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Bill

SR 44

A RESOLUTION recognizing January 22, 2026, as Kentucky Arts Day.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Bledsoe and 2 co-sponsors

Kentucky Arts Day designates January 22, 2026 to formally recognize the arts and culture sector’s economic and educational contributions to the state.

adopted by voice vote
#commendationsandrecognitions
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Bill Summary · SR 44

Summary of SR 44 (2026RS) — Kentucky Arts Day

Overview

  • Type: Resolution (Senate)
  • Jurisdiction: Kentucky
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session (2026RS)
  • Title: A RESOLUTION recognizing January 22, 2026, as Kentucky Arts Day
  • Sponsor(s): Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe; Co-sponsors: Senator Amanda Bledsoe, Matt Deneen, Scott Madon
  • Status: Adopted by voice vote on January 22, 2026

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution designates January 22, 2026 as Kentucky Arts Day.
  • It recognizes the importance of Kentucky’s arts and culture sector as an economic driver, educational asset, and catalyst for community development and tourism.

Key Provisions

  • Official Recognition: The Senate formally acknowledges and proclaims January 22, 2026 as Kentucky Arts Day.
  • Rationale Passed in Resolution:
    • The arts sector contributes to the state economy and job creation.
    • Arts education fosters creativity and learning in children.
    • A vibrant arts industry supports workforce development and helps attract and retain talent.
    • Cultural tourism associated with Kentucky’s arts scene benefits local economies.

Financial and Economic Context (as cited in the resolution)

  • The arts and culture industry in Kentucky is stated to generate $6.9 billion annually.
  • This amount represents 2.5% of Kentucky’s GDP.
  • The sector is claimed to support 51,094 jobs in the state.

Impacts and Affected Parties

  • Proclaimed Beneficiaries:
    • Artists, arts organizations, cultural institutions (museums, theaters, galleries, performance venues).
    • Students and educators through arts education programs.
    • Local economies and tourism sectors that benefit from cultural visitors.
  • Broader Impacts: Public awareness and celebration of Kentucky’s arts heritage; potential alignment with future arts funding, education, and cultural tourism initiatives (though the resolution itself does not authorize funding).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 16, 2026
  • Committee Action: Referred to Committee on Committees (S)
  • Floor Action: Adopted by the Senate on January 22, 2026
  • Next Steps: The Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of the resolution to Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe.

Plain-Language Takeaways

  • This bill is a formal commendation recognizing the value of Kentucky’s arts and culture sector.
  • It designates a specific day, January 22, 2026, as Kentucky Arts Day, highlighting the sector’s economic and educational importance.
  • While it underscores the economic impact and benefits of the arts, the resolution does not authorize new spending or require agencies to take particular actions beyond recognition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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