The Kentucky Center's Julia Youngblood Receives The Lift Every Voice Award

Julia Youngblood, director of ArtsReach and Community Arts Education at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, has been recognized by The African American Theatre Program at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Louisville. She is being awarded The Lift Every Life Award, presented to individuals for creative work that creates positive social change.

"Julia embodies what arts education is about," said Kim Baker, president of The Kentucky Center. "Through her tireless efforts, hard work and determination, she brings arts education to the community and best represents the spirit and passion that is reflected by those who access the arts through Artsreach."

The award was presented on Monday, January 16 in a ceremony for the presenting organization's DR. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.

Youngblood oversees The Kentucky Center ArtsReach program, which works with community centers and organizations throughout Louisville Metro to weave the thread of the arts into the fabric of neighborhoods and enhance the community landscape. It empowers youth in community settings through studio instruction in dance, violin, and visual art, residencies with renown artists, providing affordable tickets to live performances and the opportunity to perform on The Kentucky Center's professional stages.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY CENTER'S ARTSREACH PROGRAM:

Since 1991, The Kentucky Center's ArtsReach Program has empowered community centers to program the arts, nurtured and developed diverse artists and audiences, engaged youth and created community through the arts. For more information about ArtsReach and other education and community arts programs offered by The Kentucky Center, please visit www.kentuckycenter.org/education-community-arts.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The mission of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts is to lead and enrich the artistic, educational and economic vitality of the region by providing unparalleled programming and cultural events. The Center serves Kentucky through education and initiatives which expand and diversify audiences while enhancing their understanding, appreciation and support for the arts.