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What can ballet teach a future physician about the natural sciences? Who should document the stories behind Kentucky's opioid crisis? How does classic art inform sustainable design? 

Founded in 1984 by a generous gift from John and Joan Gaines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities functions as a laboratory for imaginative and innovative education on the University of Kentucky's campus. Devoted to cultivating an appreciation of the humanities in its students and faculty, the Center embraces varied paths of knowledge, and particularly strives to integrate creative work with traditional academic learning.

 

 

37 UK academic programs

represented by Gaines' students, faculty

+5K Kentuckians reached

annually by Gaines programming, events

What We Do

Educate

Our prestigious Gaines fellowship is the highlight of many UK alums' college experience. 

Gaines Fellowship

Integrate

With creative programming, we bring the humanities to thousands of Kentuckians each year.

Events & Programs

Advocate

The entire Gaines Center community is proud to advocate for arts and cultural education, research, and funding.

Work & Partnerships

New from the Gaines Center

Dance for Life

A pioneer of American modern dance, Isadora Duncan (1877-1927) offered profound insights into therapeutic dance. Ahead of her time, she envisioned the future emergence of dance therapy. Join us at 5.00pm  on September 25, 2024 at the Davis Marksbury Building theater for a lecture and performance by dance historian Elena Yushkova and dancer Amber Sky. This event is sponsored by the Gaines Center for the Humanities, and is free and open to the public.

Apply for a Gaines Mini-Grant

Partner with us on humanities-related programming for the 2024-2025 academic year. The humanities intersect with every discipline on the University of Kentucky campus, and, last year, Gaines partnered with a number of campus departments to highlight just how rich those intersections can be.