Governor Andy Beshear announced that 15 nonprofit organizations across Kentucky will receive $51,175 in Kentucky Touring Grant funds to bring performing artists and cultural programming to communities throughout the commonwealth.

The grants, administered through the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, are designed to expand access to quality performances in dance, music, theater and storytelling. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state's official arts agency, administers the program with funding support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The touring grants are matching grants that provide up to $5,000 to help organizations cover artist fees, marketing and promotion costs. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations, public libraries, schools, community-based organizations, parks and social service agencies with annual budgets under $1 million.

"We're proud to support the arts and help make these experiences more accessible to Kentuckians," Beshear said in announcing the awards.

The program encourages presenters to book performing artists from the Kentucky Arts Council's Performing Artists Directory, which includes established professionals in dance, theater, music and storytelling. Grant-funded performances must be open to the general public and accessible to audience members with disabilities.

Tourism and arts support a major sector of Kentucky's economy. In 2025, the state achieved a record $14.6 billion in tourism economic impact, according to the governor's office.