UK receives largest single gift in history for new College of Fine Arts Building – Kentucky Kernel

The University of Kentucky received a $150 million gift, the largest in the university’s history, from The Bill Gatton Foundation to construct a new arts district.

President Eli Capilouto sent out an email on Dec. 2 stating the gift would go toward the construction on a new College of Fine Arts Building, a new performing arts theater and green space along South Broadway.

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

The new area for the College of Fine Arts will be located on South Broadway next to the Gray Design Building, near the School of Art and Visual Studies Building.

Aria Daffron, a senior majoring in choral music education, said she’s excited for future students to experience the new area.

“A gift like this is pretty legendary for arts communities, because I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had that involve a sense of hopelessness around our facilities because we haven’t felt seen by the university in the past,” Daffron said. “And so I think now it’s just exciting to you know, see the arts being acknowledged.”

Daffron said she talked to her “Into the Woods” cast group chat about the gift and joked about not being able to use the space, but shared their appreciation for the arts at UK.

“A whole part of my major is dedicated to learning how to advocate for young artists and advocate for ourselves as artists,” Daffron said. “So I’m just really excited for students to have a facility that reflects the things that they’re capable of achieving and putting out into the world.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the arts are an important investment for future generations, according to UKNow.

“This $150 million gift will help not only the university but also Lexington and Kentucky, as it creates a vibrant, welcoming arts district for students, Kentuckians and visitors to enjoy,” Beshear said.

Capilouto thanked Bill Gatton in the campus community email for all his contributions to Kentucky.

“The arts, too, represent how we advance this state in all that we do,” the email wrote. “Bill Gatton gave so much to this place because he believed so deeply in its power and promise to advance Kentucky.”

According to the Office of the President webpage, the goal is for construction to be complete by 2030.