Kentucky: Artists Become Farmers Market Vendors

The Kentucky Arts Council (KAC) has launched a new initiative leveraging the social and physical infrastructure of farmers markets to help develop rural arts entrepreneurship. KAC’s new program, underwritten by a $51,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Agency, will connect participating artists with established produce vendors at two farmers markets located in Ohio and Owsley counties. The vendors will advise the artists on signage, product presentation, brand development and small business logistics. The USDA Rural Development funding also will enable KAC to offer technical assistance, such as trainings on artwork pricing and marketing, to spur local creative economies. In addition, KAC will undertake an assessment of the cultural assets available in the target counties to better understand their creative potential. KAC’s findings will inform its continued support of rural artists and their entrepreneurial goals. Find out more from KAC Executive Director Lori Meadows.