“We all work in teams. We have to work together in everything we do. I rarely work alone.”
– Nana Lampton, 2013 Welch Award Honoree
If a community has a soul, it is found in its Arts. The Arts enable children of all backgrounds to experience transformative moments of awe and personal understanding. The Arts make us competitive with larger cities, creating dynamic places where businesses can attract and keep incredible talent.
It takes teams of people to build a strong Arts community. These leaders inspire others to make a difference here, igniting the next generation. Join me today in recognizing the volunteer leaders in our community and celebrating the newest additions to our cultural leadership landscape.
Pictured above: David Kaelin, Louisville Youth Choir Board Member with Natalie Kaelin; Leslie Holland; Paul Paletti and Mo McKnight Howe, Louisville Visual Art Association Board Members.
James Welch Sr. Arts Leadership Award
We are currently taking nominations for the annual James Welch Sr. Arts Leadership Award in partnership with Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC.
Mr. Welch has long been remembered in our community for his strong commitment to the Arts. He never sought honors or recognition, but devoted a lifetime to the building of the Arts through quiet leadership.
This is the fifth annual Welch Award nomination season, and each year the pool of candidates is inspiring. I encourage you to take a moment and think about the volunteer leaders who are making a difference in our Arts ecosystem – someone who will leave a lasting legacy of Arts leadership – and nominate that person for this award. The deadline for nominations is September 30th.
Previous Honorees:
2013 Award Honoree Nana Lampton
2012 Award Honoree Todd Lowe
2011 Award Honoree Morton Boyd
2010 Award Honoree Thomas T. Noland
New Arts Leadership
We have a wealth of cultural leadership in our community. And over the last year we have had an influx of talented professionals taking the helm of some of our most prominent Arts organizations. Even our United Arts Fund partner organizations are heralding a new generation of leadership. Welcome Alecia Kintner, the newly appointed CEO of ArtsWave in Cincinnati. The hunt is on to find a new CEO for our sister organization in Lexington, LexArts.
From one new member of the team to another, join me in welcoming the fresh faces of the Arts in our community!
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Robert Curran, Artistic Director
Louisville Ballet Curran brings with him a diverse background as dancer, choreographer, and director. He danced with The Australian Ballet for 16 years, 10 as a Principal Artist. He was heralded by The Australian as “…one of the country’s finest dancers and partners.” |
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Kim Baker, President
Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts The former Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Center, Kim is a strong and vocal leader in the Arts community. She has extensive experience in the areas of Arts administration and theatre management, communications, programming, and development. |
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Teddy Abrams, Music Director
Louisville Orchestra Teddy Abrams is a widely acclaimed conductor, as well as an established pianist and clarinetist. Recently appointed Music Director and Conductor of the Britt Classical Festival, 2014 marks his first season in that role. Abrams is also an award-winning composer and a passionate educator – he has taught at numerous schools throughout the United States. |
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Matt Wallace, Artistic Director
Kentucky Shakespeare In addition to his profound work with Shakespeare Behind Bars, Matt Wallace was director of children’s theatre and audience development at Derby Dinner Playhouse. Wallace previously directed productions for Kentucky Shakespeare during the 2010 summer season. He now holds the distinction of creating the most successful Kentucky Shakespeare season in the history of the program. |
Since joining the Fund for the Arts on July 9, 2014, I’ve come across new forces for good in the community every day – people who are creating a better place for generations to come. I encourage you to get involved. Email me and let me help connect you to the right opportunity. Become a volunteer, a donor, a patron; and in so doing help us all create a great American city!
Christen Boone
President & CEO
Fund for the Arts
502-582-0129
