Artists get some help with Kentucky marketing program

A common stereotype of artists is that most of them are starving, because they can't get anyone to pay for their work. Kentucky is working to break that stigma by offering marketing programs to local professional artists.

The Kentucky Arts Council is rolling out several programs, grants and educational webinars to help artists learn how to brand themselves, advertise their products, secure funding and find clients. The agency will set up directories for teaching artists, performing artists, architectural artists and crafters.

Other programs include sessions on using social media to "be everywhere, all the time." The webinar, set for April 16, will address how artists can spread the word about their pieces and their ideas through social networks while also connecting with colleagues and their audiences, the council said.

The council also advertises a number of competitions, open contracts, workshops and exhibitions. 

One such exhibit will be a March event called Kentucky Crafted: The Market. The Lexington-based marketing and sales event has been running for three decades and attracts a number of art creators and buyers. Books, films, specialty food products, music and other forms of art will be available for purchase.