Kentucky Center Receives Grant from Humana Foundation for 'Arts in Healing'

The Kentucky Center is the recipient of a $30,000 grant from the Humana Foundation in partnership with the Fund for the Arts. The grant will help support the Center's newest initiative, Arts in Healing.

Recognizing the transformative power of the arts, and the far-reaching benefits that Arts in Healing initiatives bring to communities around the world, the Kentucky Center has embarked on this innovative, new program. The Center will work with local healthcare providers to integrate visual, performing and literary arts into healthcare settings, train professional artists to work in healthcare settings and provide access to the arts in diverse and underserved communities.

"This program is of particular interest in Louisville," said Stephen Klein, president of the Kentucky Center. "Our city has a thriving and promising healthcare industry, and it simply makes sense for us to do our part in helping these healthcare facilities and especially the people they serve."

The program will feature an Artist-in-Residence Program where professional local artists will interact with patients within hospital facilities. In addition, the program will include lobby/hallway/unit performances by local artists to offer entertainment, distraction and comfort to those within a medical environment.

A touring artist program will allow performers from the Kentucky Center's presenting season to travel from the venue for public performances and give demonstrations in clinical locations.

Potential outcomes include reduction of hospital patient stays, improving patient satisfaction with their healthcare facility and experience, and broadening access to the arts among all socio-economic groups.

The Kentucky Center is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season.