FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Arts Council has partnered with the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts to present a series of accessibility workshops throughout the state for arts and cultural organizations.  The next workshop will be in Bowling Green on Saturday, August 19, from 8:30 a.m. – 12 Noon at the Capitol Arts Alliance, 416 East Main Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101. 

“Accessible Arts Build Audiences!” workshops will address issues as they apply to theatres, festivals, galleries and other arts and cultural environments.  Topics discussed will be: marketing to people with disabilities; the meaning of accessibility as it applies to both facilities and programs; training tips for staff, board and volunteers; a review of legal obligations and the resources available to organizations in different areas of accessibility. 

Future “Accessible Arts Build Audiences!” workshops are planned for Covington on Saturday, September 9, from 8:30 a.m. – 12 Noon at the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center and in Louisville at The Kentucky Center, with date and time to be announced.

“We hope to get to a point in Kentucky where all Kentuckians, regardless of disabilities will be able to enjoy arts experiences,” says Lori Meadows, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council. “The workshops are a first step in helping arts organizations understand the obstacles people with disabilities face and coming up with some practical solutions.”

The workshops are free and open to anyone working or volunteering in the arts and cultural sector in Kentucky, and registration is required. To register, go to http://artscouncil.ky.gov/forms/AccessibleArtsWkshp.htm. For more information contact Martha Newman, Director of Access Services, The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts at mnewman@kentuckycenter.org or 502-562-0711 (V), 502-562-0140 (TTY).

 - ### -

The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet.  Working in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council invests in programs that develop vibrant communities, provide lifelong education in the arts and support arts participation.  Every $1 in grant funds awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council helps grantees secure $15 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government.