Kentucky Crafted Program

The Kentucky Crafted Program is administered by the Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency dedicated to supporting the arts and promoting cultural development across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The program functions as an adjudicated opportunity designed specifically for professional visual and craft artists residing in Kentucky. Rather than providing direct monetary grants, the program offers a suite of benefits centered on marketing, promotion, and professional development. Through this initiative, the Arts Council seeks to elevate the visibility and economic viability of artists while reinforcing Kentucky’s reputation as a leading producer of high quality art and craft. The primary purpose of the program is to identify and support artists whose work demonstrates artistic excellence and high quality craftsmanship. The program emphasizes helping artists expand their market reach regionally, nationally, and internationally. It also aims to encourage the continued production of high caliber artistic goods while connecting artists with retailers, galleries, and the public. By doing so, the program contributes to broader economic development and tourism within the state. Participants gain access to branding opportunities, inclusion in a statewide directory, and eligibility for exhibitions such as the Kentucky Crafted Market. Eligibility is limited to individual visual and craft artists who are at least eighteen years old, produce original work in any medium, and are full time residents of Kentucky. Applicants must also meet residency and legal work authorization requirements, including proof of at least six months of Kentucky residency prior to the application deadline. Certain categories of work are explicitly excluded, including culinary arts, AI generated work, and artwork created under academic supervision. Applicants working in multiple media must submit separate applications for each medium, with a maximum of two applications allowed per year. The application process is conducted entirely through the GO Smart online portal. Applicants must create or access an individual profile, complete the application form, and upload digital images of four original work samples. These images must meet strict formatting requirements and must correspond exactly to the physical samples submitted for review. In addition to the online submission, applicants must deliver physical work samples either by shipping or hand delivery to a designated review location. Required supporting documents, including proof of residency and tax registration, must be submitted via email by the application deadline. Applications are evaluated by a panel of arts professionals and individuals with relevant expertise. The assessment criteria are weighted heavily toward artistic excellence, which accounts for seventy five percent of the score and includes clarity of vision, technical execution, and cohesion of work. The remaining twenty five percent evaluates marketability, including the effectiveness of marketing materials and pricing strategies. The panel review process is conducted independently of Arts Council staff, and applicants are notified of results by mail following the review period. The program operates on an annual cycle with a clearly defined timeline. Applications are due by mid August, followed by physical sample submission in September and panel review shortly thereafter. Notifications are issued in early October, and successful applicants must return a program agreement within fifteen days. Participation includes optional exhibition opportunities and mandatory orientation sessions. While there is no direct funding associated with the program, participants benefit from significant exposure, networking opportunities, and professional development resources that support long term artistic and business growth.