By: VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos by Matt Johnson
Art has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and bring people together, and nowhere is this more evident than at Louisville’s own Speed Art Museum. As one of the region’s premier cultural institutions, the Speed is a cornerstone of community engagement, education, and cultural enrichment. For the past decade, the museum has provided guests with free Sunday admissions through Owsley Sundays. Thanks to a generous grant from the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program, the museum now offers free general admission to the public on 1st Thursday! evenings, making art more accessible to everyone in Louisville. This initiative not only opens the museum doors to a wider audience but also highlights the value of supporting local art institutions like Speed, which gives back to the entire community in countless ways.
1st Thursdays!
For many, visiting a museum can feel like a luxury, but 1st Thursdays! Speed aims to change that by making art accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, visitors can enjoy free access to the museum’s permanent galleries. These intimate evenings are the perfect time for art lovers, families, and curious newcomers to explore Speed’s extensive collection of works from around the world.
In addition to free gallery access, 1st Thursdays! offer a wide array of programming designed to deepen the community’s connection to art. Visitors can attend gallery talks, participate in lectures, or engage in interactive events like figure drawing. These events offer something for everyone—whether you’re a lifelong art enthusiast or simply looking for a new way to spend an evening.
Supporting Local Art Institutions Benefits Everyone
When you support institutions like the Speed Art Museum, you’re not just contributing to the arts—you’re investing in the community as a whole. Art museums like the Speed serve as cultural hubs, providing spaces for dialogue, education, and collaboration. They offer educational programs for students of all ages, giving children the chance to explore creativity and learn about history, culture, and social issues through art. Additionally, museums provide Seniors with opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and cognitive engagement. A study from the British Medical Journal found that older adults who regularly visited museums had a 31% lower risk for early mortality. The Speed also frequently collaborates with local artists, showcasing their work and making space for a thriving creative community right here in Louisville.
By attending events like 1st Thursdays! or supporting the museum through donations and memberships, you’re helping to ensure that art remains accessible to everyone. Museums rely heavily on public support to fund free or reduced-cost admission, as well as exhibitions and educational programs. When you support Speed, you’re helping to break down barriers to access, allowing people from all walks of life to experience the transformative power of art.
A Space for Connection and Growth
One of the most valuable contributions Speed makes to the community is the way it brings people together. Whether it’s through a shared appreciation for art, a lecture that sparks a new idea, or a family-friendly event that inspires the next generation, Speed creates opportunitiesfor connection and dialogue. In a world where we are often divided by our differences, art has the unique ability to remind us of our shared humanity.
Speed also plays a critical role in the local economy. Cultural institutions attract tourists, create jobs, and drive economic growth by partnering with local businesses. A 2018 study conducted by Oxford Economics with support from the Mellon Foundation found that every $100 of economic activity at a museum generated an additional $220 in activity at other businesses.
Art for All
As 1st Thursdays continue to open the doors of the Speed Art Museum to a broader audience, it’s a reminder of the importance of keeping art and culture accessible to everyone. When you support local art institutions, you’re not just investing in galleries or exhibits—you’re helping to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected community.
So next time you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, consider how supporting institutions like Speed can make a lasting impact.
To learn more about the Speed Art Museum and how to support their mission, visit www.speedmuseum.org/support/
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