Audience Magazine | April 2024 | Louisville Arts & Entertainment

A behind-the-scenes look into Louisville’s performing arts and entertainment during this unprecedented time of reflection and artistic creation.

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SPRING BRINGS MANY REASONS TO CELEBRATE!

All you ever hear and read about is our ex, and the way it ended. But a pair doesn’t beat a royal flush — you’re gonna find out how we got unfriended.

– SIX the musical

Amy Higgs Managing Editor

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

The dogwoods are blooming, the pollen count is off the charts, and that must mean Derby is right around the corner! Amid all the horse-related hubbub and hullaballoo, we urge you not to forget about Louisville’s vibrant performing arts community.

As you can see from our Events Outlook on page 6, there is so much more to do than visit the historic Churchill Downs during Spring Meet (though we hope you’ll get a chance to do that, too.)

The reigning queens of Broadway are coming to town April 9-14 in SIX. You don’t want to miss this “new wives’ tale” on stage at The Kentucky Center. We spoke with the powerhouse performer who portrays Henry VIII’s only surviving wife, and she shares the scoop about the show’s reimagining of history on page 8.

Learn more about a special concert featuring the Louisville Orchestra’s beloved Music Director (and one of our fair city’s greatest treasures) Teddy Abrams, in honor of his 10th anniversary with LO on page 14. The Frazier Museum is also celebrating a major milestone in 2024, with special programming all year, plus a gala on April 12. Read more on page 22

If you’re looking for a special way to enjoy the upcoming solar eclipse, check out some great options at Kentucky’s parks on page 13. Try your luck at Louisville’s newest gaming facility, featured on page 17. And finally, find out why our fair city of artists means business in an insightful article by the Fund for the Arts President & CEO on page 18

We could not bring you these exciting stories each month free of charge without our loyal advertisers. We encourage you to check them out, engage their services whenever you can, and support their contributions to the local economy, just as they support the arts.

We’ll see you at the theater (and the track)!

As the sun shines bright...

Amy & Doug

AUDIENCE EVENT OUTLOOK

THE PERFORMANCE CALENDAR IS HEATING UP!

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we are excited about the array of awesome concerts, shows, performances and festivals on the calendar over the next few months. We hope you like our preferred event listings below and get the chance to check out a few of them. For a complete list of performing arts and entertainment events in Louisville, check out our event calendar at Audience502.com

APRIL

8 Kentucky Author Forum:

Renee Fleming

Book Discussion

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

Acclaimed singer and leading advocate for the study of powerful connections between the arts and health, Renée Fleming discusses her upcoming book, “Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness.” Interviewer to be announced soon.

9-14

SIX

PNC Broadway in Louisville

Whitney Hall | 8 performances

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power. This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!

14

Bert Kreischer: Tops Off World Tour

Comedy

KFC Yum! Center

Renowned comedian, actor, host, and author Bert Kreischer is making a stop in Louisville and you don’t want to miss this. Known by many as “The Machine,” he is one of the biggest comedians on the planet. He regularly performs shirtless and lets it all hang out!

17

Wayne Newton: Up Close & Personal Concert & conversation

Louisville Palace

Wayne Newton has been an icon of entertainment for decades with his hit songs and music, as well as time on the screen with his acting prowess. Performing over 25,000 shows in Las Vegas alone, don’t miss your chance to see Mr. Las Vegas in person at the Louisville Palace.

18

Louisville Orchestra: Beethoven’s Ninth & Teddy’s Tenth Celebration Concert

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

The Louisville Orchestra will host a celebration concert for Music Director and Maestro Teddy Abrams' 10th Season. The highlight of the evening will be a captivating performance of Beethoven's masterpiece, “Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125” in its entirety.

19

Dusty Slay: The Night Shift Tour Comedy

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

In 2018, his show-stealing showcase at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival caught the attention of Hollywood tastemakers, but Slay’s irreverent sense of humor developed before he even stepped on stage, through over a decade of working thankless blue-collar jobs.

April 23-May 19

Wild Lights Lantern Festival

Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo is excited to recreate the magic of its popular lantern festival again this year promising to be bigger and brighter than ever! If you haven’t been to an “illumination” event, this is your chance to check out one of the best around.

