Arts Extension Agents in three Kentucky communities coordinate local festivals, night markets, concerts and public performances to provide communities with a means to attract outside tourism dollars, provide local citizens access to arts experiences that reflect their community narratives, and create venues for local artists to generate revenue. The Hatfield & McCoy Arts Council drew 1,000 visitors to a remote area                   

of Pike County. Bill Williams Heritage Blues Festival in Greenup County generated $6,350. River Fog Festival in Williamsburg generated $10,000 in financial support, with nearly $7,000 paid directly to local musicians, artisans or local foods vendors.  By focusing tourism efforts in small, rural communities, these dollars have a significant impact locally. 

As part of a comprehensive, regional approach to economic development in Southeast Kentucky, Arts Extension specialists focused their efforts intensely on
a 12 county region. This program supports local businesses through organized regional marketing campaigns, connecting artisans in southeast Kentucky to buyers in metropolitan areas, and individualized training on logo design, social media, pricing, and labeling, In 2018, 21 southeastern Kentucky businesses have received direct support to expand their businesses through new/secondary locations, increased marketing footprints, or through online sales.