The Art Center of the Bluegrass has started a new initiative to partner with and empower local youth in leadership opportunities focusing on arts advocacy and engagement. 

The Art Center of the Bluegrass’ Youth Advisory Council is made up of approximately 20 middle school, high school, and college students selected through an application process. The Council meets monthly and bring a diverse perspective to the Art Center while creating leadership opportunities for our youth members. In partnership with the Art Center, the Council will engage with programming, communication, and outreach.

Meet the Youth Advisory Council Members:

Who would be a good candidate for this Council?  The type of student we are looking for is someone who is interested in the arts, a creative thinker, comfortable talking to people, good working in a group, able to articulate ideas, happy doing work, and is accepting of all people. Students do not need to be artists to be a good fit for this work. We expect that students on the Council will be active members; there will be opportunities for additional work and engagement outside of the monthly meetings.

Some examples of the activities the Council Members will be involved in include volunteering at Art Center events, taking over the Art Center social media for a day, helping create posters for special events, learning alongside regional leaders, taking art field trips, providing ideas and feedback to the Art Center, and serving as an ambassador for the Art Center. Members will also guide the activities for which they are interested.  

Each term is two years and there is the possibility for extended terms.

Upcoming Meetings

January 17, 2023:  First Council Meeting

Next Meeting – February 21, 2023 at 4:30pm

March 21, 2023 at 4:30pm

April 18, 2023 at 4:30pm

May 16, 2023 at 4:30pm

Application Process

The application is currently closed and will reopen in September of 2023. 

Contact information

Suzanne Farmer:  youthadvisorycouncil@artcenterky.org

Niki Kinkade:  niki@artcenterky.org, 859-236-4054 

Thank you for your interest in the Art Center of the Bluegrass Youth Advisory Council, and check out our FAQs below for more information.

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FAQs

Is there a fee involved if you are selected?  No, all costs related to the Council will be covered by grants and other contributions.  There will not be fees for Council members. 

Can homeschool students apply?  Yes, homeschool students are welcome to apply.  Everyone is welcome.  If you are homeschooled, you will need a recommendation letter from someone other than a family member who has worked directly with you.

Can I apply to the Program as a junior? As a senior? Yes, you may apply as a junior in high school or in college, even though you would only be in the program for 1.5 years. No, you are not able to apply as a senior in high school or college. Applying as a senior would only give you 6 months in the program. We feel this is not enough time.

Do I need to have transportation to the meetings and activities?  Yes, you will need to have your own transportation for meetings and activities.  We are not in the position to provide transportation.  Please consider this when applying.  

When will our monthly meetings be?  The monthly meetings will be held the 3rd Tuesday evening of each month during the school year. Summer meetings will have an adjusted schedule.

Where are the meetings held?  We will meet at the Art Center of the Bluegrass, 401 West Main Street, Danville

Do I need to attend every meeting?  The expectation is that you attend every meeting.  We understand that sometimes things come up and you must miss a meeting. The emphasis is placed on you being an active member during and outside of meetings.

Do we meet in the summer months?  Yes. We expect to have an adjusted meeting schedule in the summer and a wide range of additional opportunities for involvement during the summer months.

What if my circumstances change and I cannot continue for a second year?  The program is designed for members to commit to at least two years.  Please consider this when applying.  There will be a lot of team building and working together to build relationships – so we want students who are able to make the two year commitment.  

Who do I contact if I have questions about the program or application process?  

Suzanne Farmer:  youthadvisorycouncil@artcenterky.org

Niki Kinkade:  niki@artcenterky.org, 859-236-4054

Download a PDF of the above information letter and FAQs.