A Humanities Laboratory for Imaginative and Innovative Education

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

City Stories: The People Behind the Policies

Apr 17, 2025

Join the Gaines Center for the Humanities as we welcome Vice Mayor Dan Wu to moderate three conversations between local policymakers and advocates around some of the most pressing health issues in our city: segregation, accessibility, and homelessness. Audience members will hear about the triumphs and tensions between the ways these important community leaders are working to help make our Lexington healthier for all. This event will take place at 1.00pm on Thursday April 17, 2025, at the Farish Theater in Lexington Central Library.

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Breathitt Lecture

Mar 3, 2025

Established to honor Edward T. Breathitt, an eminent Kentuckian (Governor of KY, 1963-67) and a UK alum with exceptional passion for higher education and the humanities, this lectureship is awarded to an undergraduate whose qualities of mind and spirit have been expressed eloquently on one of more of the basic concerns of the humanities: form, value, and memory. The award is presented by the Gaines Center for the Humanities, and the Edward T. Breathitt Lectureship recipient receives a special award and an honorarium of $500.

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