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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

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. 

Sizemore Named Director of UK Gaines Center for the Humanities

Michelle Sizemore has been named the new director of the University of Kentucky Gaines Center for the Humanities, pending approval by the board of trustees.