Relevance  Respondents participating in a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment identified the need to build leadership capacity to enhance individual and family development and community and economic development. The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is connected to building leadership capacity. KEHA is a volunteer organization that “works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education” (KEHA). The Cooperative Extension Service collaborates with KEHA members to provide educational programming in Extension and coordinate community activities. One of the educational components of KEHA is “Cultural Arts and Heritage,” which focuses on literature, the creation of visual arts, and the promotion of heritage skills.

Response  The Cultural Arts and Heritage educational component of the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) supports various programming opportunities for members. A popular program is the annual Cultural Arts and Heritage Exhibit. It features 27 categories (and various sub-categories) ranging from sewing and needlework, painting and drawing, to ceramics and woodwork.  Homemaker members are encouraged to enter their works of art in their counties, with winning entries progressing to an area-level contest, culminating in the competitive state-level contest. Participation in the Exhibit is an opportunity to showcase individual talents while encouraging the creativity and productivity of fellow members. Although Extension Agents advise KEHA members on participation in and implementation of this Exhibit, many KEHA members assume leadership roles to ensure this event is a success at the county, area, and state levels.

Results  KEHA members have emerged to be engaged leaders who thrive on proactive communication and a commitment to improvement. The enhanced logistics surrounding the state-level Cultural Arts and Heritage Exhibit have resulted in higher Exhibit participation and noted member satisfaction. At the 2025 State KEHA Meeting, the Cultural Arts Exhibit featured 741 entries, created by 473 members, representing 97 counties. (This is an increase over the 2024 State KEHA Cultural Arts Exhibit which featured 677 entries, created by 430 members, representing 93 counties.) Over 500 KEHA members attended the 2025 State KEHA Meeting, and of those who submitted feedback, 30% noted that the Cultural Arts Exhibit and Cultural Arts educational program information was a top reason for their attendance.

Public Value Statement  Through the participation of the KEHA Cultural Arts and Heritage programs, confidence builds, leaders emerge, and communities strengthen.