2015 has been a year of expansion and excitement for our organization. In our 106th year, we undertook a six-month redesign of our strategic plan. Staff and board members reviewed the organization’s long history, recognized its accomplishments, acknowledged areas of improvement, and began to prepare for our future. In July the process culminated in a Five Year Strategic Plan which serves as the blueprint for the organization’s future goals and objectives. As part of the Strategic Plan, Louisville Visual Art Association became Louisville Visual Art, and revamped its brand strategy and creative direction, complete with a new logo, website, and visual materials!
Blueprints and relocation did not interrupt LVA’s nationally recognized programming. We continue to connect with residents of Louisville Metro and southern Indiana, with over 1,000 students participating in LVA’s Children’s Fine Art Classes (CFAC), the only out-of-school-time (OST) in-depth visual art experience for visually talented students in the region. During the 2014-15 school year, CFAC offered 20,400 of OST instruction at 31 sites in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Enrollment has increased 30% in the last three years and continues to grow. Meanwhile, all graduating seniors were offered scholarships or financial aid. Thanks to the CFAC seniors’ successes in the spring, LVA launched The Academy: Louisville’s first pre-professional art program in the fall. The Academy ensures students are top choice candidates for universities and art schools around the country. CFAC and The Academy continue to compete for the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, for which it is a four-time finalist.
OPEN DOORS, LVA’s community outreach program, provides over 2,000 art experiences each year to under-served populations including at-risk youth, refugees, immigrants, senior citizens, and victims of domestic abuse as well as many others. These projects are permanently installed where they are created, generating a lasting impact on the community at large. This fiscal year LVA received 50% more requests than the program is capable of fulfilling with our current funding levels — a request your support could help fulfill.
We are expanding our mission of artist support each year. Artebella, LVA’s virtual gallery and marketing program, gives our artists an edge in an increasingly competitive market by reaching over 6,000 art enthusiasts daily. This program not only exposes the public to new art, but also connects artists with prospective buyers. Open Studio Weekend invites the public directly into artist’s spaces and connects artists with new advocates and patrons. In 2015, LVA has partnered with Kroger to commission nine murals with $85,000 going directly back to local artists. These murals engage the community and foster a sense of neighborhood pride. Additionally, a weekly Artist Opportunities newsletter, including calls for artists, workshops, and events continues and grows our commitment to artists support.
LVA is improving lives through art. Louisville’s art community isn’t just important to artists or art lovers – it matters to us all. We are on the frontline of Louisville’s art scene. Our efforts are directly shaping Louisville’s creative future and we are establishing ourselves as a hub to engage, inspire and improve our community and our city. Help us nurture our next generation of leaders to be creative problem solvers with a foundation in community engagement. Please send your tax-deductible contribution, today!