Lexington Arts Group Commitments to Diversity Spark Debate

Lexington, KY — LexArts, the taxpayer-supported arts organization, shared its efforts to enhance diversity among local artists during a presentation to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council on Tuesday. President and CEO Ame Sweetall detailed the organization’s allocation of over $60,000 in grants this year to various diverse arts groups, including the Bluegrass Indo-American Civic Society, the African-American Arts Association, and the Marafiki Center.

The outreach initiatives aim to raise awareness among underrepresented artists regarding grant funding, a response to criticism levied by community members and city officials. The organization, which receives more than $325,000 annually from the city, has faced scrutiny over its commitment to equity following a backlash from artists regarding a lack of inclusivity in featured projects.

In May 2024, LexArts was criticized following the publication of a social media post highlighting an all-white roster of artists selected for a contest, prompting complaints about the organization’s limited representation of diverse talents. In response to these concerns, the council is taking a closer look at LexArts’ funding and operational transparency during its meetings.

Sweetall announced that LexArts has made the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee a permanent entity. The group has also revamped its grant application process to facilitate easier access for diverse artists. As part of this strategic focus, outreach efforts are being directed toward identifying minority neighborhoods and collaborating with Global Lex to reach broader artist demographics.

Despite these actions, council members raised questions regarding LexArts’ financial management and the timeliness of grant distributions. An audit by Mather and Company revealed delays in obtaining necessary information, which subsequently postponed the audit process. According to LexArts treasurer Stefan Hendrickson, the issues noted in previous audits have been addressed with improved internal controls.

Concerns were also voiced about delayed payments to local arts organizations. Councilman David Sevigny highlighted that several entities have reported slow processing of funds, an issue that led to a meeting between Mayor Linda Gorton and LexArts in May of the current year.

Sweetall confirmed the implementation of a new policy that ensures timely fund transfers to artist organizations following the city’s quarterly payments. Additionally, funding designated for a grants specialist aims to enhance the organization’s efficiency in securing future grants.

Though significant strides have been made, council members, including Jennifer Reynolds, stressed the need for LexArts to enhance visibility and inclusion of diverse artists in its initiatives. Reynolds, representing a district with a rich diversity, noted the ongoing absence of various community representations within LexArts, further highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and actionable efforts.

As this discussion unfolds, the city and LexArts remain committed to fostering a more inclusive arts community, with future audits and financial transparency poised as crucial focal points in building trust.