FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information:
Mollie LaFavers
mlafavers@fundforthearts.org
859-324-0181
Local Arts Projects Can Double Funds Raised Through ArtsMatch
Fund for the Arts kicks off the fifth cycle of its crowdfunding initiative
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 22, 2021) – Fund for the Arts is offering 16 arts projects in several Kentucky counties including Jefferson, Bourbon, Fayette, and Franklin, the unique and unparalleled opportunity to double their fundraising through its ArtsMatch crowdfunding program. The program, which kicks off April 22, 2021, and runs until June 30, provides the opportunity for arts and cultural groups to increase project fundraising through the ArtsMatch platform, wherein the selected groups can reach new audiences and receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds for the amount they raise. Community members are invited to explore fundforthearts.org/artsmatch and choose projects to support.
This is the fifth ArtsMatch cycle. Projects were chosen by the Fund for the Arts’ Arts & Race Equity Task Force, based on how they align with this cycle’s thematic funding priority. This year’s ArtsMatch theme is racial equity, inclusion, and diversity, and is supported by community sponsors Fund for the Arts, LG&E and KU Foundation, and Churchill Downs, Incorporated.
“The ArtsMatch program and the generosity of our sponsors allow us to invest in crucial arts-based projects that will make Greater Louisville and the entire state of Kentucky a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive place for all,” said Christen Boone, President and CEO of Fund for the Arts. “This crowdfunding platform provides a unique opportunity for projects to double their funding and for donors to support projects that have an incredible impact on our community.”
“Arts play a vital role in healing and rebuilding our community and the LG&E and KU Foundation is proud to support ArtsMatch’s unique and innovative fundraising platform.,” said Angie Evans, LG&E and KU vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs.
“The state of Kentucky is rich with diverse artists and arts organizations,” said Cathy Shircliff, Director of Community Relations for Churchill Downs. “We’re proud to support arts projects that represent the diversity of our community while also making the arts more accessible for all.”
Unlike public crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe, programs selected as part of ArtsMatch receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds up to $20,000 from the program sponsors. In total, $112,500 is available in matching funds.
To donate to this cycle of ArtsMatch, please visit fundforthearts.org/ArtsMatch
The following arts projects were selected by a committee of artist, community, and neighborhood representatives:
Projects supported by the LG&E and KU Foundation
- Christian Loriel Lucas
- Voices Amplified
- Asia Institute, Inc.
- Ruckus
- Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning
- On the Move Art Studio
- Grace James Academy of Excellence, Jefferson County Public Schools
- Sarabande Books, Inc.
- Josephine Sculpture Park
- Speed Art Museum
Projects supported by Churchill Downs
- Volunteers of America Mid-States, Inc. – Beaded Treasures
- Academy of Music Production, Education, and Development (AMPED)
- Commonwealth Theatre Center, Inc.
- Louisville Ballet
- Louisville Jazz Initiative
- Revista LatinX
For more information about ArtsMatch, contact Kat Abner by phone at (859) 691-0319 or via email at kabner@fundforthearts.org.
ABOUT THE FUND FOR THE ARTS
Fund for the Arts is a regional nonprofit with the mission to maximize the arts to drive economic development, education, and quality of life in our community. The Fund conducts one of the oldest united arts campaigns in the country and supports world-class institutions, community organizations, and arts in education. Fund for the Arts also hosts the nationally recognized NeXt leadership development program for young professionals and leads collective action across the arts and cultural sector. For more information, visit www.fundforthearts.org.
ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS, INC.
Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented the Kentucky Derby since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2021. www.ChurchillDowns.com.
ABOUT LG&E AND KU FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1994, the LG&E and KU Foundation Inc. has represented LG&E and KU Energy LLC. and its utility operations — Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E), Kentucky Utilities (KU), and Old Dominion Power (ODP) — as the philanthropic arm for charitable giving. Committed to social responsibility, the LG&E and KU Foundation Inc. proactively supports many philanthropic initiatives to improve the quality of life in communities where the Company provides service. Through Foundation giving, LG&E and KU Energy LLC and its subsidiaries are able to play a definitive role in strengthening the communities where they have a presence. More information is available at lge-ku.com.
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