A longtime Lexington activist and artist is calling upon the arts community to demonstrate their talents Saturday afternoon in downtown.
Chris Huestis says the aim is to emphasize the importance of the arts while also calling for creative ways to help a profession impacted by coronavirus. Huestis said that might include federal dollars for artists. “If an artist is a millionaire artist, they don’t need it. But, if the artist is struggling to pay rent, make bills, medical bills just like anybody else, then that becomes very important,” said Huestis.
Instead of federal relief dollars going to arts organizations, Huestis noted money could go directly to artists, much like unemployment.
Huestis is concerned about the future of the Kentucky Theater. The historic theater will close October fourth due to financial constraints brought on by COVID-19. A representative with the mayor’s office says plans call for a temporary closing. Huestic said free rent and utilities might be one avenue to help maintain operations. The arts demonstration Saturday is scheduled to start at 2:00 along Main Street.?
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