The Gateway Regional Arts Center (GRAC) is welcoming artists from across the eastern Kentucky region for an Arts College and Career Fair. People from visual and performing arts disciplines are encouraged to register, regardless of their current career level. Officials said arts organizations will host booth exhibits and workshop sessions.
Jill Kohr is the Director of Education and Community Programming with GRAC. She said in addition to the booths, organizations will also be hosting workshops for attendees free of charge. She said the sessions are meant to provide a wealth of knowledge in an engaging and concise way.
“What do we think these kids could really use as far as knowledge? So, like, last year, one of our most popular ones was how to write a college essay, because pretty much any college application that you see will require some sort of personal essay,” said Kohr. “How to create a good audition; as far as arts programs, a lot of them, you need to audition to get in. How to prepare your portfolio; that’s more for visual artists.”
Kohr said it’s critical to show Kentuckians how artists can lead successful careers, especially for people trapped within generational poverty.
“We’re also trying to break that cycle, and being like, ‘No, you don’t have to go to a job where you’re miserable because you need the money. You can also make the money doing this!’ Like, this is how you do it. We want more artists in Kentucky- we want you to be able to express your creativity and also make a living,” said Kohr.
The fair will take place over two days at the GRAC in Mt. Sterling. Exhibiting for prospective students is on Friday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and career-oriented recruitment will be held Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration is free and available online at grackentucky.org.