Kentucky Crafted Program

The Kentucky Crafted Program is administered by the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency dedicated to advancing the arts in Kentucky. The council promotes a robust creative sector through various programs supporting artists, arts organizations, and cultural initiatives. The Kentucky Crafted Program specifically targets visual and craft artists in Kentucky, offering professional development, marketing assistance, and promotional opportunities. It is an adjudicated initiative that requires artists to apply and be accepted through a juried process, signifying a high standard of artistic quality and craftsmanship. The program aims to identify Kentucky-based artists whose work demonstrates artistic excellence and marketability. Its goals include helping these artists expand their reach across regional, national, and international markets, encouraging the production of high-quality artistic products, and increasing public and commercial access to exemplary craft and visual art. In doing so, the program also seeks to promote Kentucky as a key cultural and tourism destination, enhancing economic development through the arts. Eligible applicants must be individual artists who are full-time Kentucky residents, at least 18 years of age, and creators of original work. The program does not accept applications from groups or organizations. Artists working in different media must submit separate applications, with a maximum of three per year. Specific restrictions include the prohibition of mass-produced or digitally manipulated works derived from non-original sources, student work from academic programs, and unauthorized representations of Native American artwork. Additionally, artists must have been legal Kentucky residents for at least six months prior to the deadline and must possess a valid Kentucky Sales and Use Tax registration or have submitted an application for one. The application process requires submission through the GO Smart online portal. Applicants must provide four digital images of original work samples created between 2020 and 2025, in the same medium and cohesive in style. These images must meet specific formatting requirements and naming conventions. The physical samples of these works must be delivered for panel review either by shipping with a prepaid return label or through hand-delivery during the specified drop-off window. Artists must also submit supporting documents such as proof of residency via email and may not submit paper applications. The evaluation process is carried out by a panel of arts professionals who assess applications based on artistic excellence (75 points) and marketability (25 points). Panelists look for clarity of artistic vision, craftsmanship, and cohesive body of work, as well as the effectiveness of marketing copy and imagery. The Kentucky Arts Council staff do not participate in scoring, and the council reserves the right to disqualify applicants for improper contact with panelists. Successful applicants must return a signed agreement form and are required to attend a mandatory orientation. While participation in the Kentucky Crafted Market is optional, it remains one of the key benefits of the program. The current application cycle includes the following key dates: the deadline to submit applications and support materials is August 16, 2025. Work samples must be delivered by shipping between September 15–18, 2025, or hand-delivered on September 23, 2025. Panel review occurs on September 24, and hand-delivered samples must be picked up on September 25. Notifications will be mailed on October 6, and program agreement forms are due 15 days after receipt. The orientation will be held in October 2025, and the next Kentucky Crafted Market is scheduled for March 2026. For questions or support, applicants may contact Dave Blevins, Arts Marketing Director, at david.blevins@ky.gov or 502-892-3120.