Lexington, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Lexington has announced a $15,000 grant from U.S. Bank to support the Artists’ Village in the East End. This initiative aims to enhance affordable housing for artists by providing down-payment assistance, thereby reducing mortgage costs. The community project, spearheaded by Community Ventures’ Art Inc., features five homes with art studios and plans for more housing options. Local artists and officials support the project, recognizing its role in fostering a vibrant creative community and revitalizing the area.
Lexington has taken a significant step towards enhancing affordable housing for artists with the announcement of a $15,000 grant from the U.S. Bank. This funding will support the Artists’ Village in the city’s East End, an initiative by Community Ventures’ Art Inc. aimed at providing permanent housing solutions for the artistic community.
The Artists’ Village, located in the Powell Street area near Midland Avenue and Third Streets, consists of five completed single-family homes, each featuring an attached art studio and access to a public art park. The first of these homes was completed in 2019 for Frank X Walker, Kentucky’s first Black poet laureate. This project aims to create a supportive environment for artists while fostering community spirit.
The grant from U.S. Bank will be used to provide down-payment support, making housing more accessible for local artists by reducing their monthly mortgage payments. The initiative is designed to leverage additional resources as part of a broader effort to revitalize the East End community. In addition to the existing homes, two more houses are currently in the construction and planning stages, further expanding opportunities for artist residency.
Mark Johnson, President of Art Inc. Kentucky and a celebrated glass artist, currently resides in the Artists’ Village. He expressed appreciation for the U.S. Bank Foundation’s commitment to promoting homeownership among artists in this historic neighborhood. The overall aim of the initiative is to strengthen the local economy and support the families of artists through affordable housing options.
As the program develops, residents are hopeful that this grant will enhance the community’s vibrancy, attracting more artists to Lexington and establishing a strong creative presence in the East End. The project aligns with initiatives focused on transforming and revitalizing areas to better serve their residents.
The Artists’ Village and its mission are not only about housing; they reflect a growing recognition of the importance of artists within urban landscapes and the economic potential of supporting creative communities. Local officials and community leaders endorse the project, which symbolizes forward-thinking urban development aimed at supporting those who enrich the community culturally.
Community Ventures invites those interested in learning more about the funding application and opportunities within the Artists’ Village to visit cvky.org/homeownership-support. This resource is aimed at artists seeking affordable housing options in Lexington’s inspiring and art-friendly environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Artists’ Village in Lexington?
The Artists’ Village is a community initiative in Lexington’s East End aimed at providing affordable, permanent housing for local artists. It features single-family homes with attached art studios, promoting a creative environment.
Who provided the grant for the Artists’ Village?
The grant was provided by U.S. Bank, amounting to $15,000, intended to support down-payment assistance for artists living in the village.
How does the grant help artists?
The grant assists in reducing monthly mortgage payments for artists through down-payment support, making homeownership more attainable within the community.
What are the future plans for the Artists’ Village?
There are plans for two additional homes currently in construction and planning stages, which will further accommodate artists and expand the community.
Key Features of the Artists’ Village
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Powell Street area near Midland Avenue and Third Streets |
| Current Homes | Five completed single-family homes |
| Art Studios | Each home has an attached art studio accessible to a public art park |
| Grant Amount | $15,000 from U.S. Bank for down-payment support |
| Future Plans | Two additional homes in construction and planning |
| Community Support | Initiative by Community Ventures’ Art Inc. |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County News
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- WGRZ: Lex Fest Celebration
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky
- Times Herald: Devin Scillian Concert
- Google Scholar: Lexington Kentucky
- Post and Courier: Lex Square Theater
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington Kentucky
- Southern Maryland Chronicle: New Mural
- Google News: Lexington Kentucky News
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