Arts and culture make considerable and necessary contributions to the well-being of communities. Arts and culture are powerful tools with which to engage communities in various levels of change. It is a means to public dialogue, contributes to the development of a community’s creative learning, creates healthy communities capable of action, provide a powerful tool for community mobilization and activism, and builds community capacity and leadership.

With this in mind, the Pendleton County Extension Service and Extension leaders from the County Extension Council partnered with the local Kincaid Regional Theatre to hold a grand reopening of our 1.5 million dollar expansion of program meeting rooms space at the Pendleton County Extension Office. For the grand reopening a murder mystery dinner was conducted. The local theatre wrote, performed and engaged audience participation. Over 200 community members attended the event of which 20% were new to Extension programs.

Local extension leaders, and 4-H youth hosted the event by preparing and serving the meal that incorporated local food and Kentucky Proud recipes.

Educational displays marketing extension programing and upcoming events were shared by extension agents and extension clubs. A total of $3500 was raised through donations to help support our local theatre.

Extension and community leaders plan to make this an annual event due to the response from participants. The participants reported that the event increased their community pride and 90% said they have a greater understanding of arts engagement.