Author: Melissa Bond
Major Program: Advancing the Creative Economy
The Kentucky Cooperative Extension System invests in long-term creative community engagement through KSU and UKThe Community Arts Extension Program began in 2005 as a partnership between the College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE) and the College of Fine Arts (CFA) at the University of Kentucky. This was an experimental project to explore ways that the Cooperative Extension Service could support community and economic development through arts and placemaking initiatives, primaril
Author: Anne Stephens
The Greenup County Farmers Market was established in 2005 with five farmer/producer vendors only. As the market grew and became more established in the community, some local artisans became interested in participating as vendors. At first, there was some hesitation on the part of farmers about expanding the focus of agricultural economy into the creative economy. Because of the leadership, encouragement, and modeling of team work from the Ag Agent, FCS Agent, and the Community Arts Agent, the fi
Author: Christina Hogue
The Monroe County Basket Club has been meeting at the Monroe County Extension office for approximately 3 years. The basket club participants were 4 members of other Monroe County Extension Homemaker clubs that all shared a passion for basket weaving. In the fall of 2022, these four ladies felt it was time to expand. A new FCS/4-H agent had just been hired so the time was right. With the help of basket enthusiasts from another county, they met with ext
Author: Cortney Moses
The Extension Community Arts Center has become a beacon of success for the Whitley County Artisans, providing them with opportunities to display, exhibit, and sell their work. With the number of artists in the area on the rise, the center has filled a crucial void by hosting monthly artist exhibitions.Each exhibition lasts for one month, with the highlight being an artist reception that allows the community to engage with the artist. This unique event gives attendees the chance to learn more abo
Author: Brenda Cockerham
Prior to 2000, Johnson County worked with Economic Development specialists at UK to survey the local community searching for what they felt needed to change, what should stay the same and if they would be willing to help. Over 500 participated in the "Johnson County Visions" project, with around 70 leaders serving as facilitators to do face to face meetings. One of the top 10 priorities at that time was the preservation of local culture, and the utilization of the newly developed touri
