Saturday October 25, 2025
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SubscribeLouisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Fund for the Arts announced today that the popular Cultural Pass, an annual summer program that provides free arts access to youth and children in Greater Louisville, will now expand to year-round availability.
Thanks to a generous donation by Republic Bank, the Cultural Pass will continue beyond summer with a performing arts component, allowing young people to attend performances and engage in the performing arts throughout the year. Expanding the Cultural Pass to a year-round program gives children and families admission to free, curriculum-based performance arts and cultural experiences that enhance academic development.
“Cultural Pass creates an opportunity for lifelong learning by establishing longstanding relationships between our city’s arts and culture institutions and our youth, starting at age 0,” said the Mayor. “With the expansion of the program, Cultural Pass is poised to have a greater impact on the lives of more young people.”
Currently, residents of Jefferson and Bullitt counties in Kentucky and Floyd, Clark and Harrison Counties in Southern Indiana have access to the Cultural Pass. Performing arts venues confirmed so far for the Cultural Pass expansion include Actors Theatre, Louisville Ballet, StageOne Family Theatre, Commonwealth Theatre Company, Kentucky Opera, Louisville Orchestra, and Louisville Free Public Library.
The Cultural Pass was created in 2014 by Louisville Metro Government as part of Vision Louisville. It is one of several strategies designed to help prevent summer learning loss and to keep students engaged in educational activities. Since its debut, more than 200,000 passes have been distributed to Greater Louisville’s youth, allowing them to visit more than 59 arts venues and cultural institutions.
Last year, Cultural Passes were used for more than 35,000 visits to Louisville’s arts and cultural attractions, with low-income children accounting for 14,000 of those visits. Participation by low-income children increased 44 percent from the previous year.
Expanding the pass beyond the summer months into the performing arts seasons was a goal in the Imagine 2020 cultural plan, and an Ignite Louisville team of local professionals helped make it possible.
“This is the very definition of creating arts access,” said Christen Boone, President & CEO of the Fund for the Arts. “We are thrilled to expand the pass to the performing arts seasons so that our children can experience the power of live theatre, ballet, orchestra and more – further broadening their view of their community and the world.”
Fund for the Arts manages the program’s daily operations, with an oversight committee comprised of representatives from the Mayor’s Office, Arts and Culture Alliance, Louisville Free Public Library and Jefferson County Public Schools guiding the program.
Expansion of the program will allow Cultural Pass holders, ages 0 to 21, to gain access to one performance at each of the participating performing arts venues during the school year. One adult is provided a pass to accompany children under the age of 17. To learn more, visit www.fundforthearts.org/culturalpass.
“Republic Bank is honored and proud to support youth arts access,” said Steve Trager, CEO of Republic Bank. “We see this as an opportunity to invest in the future of our city by supporting the educational opportunities of young people. It’s truly a ‘win-win’ for everyone.”
Mayor Greg Fischer joined Metro Council members, the Commission on Public Art, artist Todd C. Smith, and community partners at the base of the Big Four Bridge to unveil Bike Sense Louisville, a public art project that will promote healthy lifestyle habits and provide new data on the city’s air quality and temperature.
Using sensor units that fit into cyclists’ water bottle holders, data is collected about the cyclists’ speed and location, as well as the temperature and air quality outside. The data is then translated into sound that is streamed in both real-time on the Bike Sense website and broadcast over the Big Four Bridge speakers.
“Bike Sense encompasses our city’s core values of lifelong learning and health by incorporating science and exercise into public art,” said the Mayor. “This project will get people moving, either as volunteer cyclists collecting environmental data or as pedestrians crossing the Big Four Bridge to listen to the sounds created.”
The data will be publicly available and support the work of University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute.
“The Center for Healthy Air Water and Soil and the Superfund Research Center in the UofL Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute are partnering with the innovative Bike Sense project to raise awareness of the health risks posed by many volatile organic compounds,” said Dr. Ted Smith, Deputy Director of the Envirome Institute. “We look forward to providing technical assistance and health risk information to the project and its many cycling participants.”
