FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Krista Buckel
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Community Ventures Receives U.S. Bank Foundation Grant to Support Kentucky Arts Businesses, Strengthens East End Economy
LEXINGTON, KY. (January 30, 2024) – Community Ventures received a grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation to support Art Inc. Kentucky (Art Inc.), which focuses on helping Kentucky artists grow their businesses and strengthens the economy of Lexington’s East End neighborhood.
“This award will allow Art Inc. Kentucky to bolster business creation and homeownership opportunities in Lexington’s East End, while providing a venue for neighborhood residents and local visitors to come together and enjoy the arts,” said Mark Johnson, President of Art Inc. Kentucky. “We are grateful to the U.S. Bank Foundation for their commitment to supporting artists and creating economic opportunities in the East End.”
Art Inc. will use the grant funding to equip creative entrepreneurs with business and marketing tools. Through its incubator, it will also provide access to services and affordable funding options for supplies and equipment. The award will also further Art Inc.’s community revitalization efforts by supporting The Artists’ Village, The Artists’ Studios, and ArtHouse Kentucky, which draw visitors and art buyers to the East End.
Since opening in 2021, the gallery has generated sales for Art Inc. affiliated artists, and Art Inc.’s incubator has helped 21—including 9 artists of color—become juried into the Kentucky Arts Council’s prestigious Kentucky Crafted program, greatly expanding their potential for sales.
U.S. Bank is committed to powering human potential and creating lasting change in communities. The bank does this through the Community Possible platform, including philanthropy, community investments and team member volunteerism.
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About Art Inc. Kentucky: Art Inc. Kentucky, supported by Community Ventures, is a non-profit, member-focused business and marketing incubator for artists and creatives. Art Inc. provides emerging and established artists with the services, resources, and educational opportunities needed to broaden their exposure, increase their income, and build long-term sustainable businesses.
About Community Ventures: Founded in 1982 as a community-based, non-profit organization, Community Ventures (CV) strengthens communities and improves the overall quality of life for Kentuckians by supporting job creation, small business ownership, and home ownership. CV is headquartered in Lexington with branch locations in Bowling Green, Campbellsville, Louisville, Mayfield, Millersburg, and Owensboro. For 21 consecutive years, CV has been named Microlender of the Year by the Kentucky Small Business Administration.