As he steps into his fifth year at the helm of Fund for the Arts, Andre Kimo Stone Guess recently announced that this would be his final year at the helm.
We caught up with him as he reflects on his journey with gratitude, a sense of mission, and an eye toward the future. “It’s hard to believe it’s already been four years,” he says.
From the outset, Guess’s leadership has been shaped by unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His early focus was survival — ensuring Louisville’s arts community weathered the storm. “To my knowledge, we didn’t lose a single arts organization during that time,” he says. “It was all hands on deck, raising emergency funds to keep everyone afloat.”
Listening First
Guess approached his new role with humility and curiosity. “I spent the first six to nine months listening — hosting town halls, traveling across the city,” he says. “A recurring theme I heard was, ‘What about us?’ Smaller organizations felt left out.”
This period of deep listening led to a reimagined vision, mission, and values for Fund for the Arts. “We introduced a belief statement: ‘We believe that art is a right, not a privilege, because art is a fundamental expression of the human condition.’”
That belief is the foundation for the “I Am an Artist.” campaign, which celebrates artistic expression in all its forms. “It highlights everyday people who live artistically — through music, dance, or drawing — not just professionals,” Guess explains. “Everyone has a creative spark.”
Arts in Neighborhoods
One of the most impactful programs to emerge from this listening tour is Arts in Neighborhoods, a rolling grant initiative designed to empower grassroots arts programming where people live. “During COVID, people weren’t traveling far, so a lot of arts engagement was happening right in neighborhoods,” Guess says.
With support from LG&E, individuals, groups, or businesses — regardless of nonprofit status — can apply for $500 to $5,000 grants for free, community-facing events. “Some of these events were already happening; we just helped fill gaps. Others likely wouldn’t have happened at all,” Guess says.
Cultural Pass Goes Digital
The Cultural Pass, now in its 12th year, continues to be a cornerstone program. Originally developed by Louisville Metro Government to combat summer learning loss among youth, it provides free access to cultural institutions for those ages 0 to 21. But this year marks a major shift.
“Thanks to the Humana Foundation, we launched a digital app,” Guess says. “You can register, view events, and check in with your phone. And for those without access, accessible options are still available at all participating libraries.”
The app also opens new doors for engagement. “Until now, organizations didn’t know who was attending. Now, they can gather information, learn more about who is coming to their events, where they come from, and how to best reach them,” he adds.
That ability to collect data also benefits programming. “It allows arts groups to better understand and serve their audiences,” Guess notes.
A Village of Performance at St. James
One unique initiative that fuses Guess’s personal and professional passions is the Republic Bank Performance Village at the St. James Court Art Show. “I live on St. James Court, so I’ve always been connected to the show,” he says.
During the pandemic, he pitched the idea of integrating performing arts into the traditionally visual-arts-focused event. “We started with a small performance area near the fountain — no sponsor, just trying it out,” says Guess. “Now, with support from Republic Bank, we have a dedicated stage. This will be our fourth year.”
The Republic Bank Performance Village showcases Louisville’s dynamic performing arts scene to an audience of over 300,000.
Art as Economic Engine
Guess is also a strong advocate for recognizing the economic power of the arts. “A study from Americans for the Arts showed that arts organizations here generate around half a billion dollars in economic impact,” he says. “People may not realize it, but going to a show often means paying for parking, dinner, babysitters — it all adds up.”
Major events like Bourbon & Beyond and the Kentucky Derby Festival are obvious examples, but Guess wants to see that economic momentum extend throughout the year. “Imagine that level of activity being driven year-round by arts programming,” he says. “We’re working to make sure people understand that supporting the arts is also supporting the economy.”
Inclusive Creativity
If Guess could offer a central message, it would be that art belongs to everyone. That’s why, if he had to rally the community around one initiative, it would be the “I Am an Artist.” campaign.
“It’s a call for everyone to explore their own form of artistic expression. It doesn’t matter if it’s music, gardening, or doodling — it’s about how you express your humanity,” he says. “When more people see themselves as artists, it leads to deeper engagement, understanding, and a more vibrant community.”
Looking Ahead
Whether it’s building data-driven tools, empowering neighborhood artists, or simply helping people discover their own creativity, Fund for the Arts under Guess’s leadership is evolving into a more responsive, inclusive, and innovative force.
“We’re always listening,” he says. “That’s how programs like ‘Arts in Neighborhoods’ and ‘I Am an Artist.’ were born — by understanding what people need and responding in ways that are meaningful.”
For more information on Fund for the Arts programs, including the Cultural Pass and Arts in Neighborhoods, visit fundforthearts.org.
