Lexington’s umbrella arts organization is preparing to recognize its 50th anniversary. The LexArts celebration includes even more equine themed art around the central Kentucky community.
New, brightly colored, unique horse figures will once again dot the Lexington landscape in 2022. Horse Mania Three calls for 50 pieces of art to be seen standing, grazing, or walking around the community. Horse Mania Co-Chair John Cioci said it’s a good fit for next year. “LexArts 50th anniversary is coming up, 2022. Breeders Cup 2022. Horse, Horse Capital of the World. Let’s do Horse Mania again,” said Cioci.
The inaugural Horse Mania occurred in 2000. The life-sized horses returned in 2010 as part of the All-Tech World Equestrian Games. The third group of fiberglass horses are expected to be on the streets next April. The call for artists is going out now.
As part of a community engagement focus, LexArts CEO Ame Sweetall said the arts will invade Lexington neighborhoods. “We go to our arts organizations, our arts partners, all of the artists that we know in our community and say, ‘what can we plan out in the community to do something fun and engaging for everyone to come on board. No ticket. No cost. You just come and enjoy a concert, a ballet performance, a hip-hop singing competition,” explained Sweetall.
Sweetall hopes it might entail one arts activity each week. Additional public murals are also on the drawing board.
Here's the interview with LexArts President and CEO Ame Sweetall:
