into Kentucky," says Frank Bennett, Executive Director. "This includes visitors from all 49 other US states and more than 40 foreign countries. These visitors have a significant economic impact on the state and our region. The funding assistance we get from the Kentucky Arts Council is critical . Without it we would most certainly have to make cuts to our services."
The Market House Theatre uses KAC funding to provide reduced class fees for educational programming, which is a vital commitment of MHT to students in our region. "We currently provide programming for pre-school, elementary and middle schools using 'Theatre as a Teaching Tool' for core content subject areas in 49 schools in 14 counties. Last year we provided more than 1,300 classes and workshops," says Executive Director Michael Cochran.
The KAP funding is the only grant that provides unrestricted operating support to the Carson Center. "Most grants restrict support to specific programs," adds Debbie Wattier, Development Director at the Carson Center. "The Kentucky Arts Council grant helps us with expenses ranging from spotlights to the stars on the stage!"
According to Stacey Reason, Executive Director of the Yeiser Art Center, KAC funding is integral to creating educational opportunities through exhibits and programming. "We create access to the arts by offering five major exhibitions free to the public, alongside our two international exhibitions. Artist talks, workshops, and community partnerships expand our gallery, all of which is made possible in part by the KAP grant."
"At the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, we could not do what we do without the KAP grant," adds Katie Smith, Executive Director. "The PSO offers a variety of musical performances, ensembles, and educational programs throughout the year with the assistance of these funds. They are vital to our success."
Through film programming that reaches a diverse audience, Maiden Alley Cinema is a leading regional arts organization dedicated to enhancing culture through film and promoting visual literacy. "The KAC exhibits a true devotion to the impact the arts can have by its support of MAC," comments Landee Bryant-Greene, Executive Director.
In addition, PADUCAH LIFE Magazine will be recognized in the House and Senate Chambers on Arts Day in honor of the 2016 Governor's Award for the Arts in Media.
To support the continued funding of these Paducah arts organizations, contact your congressional representatives to let them know how VITAL the arts are to Paducah and the western Kentucky region.
STATE LEGISLATORS: CONTACT INFORMATION
Senator Danny Carroll
E-mail: danny.carroll@lrc.ky.gov
Frankfort Address: 702 Capitol Ave. Annex Room 229 , Frankfort, KY 40601
Home Address: 220 Cimarron Way Paducah, KY 42001
Senator Stan Humphries
E-mail: stan.humphries@lrc.ky.gov
Frankfort Address: 702 Capitol Ave. Annex Room 209 , Frankfort, KY 40601
Home Address: 763 Sinking Fork Road Cadiz, KY 42211
Representative Gerald Watkins
E-mail: gerald.watkins@lrc.ky.gov
Frankfort Address: 702 Capitol Ave Annex Room 332C Frankfort KY 40601
Home Address: 4317 Pines Road Paducah, KY 42001
Representative Steven Rudy
E-mail: steven.rudy@lrc.ky.gov
Frankfort Address: 702 Capitol Ave Annex Room 304 Frankfort KY 40601
Home Address: 350 Peppers Mill Drive Paducah, KY 42001
Representative Richard Heath
E-mail: Richard.Heath@lrc.ky.gov
Frankfort Address: 702 Capitol Ave Annex Room 405E Frankfort KY 40601
Home Address: 438 Millers Chapel Road Mayfield, KY 42066
Representative Will Coursey
E-mail: will.coursey@lrc.ky.gov
Frankfort Address: 702 Capitol Ave Annex Room 351A Frankfort KY 40601
Home Address: 285 Oak Level Elva Road Symsonia, KY 42082
Representative Kenny Imes
E-mail: kenny.imes@lrc.ky.gov
Frankfort Address: 702 Capitol Ave Annex Room 324C Frankfort KY 40601
Home Address: 4064 US 641N Murray, KY 42071