26-27

Louisville Orchestra: Mahler 6 Concert

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Experience the musical wonder that is a Mahler symphony with Teddy Abrams and the LO. “Mahler’s No. 6” has enigmatically been nicknamed “Tragic” — but not by the composer. It is, however, admittedly by Mahler, a very personal expression of his own life — a life that frequently fluctuated

between immense joy and melancholy. Conductor, Teddy Abrams.

27 & 28

Cherokee Triangle Art Fair

2024 marks the 52nd anniversary of this rite of spring and Derby season in one of Louisville’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. A juried fair with more than 200 artists’ booths, the two-day event is free and open to the public.

The Art Fair is held in Louisville’s historic Cherokee Triangle neighborhood on treelined Cherokee Parkway between Willow Avenue and Cherokee Road. Several Cherokee Triangle neighbors began what has now become our Art Fair in 1972, and it has been one of the area’s favorite events ever since.

MAY

10

Old Crow Medicine Show

Alt-country, Bluegrass, Southern rock Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

Old Crow Medicine Show has been called old-time, folk, and alternative country. Along with original songs, the band performs many pre-World War II blues and folk songs with amazing energy and a grand collage of musical talents.

9-19

She Loves Me

CenterStage at The Trager Family JCC | 6 performances

In this play set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don’t see eye to eye. After both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves, and all the twists and turns along the way!

14-19

Beetlejuice

PNC Broadway in Louisville

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall | 8 performances

He earned his stripes on Broadway, now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to

Louisville! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.

16

Sex n’ the City: A (Super Unauthorized) Musical Parody

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

This fun parody follows our favorite single gals looking for love in the big city. We tackle serious topics like, “Will I ever find the one?” “Can you ever really be over your ex?" and “For the third time, it’s a neck massager!” Join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a hilarious trip through New York in the ’90s.

17

Jerry Seinfeld

Comedy

Louisville Palace | 2 shows: 7 & 9:30PM

One of the most famous comedians and actors in recent history takes the stage at the historic Louisville Palace for a night of stories, skits and belly busting comedy. Seinfeld never lets you down!

18

Heart w. Special Guest Cheap Trick

Classic Rock

KFC Yum! Center

Heart will embark on The Royal Flush Tour 2024 throughout North America and Europe with special guests Cheap Trick. Don’t miss these two legendary bands.

22

Gary Clark Jr.

Blues/rock/soul

Louisville Palace

Gary Clark Jr. and his music seamlessly blends elements of blues, rock, soul, and even hip-hop. In 2011, he signed with Warner Bros Records and released his debut EP titled “The Bright Lights.” Since then, he has continued to make waves in the music industry with albums like “Blak and Blu” (2012) and “The Story of Sonny Boy Slim” (2015). Clark’s talent has earned him accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance

for his track, “Please Come Home,” in 2014. His most recent album, “This Land,” released in 2019, garnered three Grammy wins across different categories.

24

Chicago Rock/pop/jazz

Louisville Palace

Chicago is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1967. The group began calling themselves the Chicago Transit Authority in 1968, then shortened the name in 1969. Self-described as a “rock ‘n roll band with horns,” their songs often also combine elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, and pop music.

JUNE

1-2

Railbird Music Festival

The Red Mile Racecourse, Lexington, Ky. Chris Stapleton and Noah Kahan will headline the 2024 edition of Railbird Music Festival. Over 30 artists across three stages including Hozier, Turnpike Troubadours, Counting Crows, Lord Huron, Wynonna Judd, Dwight Yoakam, and Elle King will transform the historical race track grounds into an unforgettable two days of world-class music and curated bourbon and equine experiences that celebrate the spirit of Kentucky.

12

Lionel Richie & Earth, Wind & Fire –Sing A Song All Night Long

R&B concert

KFC Yum! Center

Lionel Richie, the iconic American singer-songwriter, is a musical luminary celebrated for his soulful voice and timeless hits. With a career spanning decades, Richie's melodious compositions, including “Hello” and “All Night Long,” have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and a revered place in the pantheon of music legends. He will team up with Earth, Wind & Fire for an evening of sing-a-long hits and a night you won’t want to miss.

For a full list of performing arts and entertainment events in Louisville, visit our Event Calendar at Audience502.com.

