The Kentucky Volunteer Forum (KVF), a developmental and educational conference for 4-H and Extension volunteers, historically offered numerous arts and crafts sessions. However, the forum lacked high-quality arts programming.

For the first time, an Arts Agent was invited to serve on the KVF planning committee. Collaborating with the Community Arts Program Director and agents across the state, the Arts Agent developed a comprehensive range of hands-on visual arts programs for the 2024 KVF. These programs were designed to provide Kentucky volunteers and program assistants with the skills and instructions needed to bring high-quality arts education back to their counties.

The enhanced programming targeted Kentucky 4-H and Extension volunteers and program assistants. The goal was to equip them with valuable arts education that they could teach in their local communities, raising the standard of arts education across the state.

The initiative was supported by a collaborative effort involving the Community Arts Program Director, agents, and program assistants statewide. Their collective expertise was crucial in identifying and recruiting top-tier workshop presenters, ensuring the highest quality programs.

The Principal Specialist for Volunteerism and the Director of the KVF expressed deep appreciation for the Arts Agent's contributions:

“I appreciated your input and contribution and particularly admired the depth and quality of the workshops and presenters that you identified and recruited. The workshops in the arts track were of the highest quality that had ever been presented at any KVF. You are directly responsible for that accomplishment. I am deeply appreciative of your contribution.”

This collaboration brought statewide awareness to the relatively small Community Arts Program, which has only four arts agents. The success of this effort legitimized the arts within Kentucky’s 4-H and Extension initiatives, highlighting the potential for growth and advancement of arts education at the state level.