We, the undersigned, hereby express our enthusiastic support for establishing a dedicated arts center in Bullitt County, Ky. As our county has experienced significant industrial and commercial growth over the past 20 years, we have seen a corresponding loss of landscape, natural beauty, community cohesion, and cultural identity. While economic progress is vital, we must also invest in spaces that prioritize the well-being and creativity of our citizens. An arts center would provide a venue for cultural activities, connection, and community rebuilding.

An arts center would …

Restore Community & Purpose: The rapid industrialization of Bullitt County has contributed to a depressing environment for many residents, marked by the loss of several shared spaces (two bowling alleys, a movie theater, and a skating rink) and opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways. A growing drug addiction crisis has coincided with this, as individuals struggle to cope with the stress, isolation, and lack of purpose that often accompany such changes. An arts center would address these concerns, offering residents a place to create rather than consume, to heal rather than despair, and to rediscover a sense of belonging and identity.

Support Addiction Recovery & Leadership Development: Bullitt County is home to a large population of people recovering from drug addiction and transitioning into civilian life after a period of incarceration. These folks need opportunities to rebuild their lives and give back to the community. Through partnerships with the criminal justice system, mental health court, probation and parole, and addiction treatment facilities, an arts center would provide mentorship and leadership development programs. By training and nurturing these individuals to lead and participate in arts programming, we can empower them to become role models and change-makers in the community.

Create Shared Spaces for All: In a county dominated by commercial enterprises, we urgently need spaces that serve the common good. An arts center would provide a shared space, accessible to residents in and around Bullitt County, where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to explore, learn, and grow. It would offer programming in fine arts, literary arts, and performing arts—activities that inspire creativity and connection while addressing the mental health issues and social isolation in our community.

Address the Impact of Growth on Community Identity: Since the early 2000s, Bullitt County has undergone significant industrial and commercial development, spurred in part by its proximity to Interstate 65 and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Many warehousing and logistics operations have established or expanded operations here, converting substantial tracts of farmland into industrial sites. While these developments have brought economic benefits, they have also contributed to the loss of green space and weakened community dynamics (Shepherdsville KY Government. In addition, the county’s population has grown dramatically, increasing from 61,236 in 2000 to an estimated 85,952 in 2024 (World Population Review & Neilsberg). While growth expands economic opportunities, it also underscores the urgent need for spaces that foster cultural identity and community connections in an increasingly urbanized environment.

Engage Local Industry in Community Support: We believe that corporations and industries that have benefitted from Bullitt County’s growth, such as Amazon, UPS, Zappos, Jim Beam, Four Roses, and others, have a role to play in supporting the community they call home. We welcome discussions about sustainable funding options, whether through modest taxes on luxury or non-essential items, or through direct support from these corporations. Their investment in an arts center would demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of Bullitt County’s citizens, including citizens in addiction recovery.

Boost Tourism & Support Local Artists & Writers: An arts center would significantly boost tourism through events such as concerts, performances, and conferences that attract visitors from outside the area. Additionally, the center's storefront would provide a marketplace for local artists, artisans, and writers to showcase and sell their work.

We envision an arts center that serves as a central, shared space for creativity, healing, and community building. Through inclusive programming and strategic partnerships, an arts center would:

• Provide workshops, classes, and events for children, teens, adults, and seniors. These could include mentorship programs where accomplished artists, writers, and performers guide emerging talent, helping them hone their skills and create opportunities to share, exhibit, and publish their work.
• Facilitate community engagement through outreach programs in local schools, libraries, senior centers, and the detention center, enabling arts education and inspiration to reach diverse audiences.
• Host regular open mic nights, jam sessions, and informal gatherings for artists to network and collaborate, fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community.
• Exhibit and celebrate local talent with rotating showcases of artwork, crafts, and literary works by Bullitt County residents. Additionally, we propose a permanent exhibit honoring the works of Alma Lesch and periodic traveling exhibits of Kentucky artists to draw both local interest and tourism.
• Offer leadership and skill-building opportunities to those in addiction recovery and the formerly incarcerated, empowering them to lead workshops, share their stories, and inspire others through creative expression.

With your help, we believe we can create a space where creativity thrives, connections flourish, and the arts are at the heart of it all. Thank you for your support and commitment to making Bullitt County a better place for everyone.

Sincerely,

Bobbi Buchanan & members of the Salt River Local Arts Collaborative (SLAC)