Kentuck Plans Virtual Marketplace To Promote Local Artists

NORTHPORT, AL. — The 2020 installment of the Kentuck Festival of the Arts may be canceled, but that isn't stopping the art center from finding ways to still promote the work of local artists. The Kentuck Art Center this week announced it will launch its Virtual Marketplace in October, which will serve as an online gallery and space for certain local artists to sell their wares.

The decision comes after the festival's board in late July opted to cancel this year's festival due to public health concerns amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The festival's absence is expected to have a direct negative impact on the local artists who financially depend on the annual event, which is the largest of its kind in the area and a major economic driver for local businesses in both Northport and Tuscaloosa.

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Kentuck's Marketing Manager Ashley Williams told Patch on Thursday that the center hopes to provide Kentuck's audience with a way to virtually connect with their favorite artists despite circumstances currently limiting public gatherings.

Kentuck says its Virtual Marketplace will officially launch Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. and close Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m.

"Our staff is excited to get creative and re-imagine what art and community can look like for 2020, because it's definitely something we need now more than ever," she said.

In the wake of the festival's cancellation, Patch reported the two-day economic impact for area businesses was estimated to be more than $5 million — prompting Kentuck organizers to promote fundraising efforts and ways for artists to innovate their way out of the crisis.

As for the non-profit, it is facing a potential loss of revenue expected to be in excess of $200,000.

"We're proud we made the right decision for our community and we're incredibly thankful for the support they have shown us since the in-person festival cancellation announcement on July 22," she said. "It was a sad decision to make, but we're moving forward, working hard to make ends meet, and remaining positive."

Williams then encouraged supporters to donate to Kentuck's Festival Forever Fund, which has raised nearly $15,000 as of the publication of this story through the center's donor page and Facebook fundraiser.

Those wishing to browse the Virtual Marketplace can visit it here following its launch.