The project was selected by the Commission on Public Art through a call for artists and is funded through a mix of private donations, public dollars, and an ArtsMatch grant from Fund for the Arts.
“By collecting volunteer cycling data that considers location as well as environmental factors, like temperature and air quality, we could learn a lot about where people are biking and how healthy it is to bike here. The sound part of the project was my creative way of sharing this data with the public,” said artist Todd C. Smith. “The bridge is a public space that sees thousands of pedestrians and cyclists and is the symbol of connection for the Kentuckiana region. I look forward to seeing how this year-long project progresses.”
For more information, visit BikeSense.net.
The Department of Public Health and Wellness will host a Birth Equity Town Hall Meeting on Thursday September 5 at 6 p.m. at 400 E. Gray St.
The meeting will consider policy initiatives to close the gap in infant and maternal mortality between the general population and minority communities. The meeting will seek input from community residents and will hear from local and national experts on best-practice policy solutions.
“Louisville has made progress in lowering overall infant mortality rates over the past twenty years,” said Public Health director and the city’s chief health strategist, Dr. Sarah Moyer. “However, there is still a significant gap between the rate at which white and black babies die before their first birthday. African American women are also still far more likely to die in childbirth. The Town Hall Meeting will seek solutions to bring about the day when every child and every community in or city thrives. I encourage people to attend.”
A panel at the Town Hall Meeting will be led by Dr. Edward Ehlinger, Acting Chair of the U.S. Health and Human Service’s Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality. Panelists will include Dr. Carol Brees of the University of Louisville; Dr. Brittany Watkins of Centerstone; Dr. Olugbemisola Obi of U of L Physicians; Dr. Kelly Pryor, a mother; Arthur Lemons, a Healthy Start father; Asia Ware, a Healthy Start mother and Emily Whitsett-Pickett of Mama to Mama. Dr. Moyer will also offer remarks.
While the overall infant mortality rate, the rate at which infants die before their first birthday, has fallen in Louisville from 7.6 to 6.1 per 1000 live births (five year averages of 1995 – 1999 and 2013 – 2017), African American babies still average 5.8 more deaths per 1000 live births than white babies. Also, according to the American Medical Association, African American women in the United States are two to six times more likely to die of complications from pregnancy than white women.
Afternoon Lecture Series
Kate Hesseldenz: Margaretta’s Guest: Lafayette’s Visit to Liberty Hall
Wednesday, September 4, 1:15 pm
Lafayette, the last surviving Major General of the Revolutionary War, embarked on a great tour of the United States in 1824-1825 as the “Nation’s Guest.” Why did he visit Liberty Hall in May of 1825? Why did Margaretta Brown feel triumphant after his visit? Did John Brown serve as an aid to Lafayette during the war? In this talk, Curator Kate Hesseldenz will answer these questions as you learn about Lafayette’s connections to the Browns of Liberty Hall.
The Locust Grove Afternoon Lecture Series is held the first Wednesday of each month. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 pm. Admission is $6, $4 for Friends of Historic Locust Grove. Reservations are not required.
Part of The Age of Hamilton series at Locust Grove.
Fall on the Farm
Saturday, September 7, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Enjoy a day filled with the hustle and bustle of harvesting, cooking, distilling and other activities that would welcome in the fall season on a 19th-century farm. Learn about the seasonal life on a farm through historic demonstrations in the hearth kitchen, farm distillery, and outbuildings. $9/adults; $8/seniors; $4 children 6-12; free for children under 6.
Beginner’s Book Binding for Kids
Saturday, September 14, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Curious kids ages 7 to 12 will learn the basics of book binding during this fun, one-day workshop celebrating the art and craft of making books. Participants will bind a simple book with a marbled paper cover using a needle and thread, and learn about the process of making books in the 18th and 19th centuries before leaving with their very own blank book. This workshop is led by Locust Grove artist-in-residence Brandon Vigliarolo, the bookbinder behind Strano Books. $30/$25 for members; all materials included. A parent or guardian must stay on site for the duration of the workshop. Adults are welcome to assist their child with all activities. Space is limited; call 502-897-9845 to register by September 6.