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

from the MARGINS to the MARQUEE

THE QUEENS IN SIX RECLAIM THEIR THRONES

by Daniel Chioco

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

April 9-14, 2024

Lights dim. The crowd whispers in anticipation.

Louisville, brace yourself for a coronation like no other!

This month, SIX storms into town, redefining royal drama with a pop concert twist that promises to captivate, empower, and dazzle. The queens are marching into Louisville, and they’re ready to take the throne.

With its riveting blend of history and modern music, SIX has captivated audiences worldwide, reshaping the story of Henry VIII’s wives – from sidelined figures in the footnotes of history, to center-stage heroines.

Born from the minds of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this musical phenomenon gives a microphone to the women behind the throne, transforming Tudor tales into anthems of resilience and girl power.

FROM TUDOR TRAGEDY TO POP SENSATION

This isn't history as you know it. It's history remixed, with catchy tunes and heart-wrenching lyrics that resonate as much today as they would have in the 1500s. These queens don't just sing — they soar, bringing down the house with tales of love, betrayal, and survival.

It's a journey that began in a university setting, where Marlow and Moss, then students, dreamt up a fresh take on the six wives of Henry VIII. Little did they know, their university project was destined for the world's stage, transforming from a fringe festival favorite into a global sensation.

From a king's tally to a title teeming with defiance, SIX redefines what it means to be remembered.

There’s Catherine of Aragon, the devoted queen betrayed by her husband's quest for a male heir, who channels her defiance into powerful ballads. Then there’s Anne Boleyn, with her sharp wit and tragic end, who turns her tale into a pop-rock anthem of independence and injustice.

Jane Seymour, in contrast, offers a soulful lament on love and loss, her voice a tender testament to her brief time with the king. Anna of Cleves revels in her unexpected freedom, her story remixing into a celebration of self-reliance and savvy

Adriana Scalice shines as Catherine Parr in the hit musical SIX.

 The North American Tour, Boleyn Company, of SIX. Photo by Joan Marcus.

negotiation. The young and vivacious Katherine Howard delivers a heart-rending narrative on youth and vulnerability, challenging the audience to hear her truth beyond the gossip.

Among this stellar cast of powerhouse women, Adriana Scalice shines as Catherine Parr, as she shares her poignant story of strength and survival.

CATHERINE PARR REIMAGINED

From a young age, Scalice found her voice and her calling within the halls of community theater, nurtured by a family where the arts were not just encouraged, but celebrated.

"My mom always loved theater and all things musical theater," she says, recounting her first steps onto the stage inspired by her mother's passion. Her journey from a young girl auditioning in a “teeny little room with a piano” for a community production of Les Misérables to a starring role in SIX is a tale of perseverance and passion.

“I still remember the audition [for Les Misérables], and that was sort of the beginning," she recalls. Her formative years were filled with community and regional theater experiences in Rochester, N.Y., which introduced her to mentors who believed in her potential.

Scalice’s journey from enthusiastic auditions in local libraries to the prestigious spotlight of SIX was fueled by unwavering support.

“My parents were incredibly supportive and wanted me to continue to sing," she says. It was at Texas State University where she honed her craft, leading her directly to a breakthrough role in Mean Girls, and now to a role that would challenge and showcase her talents like no other in SIX.

Stepping into Catherine's shoes is like weaving through the pages of history to find the heartbeat of a woman who was so much more than her title.

− Adriana Scalice

For Scalice, portraying Catherine Parr is about more than her historical significance, it's about bringing depth and humanity to a figure often relegated to the status of Henry VIII's surviving spouse.

“Stepping into Catherine's shoes,” Scalice says, "is like weaving through the pages of history to find the heartbeat of a woman who was so much more than her title.”

This connection goes beyond the stage — it's a personal exploration of strength, resilience, and the complexities of love and power.

“There's times where I feel the lyrics hit [home] for me being a woman who has been in relationships with men who have turned out to be catastrophic for me or bad for my mental health,” Scalice says.

Her portrayal brings forth a Catherine Parr who is vibrant, intelligent, and resilient, which are qualities that Scalice admires and relates to deeply.

“I can sing to this king-figure and shut him down. That's fun to do on a human level,” she says, emphasizing the empowering aspect of her role, which allows her to confront historical narratives with a modern sense of defiance and dignity.

