Due to budget reductions, the Kentucky Arts Council has placed six grant programs on hiatus for fiscal year 2011: Arts Build Communities, Community Scholars Project, Folk Arts Project, Individual Artist Professional Development, Organizational Technical Assistance and Performing Arts on Tour. This hiatus will affect arts projects and activities occurring between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011.

The Kentucky Arts Council will continue funding the Kentucky Arts Partnership, Teacher Initiated Program and Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grants, as well as supporting the adjudicated programs for teaching, performing and visual and craft artists. The council will also continue the Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship Awards program.

“We regret having to take this action and hope funding will become available to reinstate these programs in the future,” said Kentucky Arts Council Executive Director Lori Meadows. “We feel fortunate, however, to continue to lend operational support to our Kentucky Arts Partnership organizations in these tight economic times. The opportunities these groups provide are very important in building vibrant communities and fostering excellence in education throughout the Commonwealth.”

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.