U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has approved a $200,000 grant for the Appalachian Artisan Center of Kentucky in Hindman. These funds will be used to provide studio space and equipment for artisans in eastern Kentucky, which in turn will generate an estimated 23 jobs in the region.

“Our craftsmanship and artistic abilities are known throughout the world,” stated Rogers. “Landscape paintings of our Appalachian mountains, hand-crafted textiles, and refined woodworking products are show pieces in millions of homes, not to mention our mountain music which fills countless rooms. I’m pleased to see this federal investment by USDA to continue to create the physical space necessary to tap into the talents handed down by generations of Kentuckians.”

Rural Development funds are used to provide loans and grants to rural programs that will provide economic development. The Appalachian Artisan Center of Kentucky will use the additional studio space to aide and develop micro-manufacturing ceramic artists in eastern Kentucky and it is estimated that 30 new micro-manufacturing craft businesses will be created from this project. The Center will also provide the mechanisms and support staff necessary to facilitate the sale of crafts produced in the expanded facility.

The Appalachian Artisan Center of Kentucky is dedicated to building and strengthening an arts-based economic sector through education, business development and support services for artists. The Artisan Center represents artists from 49 counties of eastern Kentucky and serves as a critical promoter and advocate of Appalachian arts.

Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.