BEYOND THE CURTAIN, BEHIND THE THRONE

The live performance aspect of SIX brings a dynamic energy, largely influenced by the audience’s reactions to it.

“The really interesting part of this job and being on tour is that the audience is the seventh character in a way,” Scalice says, adding that the collective experience shapes each show. From city to city, the cast encounters diverse crowds, each with its unique character.

“Denver, how are you tonight?” she quips, illustrating the direct engagement that enlivens their performances. Memorable moments on tour, like the enthusiastic fans in Salt Lake City who dressed as the Tudor queens, further emphasize the profound impact SIX has on its patrons.

“People really go wild for the show," Scalice says.

Louisville has certainly gone wild for the queens of SIX, as tickets are currently sold out for this revolutionary tale of empowerment and resilience.

Some tickets may be available on the day of each performance. Call the box office at (502) 584-7777.

Terica Marie (center) as Anna of Cleves in The North American Tour, Boleyn Company, of SIX.

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

South �sian Paintings from the San Diego Museum of �rt

February 16 – May 12, 2024

Replete with over 80 jewel-like painted portraits and manuscript illuminations reflecting the rich and diverse artistic traditions of South Asia from the 16th–19th centuries, this presentation promises to dazzle visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

This pair of themed exhibitions – The Throne, The Chase, and The Heart and Elephant in the Room – presents a rare opportunity to showcase some of the very best examples of South Asian painting to be seen outside of India and Pakistan.

Organized By

Exhibition Support By

Rose Mary Toebbe Trust

Rishabh and Lopa Mehrotra

Abby and Fairleigh Lussky

Media Sponsor

Exhibition Season Support By

Cary Brown and Steven E. Epstein

Debra and Ronald Murphy

Sociable Weaver Foundation

Detail: Madan Murat, the elephant of Sagram Singh II. Rajasthan, Udaipur, Mewar, 1725. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; 11 7/8 x 18 15/16 in. (30.2 x 48.1 cm).

The San Diego Museum of Art, Edwin Binney 3rd Collection, 1990.622.

Tickets at speedmuseum.org

STOP BY A PLACE TO HAVE A HERITAGE EXPERIENCE THE HERITAGE CENTER

Since 2011, the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage has been a member of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. As a quasi-state agency, the Heritage Center is dedicated to a statewide mission to preserve, promote, and advance the culture and heritage of African Americans in Kentucky and the legacy shared throughout the African Diaspora.

For over a decade, the Heritage Center’s operation has been located in the heart of Louisville’s historic Russell neighborhood on the former Louisville Street Railway Complex known as the “Trolley Barn,” built in 1876. The imposing 68,000 sq. ft. campus provides multiple venues where education, enrichment, and entertainment happens.

Permanent exhibitions in the Brown-Forman Great Hall and other galleries across the Heritage Center campus include “A Salute to Muhammad Ali: A Life of Inspiration,” “Black Freedom Struggle in Kentucky,” “Brigadier General Charles Young: Soldier, Educator, Diplomat & Civil Rights Advocate,” “The Legends of Great African American Jockeys,” “Two Centuries of Black Louisville and “A Self-Guided Tour of Louisville’s Civil Rights History.” In addition to rotating and permanent exhibitions throughout the year, the Heritage Center produces, curates, and hosts educational, enrichment, and entertainment programs with performances of all types for children and adults alike.

SOLAR ECLIPSE AT KENTUCKY STATE PARKS

On Monday, April 8, a number of Kentucky communities will be positioned in the path of totality for the total eclipse. This rare event occurs when the earth, moon, and sun are aligned, blocking the sun’s light. The total eclipse will last about one to three minutes in Kentucky. Experience this incredible phenomenon at one of the commonwealth’s state parks, where the watch parties are free with no registration required.

At Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, a Total Eclipse Viewing Party begins at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time. The viewing will take place in the lodge parking lot, and solar glasses will be available. The program is weather dependent. For further entertainment, visit the park’s Pioneer Museum, hiking trails, and playground.

Located in Henderson, John James Audubon State Resort Park will be a prime location for the eclipse. Beginning at approximately 2:02 p.m. Central time, the eclipse will occur for two-and-a-half minutes. With the 750-foot boardwalk overlooking the Audubon Wetlands, miles of nature trails and a museum full of works of art, Audubon offers plenty of activities while you wait for the eclipse to begin.

