Help Sustain Arts Programming at the BLC

The Backside Learning Center (BLC) is an independent non-profit organization providing support and resources in a safe, welcoming environment for the diverse community of racetrack workers and their families. 

With programs centered around educational support for both adults and youth, health and wellness, human services and more, we are committed to serving as a “home away from home” for backside workers and their families. 

For Give for Good Louisville this year, we hope to sustain art programming for our community of all ages. Thanks to the HeARTS Program (through Fund for the Arts), art has been an important element implemented in programming for all ages since March 2023. Recently, the HeARTS grant bringing creativity to our community has been significantly reduced from the city-wide budget. Art classes have taken a huge hit.

The program focuses on acknowledging the unique strengths, interests, and potential of each participant. Toddlers had the opportunity to learn through experimentation and sensory activities, youth had the chance to form community and escape, and adults broke the monotony of their day-to-day life in a therapeutic way. Thematic concepts that address healing were explored: journaling arts, plants and gardening, textures & colors, enjoyment and self-directed learning, celebrating culture in artwork, food and culinary arts. In short, each unique individual artwork allows for self-expression and empowerment. 

According to BLC Art Educator Sara Noori, “Art is the universal language of connection.” As it’s important to feed horses, it’s important to feed the soul of the backside community with outlets for creative expression. It is therefore imperative we keep art programming alive here at the BLC.

Funds from Give for Good Louisville will be distributed the following ways:

1. Continue to purchase art equipment funding new and immersive mediums and means of expression

2. To continue community partnerships bringing in experts in other areas

3. To keep a regularly scheduled program either weekly or monthly with each designated group: toddlers with their parents, youth, and adults

Support artistic programming here at the BLC by continuing to follow us this Give for Good Louisville season. And don’t forget to include us in your list of organizations to donate to September 12th for this year’s Give for Good Louisville city-wide campaign!