LOUISVILLE, KY – The Louisville Ballet today announces a historic $9 million investment designed to transform the organization’s artistic reach and physical infrastructure.
This landmark funding represents a powerful alignment between a public-private partnership, ensuring the Ballet remains a world-class cultural anchor for the community and the Commonwealth.
“Today, we are announcing a $9 million investment from a coalition of public-private dollars that will fundamentally transform the way Louisville Ballet operates,” said Leslie Smart, CEO, Louisville Ballet. “These transformational gifts are a statement that the arts are an essential pillar of Kentucky’s infrastructure. By combining state with private support, we are ensuring the Ballet remains a world-class institution.”
The transformational initiative consists of a $3 million one-time appropriation from the
Commonwealth of Kentucky, a $3 million lead private match gift, and $3 million in additional
donor match commitments. This initiative focuses on these three pillars:
- Strategic Infrastructure Investments: Targeted upgrades to the Ballet’s Main Studios and The Louisville Ballet School will ensure world-class training and performance environments to support both artistic excellence and dancer well-being.
- Touring Across the Commonwealth: As Kentucky’s official state ballet, expanding touring capacity will bring performances to communities statewide—broadening access, deepening engagement, and elevating the Ballet’s role as a cultural ambassador.
- Artistic Partnerships: Reestablishing live music through meaningful artistic collaborations will enrich performances, elevate the audience experience, and reinforce a commitment to excellence at the highest level.
“To produce world-class art, you need a world-class environment,” said Anthony Krutzkamp, Artistic Director, Louisville Ballet. “This funding provides the freedom artistically to innovate without traditional constraints, ensuring we can deliver the highest standard of excellence to audiences on our home stage and across the Commonwealth.”
“This partnership proves that when the Commonwealth leads, the private sector follows,” said Senate President Robert Stivers. “We invested $3 million to ensure Louisville Ballet remains a statewide asset, and I am proud to see that commitment tripled by private donors. Together, we are bringing world-class artistry to every corner of Kentucky.”
Smart describes the $9 million initiative as a game-changer that addresses the Ballet’s most urgent infrastructure needs. “By investing in these critical bricks-and-mortar improvements, we are strengthening the organization to build future momentum,” said Leslie Smart.
The planned improvements include modernizing essential infrastructure, such as replacing the roof and HVAC system, updating the exterior façade, refreshing the artistic lounge, and upgrading restrooms, among other enhancements.
Artistic spaces will also be elevated through improvements to the dancers’ gym, physical therapy areas, and the installation of nine new studio floors across both the professional company and The Louisville Ballet School.
Smart shared, “This past year has been one of extraordinary momentum and progress. We welcomed native Kentuckian Anthony Krutzkamp as Artistic Director and Jill Marlow Krutzkamp as Studio Company Artistic Director and launched a groundbreaking partnership with Bellarmine University to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration: Dance, one of only a few such collaborations nationwide, distinguished by its cohort model.”
Louisville Ballet also launched partnerships with Bellarmine University and Norton Healthcare this year, offering Gentle Movement for patients with movement disorders. This initiative, part of the Ballet’s adaptive dance program, is improving health outcomes for Kentuckians.
As the fifth-oldest ballet company in the country, these milestones, paired with the new investment, position the organization for continued growth, deeper community impact, and an expanded artistic footprint across Kentucky and beyond.
The upcoming 75th Anniversary Season will honor Louisville Ballet’s legacy with the launch of a historical exhibition in partnership with the Filson Historical Society. Additionally, there will be events tied to each production, featuring alumni participation from across the nation, Canada, and Europe. Together, these milestones affirm that Louisville Ballet continues to thrive, inspire, and lead.
For more information, please contact Arricka Dunsford at 502-376-9947 or email adunsford@louisvilleballet.org