Rough River State Resort Park will host visitors on the front lawn of the property,

where the eclipse will be at 99%. If you buy one of the special commemorative T-shirts available in the gift shop, you may receive a free pair of solar safety guesses. Get a sneak peek of the shirts on Rough River’s Facebook page. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site will be open beginning at 9 a.m. Central time, with space available on the grounds and at picnic tables on a firstcome, first-served basis. The total eclipse will occur at 1:59 p.m. Central time and should last 2 minutes and 44 seconds. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, along with picnic meals. Soft drinks will be for sale on site. While you’re there, you are welcome to visit the museum, walking trails, and gift shop.

While making your eclipse plans, we encourage you to make accommodations

early and select your viewing destination before traveling. At least 150,000 visitors are expected at Kentucky hotspots, and traffic may be heavy. A great way to avoid congestion is to spend extra time at the parks or nearby attractions.

Also, be sure to wear eclipse glasses, as regular sunglasses are not safe. Specially made eclipse glasses will prevent eye damage.

For additional details and updates, visit Parks.ky.gov.

Throughout 2024, Kentucky State Parks is planning special events in commemoration of its 100th anniversary celebration. For more information, go to Parks.ky.gov, where you can make plans to visit Kentucky’s 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks with restaurants, 30 campgrounds, and 13 golf courses.

JJA Museum

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site

Rough River

10 YEARS OF TEDDY

LO PRESENTS A CELEBRATORY CONCERT by Louisville Orchestra

April 18, 2024

The Louisville Orchestra is thrilled to announce the upcoming celebratory concert for Music Director and Maestro Teddy Abrams' 10th season. The concert, Beethoven's Ninth & Teddy's Tenth Celebration, will take place on Thursday, April 18, at 8 p.m. at Whitney Hall, located at The Kentucky Center.

Abrams, a renowned and Grammy-winning conductor, will lead the orchestra, accompanied by special guests Kent Hatteberg, choir director of the Louisville Chamber Choir, and a talented lineup of vocalists, including Marquita Richardson, Tammy Mumford, Nathan Farrington, and Dashon Burton.

The highlight of the evening will be a captivating performance of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125.” This iconic masterpiece will be presented in its entirety, showcasing the orchestra's exceptional talent and the emotional depth of Beethoven’s composition.

The symphony will be performed in four movements: I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso; II. Molto vivace; III. Adagio molto e cantabile; and IV. Finale.

“As we approach the culmination of our 2023-2024 season, it is with immense pride and joy that we celebrate not just the timeless beauty of Beethoven’s ninth symphony, but also a decade of transformative leadership under Maestro Teddy Abrams,” says Graham Parker, LO’s Chief Executive. “Teddy’s passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment have been pivotal in redefining what an orchestra can be for Louisville. This concert is not just a performance; it is a testament to the journey we’ve embarked on together, pushing boundaries and fostering a deep, resonant connection with the community. We invite everyone to join us in this celebration, marking a milestone in our history and looking forward to the incredible chapters yet to be written."

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH & TEDDY’S TENTH CELEBRATION

Thursday, April 18, 2024 | 8:00 PM

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Tickets: LouisvilleOrchestra.org

Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the culmination of Abrams' remarkable 10-year tenure as Music Director and Maestro of the Louisville Orchestra. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit LouisvilleOrchestra.org

 Music Director Teddy Abrams will celebrate 10 years with the Louisville Orchestra.

Teddy Abrams

Downtown is Louisville’s Hottest Play! Watch,

Take a spin on up to 500 of the hottest games. Grab a bite to eat at one of the three restaurants or a souvenir at the Kentucky Derby Gift Shop. Whether you want to get your night off to a hot start or give it a thrilling finish, Derby City Gaming

LOUISVILLE’S HOTTEST PLAY!

Derby City Gaming Downtown

Play it up Downtown at Louisville’s new must-visit destination for fun and games — Derby City Gaming Downtown!

The winning has gotten so wild over the past five years at Churchill Downs’ Derby City Gaming & Hotel, just off I-264 exit 14 on Poplar Level Road, that Louisville needed to have another action-packed place to play. Now big thrills are off and running in the heart of Louisville with the opening of Derby City Gaming Downtown — the all-new 43,000-squarefoot historical racing machine entertainment venue.

