Kentucky Arts Commission

In 1965, the United States Congress established the National Foundation for the Arts and Humanities by passing public law E9-209. Under this law, the Foundation would supply $50,000 in matching funds to every state having an arts commission and willing to participate in the funding.

Kentucky's Arts Commission was created in November 1965 by an executive order of Governor Edward T. Breathitt. The General Assembly formalized the Commission by passing KRS 153.210-153.235 and appropriating funds in 1966. As a consequence, Kentucky became one of the first states to qualify for the federal grant money.

The purpose of the Commission is to promote the arts in Kentucky, emphasizing quality in performances, exhibits, and other art-related activities. In order to carry out this responsibility, the Executive Committee and other Commission members meet approximately two times a year to make recommendations, examine the budget, and decide policy.

The first chairperson of the Commission was Rosanel O. Oswald, who resigned in 1968. The chairpersons who followed her were George Headley (1968 - 1969), B. Hudson Milner (1969 - 1977), and Al Smith (1977 - 1979).

Executive directors of the Commission were Jack C. Blanton (1966), William A. Hull (1966 - 1971), James Edgy (1971 - 1974), and Nash Cox (1974 - present).

From the description of Agency history. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145413551