Awards in the Arts to Showcase Art and Artists at Churchill Downs Racetrack

A new trifecta-the Fund for the Arts, The Jennifer Lawrence Foundation and Churchill Downs-will host Louisville's inaugural Awards in the Arts to recognize outstanding artists of all kinds on Saturday, April 30. Awards in the Arts is presented by Brown-Forman, Delta Dental of Kentucky, Joy Mangano and Rodeo Drive.

Louisville's Awards in the Arts will take place at Churchill Downs Racetrack on the 2016 Spring Meet's Opening Night presented by Stella Artois and Old Forester. The evening will feature an arts theme, with arts performances and festivities throughout the track. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit the Fund for the Arts, and the awards will be celebrated at a ticketed benefit in the newly renovated Stakes Room.

Awards in the Arts was established to celebrate the extraordinary arts community in the Greater Louisville region and the arts' tremendous contribution to the community's unique cultural landscape and quality of place.

The awards will recognize artists from a variety of creative disciplines - performing, visual, crafts and more. Individual artists and organizations will receive awards for Arts Impact, Innovation and Education. Individual artist awards will include Lifetime Achievement, Emerging Leader and the National Award. Each award winner will take home a statue and cash grant from the Fund for the Arts. Awards will be presented in the Winner's Circle and on the Big Board between races. Videos featuring the award recipients will be shown throughout the night.

"Awards in the Arts will celebrate Louisville's artists of all kinds, and their talent and passion to create, produce and present transformative and inspiring works of art for the community. Their commitment to their craft help makes Louisville the great, culturally rich city it is," said Christen Boone, president and CEO, Fund for the Arts. "With the help of our partners Churchill Downs and The Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, this evening of night racing will showcase Louisville's arts community on a grand stage, and reach many people with transformative arts experiences."

The Awards in the Arts will also include a ticketed, VIP-style reception that will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the very first event in the newly renovated Stakes Room. The reception will include a menu and décor inspired by Jennifer Lawrence's palate and style, one-of-a-kind cocktails, dancing, stargazing and a great view of the races. Attendees can mingle with Louisville's arts community and enjoy a number of special performances. Guests will leave the event with "swag bag" of celebrity-approved, national brand items, including Joy Mangano, Rodeo Drive, Dior Beauty and Wicked Sheets.

"We are excited to celebrate the Awards for the Arts and welcome racing back to Churchill Downs on Opening Night," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. "Churchill Downs is proud to support Louisville's vibrant arts community and the important work of the Fund for the Arts as we raise the curtain for the great drama of Derby week."

In addition to the awards ceremony and private reception, the evening will feature an arts theme. Artists from the Louisville community will perform throughout the racetrack. Performances will include musical performances, live painting, dramatic skits and more. Guests can also enjoy a signature cocktail, the "Opening Night" created by Brown-Forman.

Awards in the Arts presented by Brown-Forman, Delta Dental of Kentucky, Joy Mangano and Rodeo Drive and Opening Night by Stella Artois and Old Forester will take place on Saturday, April 30, and gates open at 5 p.m. The private reception for Awards in the Arts begins at 5:30 p.m., and dress is cocktail attire. For sponsorship inquiries please contact ashue@fundforthearts.org.

For more information about Awards in the Arts, visit http://awardsinthearts.fundforthearts.org/.

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