Like slots? You’ll love Derby City Gaming Downtown! Spin and win on close to 500 of the latest and greatest games like Buffalo, Wheel of Fortune, Ultimate Fire Link, and more! Plus, with a nonsmoking gaming floor and an open-air smoking and gaming patio, you can choose to play your way in the environment you prefer.

Bring your night to life at three lively bars and lounges. First Turn Sports Bar is your homefield for fun, featuring delicious food, specialty drinks, big screen TVs, and convenient sports betting kiosks for wagering on all your favorite sports. Soak up the atmosphere in winning style at Trophy Bar, where you can sip the finest bourbons and sample a variety of handrolled cigars — all while surrounded by actual trophies from legendary horse races. Be sure to stop and smell the Rosé at the Fascinator Wine Bar, featuring a well-curated list of fine wines, delectable charcuterie plates, and other savory selections. Plus, enjoy free live

entertainment by the region’s best bands and DJs every Thursday through Saturday nights at the Fascinator Bar.

No visit is complete without taking a spin through the Kentucky Derby Gift Shop, where you’ll find an awesome array of commemorative 150th Kentucky Derby merchandise. Stop in to score your favorite future collectors’ items, including hats, shirts, glasses, and more before they are all gone!

Whether you want to get your night off to a hot start or give it a thrilling

finish, Derby City Gaming Downtown is Louisville’s hottest play!

Derby City Gaming Downtown is located at 140 S. Fourth St., across from the Kentucky International Convention Center. Open daily 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Visit Downtown.DerbyCityGaming.com for details.

Must be 21 or older. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

THIS CITY OF ARTISTS STILL MEANS BUSINESS

by Andre Kimo Stone Guess, President & CEO, Fund for the Arts

This article was originally published in November 2023 for an op-ed piece in Louisville Business First.

For decades, the Fund for the Arts messaging boiled down to one simple, impactful phrase: Arts Means Business. It's easy to grasp — the arts are a powerful force in our economy, and investing in them (via the Fund) helps move the city forward, generate economic activity, and create a profitable community.

Here’s the thing: even after a global pandemic, all of that is still true.

This past year, Americans for the Arts conducted the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study (AEP6) to document the economic and social benefits of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. This study, done every five years, was conducted in 373 diverse communities and regions across the country. Fund for the Arts joined the study on behalf of the city of Louisville and Jefferson County, collecting nearly 800 surveys across 80 events and programs in 2022 and 2023.

AEP6 proves the nonprofit arts and culture sphere is still a powerful one in our community, generating over $517 million in direct economic activity and over 7,900 jobs in Louisville and Jefferson County in FY22. The study also found that nonprofit arts and culture audiences spend an average of $45.09 per person per event, and that nonlocal attendees spend nearly twice as much as locals, generating momentum and financial power in a world still adjusting to the lasting effects of a pandemic.

But when I became the President and CEO of the Fund for the Arts in 2021, I didn’t do it because I was excited to generate economic activity in this city. If that was my overall goal, I would have finished my actuarial exams and stayed in the financial services sector. But instead, I chose a career in the arts for the same reason the Fund invests in them — not simply because they drive the economy, but because they drive us.

The “I Am An Artist.” campaign inspires people across the community to embrace their artistic identities.

For the first time, the Arts and Economic Prosperity study went beyond financial contributions and into the social impact of nonprofit arts and culture. Our regional findings show that our community still deeply values our artists and institutions.

Across all 800 surveys at 80 venues and programs, 81.1% of attendees agree that “This venue or facility is an important pillar for me within my community,” and 88.4% agreed that “This activity or venue is inspiring a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community.”

 Trip J Band at Celebration of the Arts in 2023. Photo by Bill Wine.

PHOTO BY BILL WINE

In their own series of surveys, the National Endowment for the Arts found that while the majority (52%) of adults did some form of art-making in 2022, less than half (48%) of adults attended any sort of in-person arts event that same year.

EMBRACING THE ARTIST MINDSET

At the Fund for the Arts, we are committed to fostering a thriving arts ecosystem by generating resources for, investing in, and supporting our local arts, artists, and arts organizations.

Since 1984, our ability to do that has been directly tied to the economic health of Louisville-based businesses, with owners and their employees passionate about that cause, through our annual workplace campaigns.