Basic Book Binding for Adults
Saturday, September 21, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Learn more about the art and craft of book binding by making a simple blank book with a marbled paper cover. Brandon Vigliarolo, the bookbinder behind Strano Books and Locust Grove’s Summer Artist-in-Residence, will speak on the history and process of bookbinding before leading participants through the steps in making their own blank book with marbled cover.
$40/$35 for members; all materials included, and participants will be able to take their tools home. Space is limited; call 502-897-9845 to register by September 16.
Books, Prints, Paper and Art Sale
Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
This special show and sale includes dealers in used, new, and collectible books, as well as maps, prints, paper, and art, at all prices and in all categories. You’ll find books about collecting, art, decorative arts, architecture and design, as well as artwork and prints. Saturday, September 28, 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Free admission) Sunday, September 39, 10 AM – 4:30 pm (With Antiques Market; $8 admission charged)
Fall Antiques Market
Sunday, September 29, 10:00am – 4:30pm
From whimsical china dogs to funky mid-century modern chairs, from stately silver to charming children’s toys, the Fall Antiques Market has something for everyone and every budget. Dozens of individual dealers from around the region will offer antique and vintage furniture, textiles, jewelry, silver, tchotchkes, ephemera, fine Kentucky crafted pieces of furniture and decorative arts, and much more. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Admission: $8 adults; free for ages 12 and under. Proceeds support the continued preservation and operation of Locust Grove.
Locust Grove is located at 561 Blankenbaker Lane (between Brownsboro Road and River Road), Louisville, KY 40207.
Each month, Neighborhood Place partners provide numerous events and resources to benefit the entire family. Activities in September include four hiring events conducted by FedEx, Sodexo, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Kentucky Health Care Center; two outreaches by Humana CareSource and Passport to discuss health plan benefits options; and a free educational series for parents and caregivers who have youth with a mental health diagnosis. To learn more about these offerings, please refer to the list below.
Sept. 3, Humana CareSource Community Engagement at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. Humana CareSource representatives will be onsite for one-on-one consultations to discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Humana CareSource seeks to increase health benefits awareness and educate the community about the Humana CareSource Health Plan mission.
Sept. 4, FedEx Ground Employment Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call (502) 313-4700 for more information. A FedEx human resources recruiter will talk one-on-one with individuals interested in a career as a Package Handler with FedEx Ground.
Sept. 5, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Sept. 6, U.S. Census Bureau’s Hiring Event at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. Call 313-4892 for more information. A U.S. Census Bureau’s representative will be available to share information about the hundreds of entry-level office and warehouse clerks employment opportunities for the Jeffersonville location. National Processing Center (NPC) is the U.S. Census Bureau’s primary center for mail processing, survey processing, data capture, imaging/scanning and warehouse operations. NPC recently increased the starting hourly pay rate for entry level clerks to $14.54 per hour.
Sept. 6, 9, 23, 27 and 30 Kentucky Health Career Center at four locations
Call 502/595-4003 for more information. If you are looking for a job in healthcare, the Kentucky Health Care Center can help with resume writing, career assessments, training funds, job leads and referrals. A representative from the Kentucky Health Career Center, part of KentuckianaWorks, will be on hand to discuss the multiple opportunities the center has to offer.
- Sept 6, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 1 p.m
- Sept, 9, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 West Market Street, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- September 23, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place (Valley Location), 10200 Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sept 27, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sept. 30, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place (Fairdale Location), 1000 Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sept. 10, Passport Health Care Community Engagement at NorthWest Neighborhood Place
Located at 4018 West Market St. Call (502) 585-7301 to leave a message to RSVP. Passport Members are invited to join with representatives from Passport Health Care for one-on-one consultations to discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Passport aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the Passport Health Plan mission. Passport members will receive a $10 retail gift card for attending.
Sept. 19, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 502/341-5400. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
Sept. 19, The Center for Women and Families Outreach at First Neighborhood Place, Thursday, 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd (door #24) side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. For more information, contact Nayelyi Sanchez, Domestic Violence Advocate at (502) 581-7270. Staff with The Center for Women and Families will be on-hand to give an overview of their services which include trauma-informed advocacy and support for qualified families and individuals with supportive services, emergency shelter, sexual assault services, housing, children’s services and more.
