An incredible gift, a new College of Fine Arts that will match the talent and dreams of our people Campus Message

Campus community,

Just moments ago, the Board of Trustees accepted the largest, single gift in the history of the University of Kentucky — a $150 million commitment by the Bill Gatton Foundation to construct a new College of Fine Arts and performing arts theater.

It is a remarkable gift on behalf a remarkable man who believed so much in UK and its power and possibility in advancing the Commonwealth that he loved so dearly.

You can learn more about the gift and its purpose in this news release and special landing page.

The new College of Fine Arts building will be along South Broadway next to the Gray Design Building that houses our College of Design. It will be just around the corner from the School of Art and Visual Studies Building on Bolivar Street, along the western edge of our campus.

Importantly, this new complex — which will contain a pavilion, sculptures and greenspace —will be located a short distance from Lexington’s Gatton Park at Town Branch, Rupp Arena,Central Bank Center and the Distillery District.

The city is planning further investments in this area as well. Together, this arts and innovation district will further integrate city and campus, town and gown and create an exciting corridor of ideas and opportunity.

During the upcoming legislative session, we will seek the appropriate authorization to initiate this project. We also will be engaging in discussions with the College of Fine Arts and other important constituents on campus and in our community about programming in these new facilities and how we think about existing, important venues like the Singletary Center for the Arts and the UK Art Museum.

There is much work to do, many conversations to have and a lot of engagement, dialogue and planning that must take place.

But today is an exciting day in the life of our university.

We know so well that hospitals and clinics can heal bodies. Research and discovery can offer the promise of solutions to the most intractable challenges. Teaching and learning in classrooms across our campus help ensure technical proficiency and a foundation of knowledge to embark on careers and lives of meaning and purpose.

But the arts can heal hearts, stir souls and spark creativity that fires passion and fuels purpose, ideas and innovation.

The arts, too, represent how we advance this state in all that we do.

Bill Gatton gave so much to this place because he believed so deeply in its power and promise to advance Kentucky.

For Bill Gatton, it was always about Kentucky.

Today is a time to remember that commitment and that remarkable life of giving and generosity as well.

I am grateful to be part of a community that seeks to honor the mission we shared with Mr. Gatton every day, in every way possible, for our state.

Thank you for all you do to advance our state.

Eli Capilouto