From Mayor's Press Office
LOUISVILLE, KY – Children and students can visit some of the region's greatest cultural organizations for free this summer, thanks to the creation of the new Cultural Pass for Children that was suggested during the Vision Louisville initiative, Mayor Greg Fischer announced today.
The pass, a collaboration between Metro Government and cultural partners to address the importance of arts education in Louisville, admits one child/student (ages 0 through college) to attractions as diverse as the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft to the Kentucky Derby Museum to Yew Dell Gardens. If the child is under 16, one parent or guardian is also admitted.
Children who get their pass stamped by at least eight different institutions this summer will be eligible for a grand prize, a family package of tickets to the Lion King Broadway musical, coming in March 2015 and donated by Broadway Across America. There is also a draw for first prize, Mayor Fischer's suite at Louisville Slugger Field for one game.
The pass was one of the 80,000 ideas that citizens submitted last year as part of the Vision Louisville initiative, in which residents envisioned how the city should look, feel and flow over the next 30 years. University of Louisville Professor Nat Irvin and his creativity team of Vision Louisville suggested the idea for the pass.
"We know that children who are exposed to the arts and cultural events do better in school -- and better in life," Fischer said. "This pass is a great way for parents to take their children to our city's top attractions all for free -- and a perfect way to combat summer learning loss."
Children and parents can pick up a pass (a punch card) from their local Louisville Free Public Library branch or Metro Parks Community Center starting June 9. The pass is good through August 13.
The pass allows general admission access to one child and chaperon (if the child is under 16). Only one visit per pass per institution will be allowed. Special exhibits and programs are not included with the pass.
Participating arts group and organizations include:
American Printing House for the Blind Museum
Bernheim Arboretum
Carnegie Center for Art & History
Crane House - Asia Institute
Filson Historical Society
Historic Locust Grove
Kentucky Derby Museum
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft
Kentucky Shakespeare
Louisville Youth Choir
Stage One Family Theatre
Yew Dell Gardens
Other organizations are likely to be added before the first passes are available on June 9.
The Cultural Pass was the joint planning work of Vision Louisville and officials from Actor's Theatre, The Kentucky Center, The Fund for the Arts, Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and Greater Louisville Inc. Arts and Cultural Committee.