Wednesdays, Sept. 25 – Oct. 30, NAMI Basics Educational Class at Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Located at 1411 Algonquin Pkwy. Call 502/588-2008 to register or with any questions or email martha.theobald@namilouisville.org. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Basics is a free six-week educational program for parents and caregivers of youth 6 to 22 years old with a mental health diagnosis. This six-week series is free to attend and will be held six consecutive Wednesdays.
Mayor Greg Fischer recently announced that Chewy.com, the leading online pet retailer, is planning to grow in Louisville less than a year after opening a customer service center here.
“We couldn’t be more ecstatic that Chewy.com is bringing additional jobs and investment to our city by expanding for the second time in less than a year,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Through the UPS Worldport, Louisville offers companies like Chewy.com the ability to quickly get customers what they need, while enjoying Louisville’s robust business environment. We wish Chewy.com continued success.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Thursday preliminarily approved $1 million in tax incentives for Chewy.com. The company will bring 150 jobs and invest $4.5 million to expand into office space at 11403 Bluegrass Parkway.
This new investment by Chewy is in addition to the $7.2 million already invested and 300 jobs at its more than 88,000-square-foot Pharmacy Customer Service Center, 3621 Fern Valley Road.
Louisville Forward staff continues to work with Chewy.com to connect them with business services, guiding them through the city’s permitting process, and identifying potential community partnerships.
“Chewy’s expansion in Louisville responds to the growing demand we’ve seen from our loyal customers. It allows us to continue delivering the high-touch, reliable service our customers know and love,” said Mita Malhotra, Vice President of Chewy Healthcare. “We continue to enhance our services to support our veterinarian partners and share a commitment to improving pet health and happiness.”
Chewy.com is an e-commerce business that caters to pet owners and pet lovers. It is a one-stop shop, offering more than 1,600 brands of everything from toys and treats to pet medications and supplies. The company was purchased in 2017 by PetSmart in the largest-ever e-commerce transaction. Chewy.com employs roughly 11,000 people in the United States.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today joined SummerWorks staff, participants, employers, and supporters at the Heine Bros. headquarters in west Louisville to celebrate the 2019 SummerWorks season, which saw nearly 7,000 youth, a new record, employed throughout the city.
“SummerWorks is a critical step in building and supporting our pipeline of talented workers,” Mayor Fischer said. “The skills learned and relationships developed during a summer job carry over into the new school year and help set young people on a path to career success.”
This season of SummerWorks saw an increase in first-time employers, including Heine Brothers’ Coffee, Carbide Industries, GlowTouch Technologies, Crowne Plaza, Masonic Homes, Rev-a-Shelf, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Many established SummerWorks employers also increased their participation in 2019, including GE Appliances, which hired 29 youth this season.
GE Appliances SummerWorks student Zaina Katembo gained confidence in the business place during her experience and hopes to have a future with the global company.
“When I started work, I was very nervous,” said Katembo, 19, senior at Moore High School who moved to the U.S. from Tanzania in 2016, “but my co-workers and supervisors made me feel very welcomed and at home. I really appreciated this opportunity and would like to work for GE Appliances after I graduate.”
SummerWorks also expanded its partnership with the Academies of Louisville at JCPS, exceeding its goal of placing at least 200 Academies students in summer jobs that aligned with their career pathway.
During the celebration, the Mayor cited a newly released study, which was commissioned by KentuckianaWorks and conducted by the Kentucky Center for Statistics, that measured the long-term impact of SummerWorks on youth. The study found a variety of positive outcomes associated with SummerWorks, including higher graduation and employment rates.
“The data we’re seeing today reinforces our belief that a summer job experience can have a lasting positive impact on a young person’s life,” the Mayor said. “We must continue investing in SummerWorks in order to make sure all young people in our community, regardless of the barriers they may be facing, have a chance to benefit from this kind of experience.”
To learn more about SummerWorks and how to get involved, either as a participant, employer, or supporter, visit www.summerworks.org.
