Kentucky Flood Recovery Efforts
The recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky has caused untold damage to the local communities. While people on the ground are doing their best to find ways forward, they need help. We have assembled a short list of arts organizations and other resources that are guiding recovery efforts that can use your assistance. Many of the organizations below are regularly updating their social media feeds with specific items they need. If you are interested in finding a way to make a difference visit the resources below:
Leading arts organizations affected by the flooding:
Appalshop is a media and arts organization based in Whitesburg, KY. Appalshop programs include the Appalachian Media Institute film program for youth; Roadside Theater company; WMMT 88.7 radio station; and the “Passing the Pick and Bow” music program supported by South Arts’ In These Mountains initiative. Appalshop suffered extensive damage to their building, including their archives of film, photos, and other media, which they are working to preserve. They have compiled an extensive list of resources for donations and other support throughout the region and are regularly updating their Facebook page with additional needs.
Hindman Settlement School is a community education center in Hindman, KY. Their programs including literacy services, foodways initiatives, and folk arts education, which also receives support from In These Mountains. The flooding took place during their annual Appalachian Writer’s Workshop, and Hindman’s campus suffered extensive damage. They have also become a hub of support in the aftermath of the floods, providing shelter and food and helping community members connect with medical and FEMA resources. For volunteer opportunities and additional ways to help, please follow the Hindman Settlement School's Facebook page.
DONATE TO HINDMAN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL
The Appalachian Artisan Center in Hindman, KY, supports local craft artists through their studio space, Dulcimer Museum, Appalachian School of Luthiery, community craft classes, and as a site for the Culture of Recovery program, which teaches craft skills to those in addiction recovery. The Artisan Center building sustained severe damage. Follow the Appalachian Artisan Center on Facebook for updates and ways you can help.
DONATE TO THE APPALACHIAN ARTISAN CENTER
Other ways to help:
- Donate to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Appalachian Crisis Fund
- Donate to the Eastern Kentucky Mutual Aid Fund (in partnership with Appalshop staff) – provides direct funds to community members affected by the flooding in Eastern KY
- Donate to Lonesome Pine Mutual Aid – provides direct funds in Southwestern VA
- Donate to the Cowan Creek Community Center Fund – provides direct food aid through CANE Kitchen (Community Agricultural Nutritional Enterprises) and the City of Whitesburg Farmer’s Market
- Donate to the Lee Initiative – also working with CANE Kitchen to provide food support
- Donate to the CERF+ Artist Safety Net (Craft Emergency Relief Fund) – provides grants to craft artists affected by the flooding
- Donate to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund established by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear
- Visit Appalshop’s resources list for updates on community needs, volunteer opportunities, and local supplies donation sites
- Visit Crisis Cleanup to learn about volunteerism opportunities and get matched with specific recovery needs
To find additional ways to help, we recommend connecting with Emily Moses at the Kentucky Arts Council.
For artists and organizations who have damages:
The Kentucky Arts Council is collecting reports from artists and organizations who have experienced flood damage. If you are in this situation, please complete the appropriate form.
Flood Damage Report Form for Organizations Flood Damage Report Form for Artists
University of Kentucky assembled the following paper exploring Disaster Recovery for Arts Organizations: Damage Assessment, Claims & Relief Aid.
Disaster Recovery for Arts Organizations: Damage Assessment, Claims & Relief Aid