Building Civic Engagement Capacity in Kentucky
GrantID: 16719
Grant Funding Amount Low: $25,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $150,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Civic Engagement via Arts and Media in Kentucky
Kentucky's youth face unique challenges in civic engagement, particularly through the lens of creativity and media representation. In a state where the arts sector has seen significant growth, leveraging artistic avenues to promote civic participation among youth is critical. Studies indicate that young people in Kentucky, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, often lack the resources and platforms to express their civic interests effectively, leading to a disconnect from democratic processes. The state’s youth voter turnout hovered around a mere 29% in recent elections, demonstrating the need for innovative approaches to engage this demographic.
The population most impacted includes students from urban landscapes like Louisville and Lexington, as well as rural areas where access to traditional civic education programs can be limited. There is a significant divide between socioeconomic statuses that influences both creativity and participation in civic life. Many young Kentuckians feel their voices are not well represented in political discourse, compounding the challenges of engaging them in civic activities.
The Civic Engagement and Democracy Program aims to utilize arts and media as a unique conduit for promoting civic awareness and participation among this demographic. Local artist collaborations and media workshops funded by the program will empower young people to create art that communicates their perspectives on civic issues, inspiring their peers to take action. By integrating creativity with civic education, the initiative seeks to cultivate a passion for democratic involvement among youth through mediums they are already familiar with, thus increasing their engagement.
Recognizing that art captures emotional truths and inspires action, this program intends to spur creativity that culminates in measurable increases in voter registration and turnout in future elections. By equipping young artists with advocacy skills, they can effectively influence their communities while also shedding light on issues that matter to them, such as education reform and social justice initiatives.
In Kentucky, the intersection of arts and civic engagement could create a ripple effect, contributing not only to cultural enrichment but also to a reinvigorated democratic process. As youth develop and disseminate their civic perspectives through various artistic forms, they elevate the discourse surrounding voting and civic responsibility, thereby enhancing the overall democratic engagement in the state. This program's innovative approach aligns with Kentucky's cultural values and seeks to forge connections between creative expression and civic engagement, helping to foster a more informed and active citizenry.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