As the business landscape evolves, so have we. We got curious about what resonated with our communities, and we found exactly what the data above proves. That hunger for art hasn’t gone away — people continue to make and consume art every day, and they take pride in the local institutions that facilitate it — but in this post-pandemic world, engagement in the arts continues to decline.

The key to boosting engagement is finding the individual intersections between “doing” and “going.” Investing in one’s own art, knowing and seeing how art plays a role in your own life, leads to investment in our arts ecosystem, and those who see themselves as a clear part of that ecosystem understand the vitality of it intrinsically.

Those who understand the value of art are driven to invest in it. This was the mindset in creating our “I Am An Artist.” campaign, inspiring everyone to embrace their artistic identities. Through this cycle, we create a healthy, sustainable arts ecosystem, a “City of Artists,” shaped and reshaped by its relevance in the hearts and lives of its community.

 Top: Keen Dance Theatre at Republic Bank Performance Village

Presented by Fund for the Arts at St. James Court Art Show 2023

 Above: Fund for the Arts Board Chair Nicole Yates, President and CEO Andre Kimo Stone Guess, and Louisville's Mayor Craig Greenberg at Celebration of the Arts in 2023

The results from AEP6 look different than any iteration that has come before — because the study was conducted differently, because the world is a different place. The new methodology was driven by a desire to be more equitable and inclusive, thinking more broadly about what the actual reach of the “nonprofit arts and culture sphere” might be.

At Fund for the Arts, our methodology has changed and continues to change for the same reasons. But the results are in, and survey says: The arts still mean business.

PHOTO BY MARVIN YOUNG

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

The Frazier Celebrates 20 Years in 2024

Opened on May 22, 2004, the Frazier History Museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. To mark the occasion, the museum is coordinating a full year of events, activities, exhibition updates, and more, including a gala event this month.

Located on West Main Street in Downtown Louisville, the Frazier presents and preserves Kentucky history through artifacts, exhibitions, educational programs, bourbon tastings, and guided tours. The museum serves tens of thousands of students, educators, and families each year, offering camps, field trips, youth and family programs, and special projects.

“The Frazier History Museum is where the world meets Kentucky,” says President and CEO Andy Treinen. “We preserve and present Kentucky history — including our own history as a museum. So, we’re very excited to dedicate 2024 to our founder, Owsley Brown Frazier, and the legacy he’s left behind in this community.”

Here’s what visitors can look forward to in 2024:

• A 20th anniversary gala, presented by Fifth Third Bank. On Friday, April 12, the Frazier is hosting “A Night at the Museum: Celebrating 20 Years of the Frazier.” This inaugural gala will bring together the museum’s friends, partners, and key contributors, old and new, to honor the work of founder Owsley Brown Frazier and his generous gift to the Louisville community. From cocktail hour to midnight, hundreds of guests will enjoy an all-museum takeover

with activations, engagements, and surprises throughout all three floors of exhibitions and galleries. Tickets are now on sale.

• $20 memberships. In the spirit of the 20th anniversary, the Frazier is offering individual memberships for $20 all year.

• Free admission for 20-year-olds. That’s right: in 2024, anyone age 20 gets free admission to the museum with a valid ID.

• 120: Cool KY Counties exhibit. Are multiples of 20 on theme? New to the popular Cool Kentucky exhibit on March 15, 120: Cool KY Counties is an interactive exhibit featuring stories, oral traditions, and songs from all 120 counties in Kentucky.

• $20 daily bourbon tastings. Think you know bourbon? Come to the Official Starting Point of the

Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and prove it. This year only, the museum has lowered prices of its Craft Your Own Cocktail Experience and Flight Club tasting to only $20. Each includes admission to the museum and a guided tasting from one of Frazier’s Certified Bourbon Stewards.

The Frazier has a lot of other 20th anniversary content planned for 2024, including: a panel discussion and program, special themed camps and field trips, 20-minute guided tours, a ’20s-themed Michter’s Speakeasy, flashback listicles (e.g., 20 Best Exhibitions, 20 Best Objects), archival photos in Frazier Weekly, and updates to existing exhibitions such as the Founder’s Gallery, the Lewis & Clark Experience, and KentuckyShow! Learn more at fraziermuseum.org