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February 10, 2010                                    Contact: Ed Lawrence, Communications Director�
                                                                          502-564-3757, ext. 473 / ed.lawrence@ky.gov 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Arts leaders came from across the Commonwealth today to celebrate the public value of the arts and to thank legislators for their continued support of the Kentucky Arts Council.

State Rep. Darryl Owens presented the Louisville Ballet with a ceremonial check for $58,696 for a Kentucky Arts Partnership competitive grant awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council in July 2009. Dwight Hutton, executive director, accepted the check on behalf of the Louisville Ballet.

Kentucky Arts Partnership grants provide operational support to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations to ensure year-round arts activities and opportunities are available to Kentuckians.

 “The Louisville Ballet contributes greatly to the appeal of this city by providing in depth arts entertainment. Keeping organizations like the Louisville Ballet strong is imperative to economic development and tourism,” said Rep. Owens.

Sen. Gerald Neal, who could not attend, offered his congratulation by saying, “I am proud to say that my district is regional hub for the arts within the state and the region. The Louisville Ballet is an organization that represents the very best of the talents Louisville has to offer in performance, while providing exceptional opportunities for adults and young people to discover and improve their skills and talents.”

The Louisville Ballet produces exceptionally high quality dance performances for the community and region, bringing innovative new work to the stage as well as producing the classics with excitement and energy. The company also provides ballet training through its school and increases community understanding of the value of dance through educational outreach programs for all ages. 

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Click on link below to download print-quality photos.

 Photo 1: http://artscouncil.ky.gov/ArtsDay/photos/LouBallet.jpg

Photo 1 Caption: L. to R. Lindy Casebier, deputy secretary, Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet; Rep. Darryl Owens; Dwight Hutton, executive director, Louisville Ballet; and Lori Meadows, executive director, Kentucky Arts Council.

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December 5, 2009
The Kentucky Center

6:00 pm- Festivities begin with heavy hors d’oeuvres, host bar, and silent auction.
7:30 pm – World Premiere performance of the Brown-Forman Nutcracker
10:00 pm – Continue the celebration and dancing with a champagne toast and party on the Whitney Hall stage with artists of the Company.

Tickets are $150 for the Grand Celebration and Performance.

For more information or to purchase tickets, email info@louisvilleballet.org

or call 583-3150, ext. 231.

General admission tickets are just $20.  Call (502) 584-7777, buy on-line at www.kentuckycenter.org or purchase in person at The Kentucky Center.  Tickets will also be sold at the door (if available).