New initiative aims to help students’ mental health through the arts

Editor’s Note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the city’s history — some funny, some sad, others heartbreaking or celebratory, and some just downright strange.

A new initiative has been launched to help improve mental health for students through access to the arts.

Part of arts month during 250Lex, the city’s year-long celebration of its 250th anniversary, the Bridge Initiative will provide marginalized students in grades 5 through 12 with a week-long performing arts camp. During the week, they’ll learn their parts for a performance of “The Bridge Initiative: an East Side Story.”

“The story follows a young boy navigating his way through the East End and how he uses the arts for mental health, as well as just the experiences he learns along the way,” Maya McCutchen, the initiative’s founder, said.

McCutchen, a professional violinist, said she came up with the idea when she was working with Mayor Linda Gorton on celebrating Lexington’s anniversary.

“I realized there wasn’t a lot of hands-on activities for the kids, particularly marginalized youth, so that’s where the idea stemmed from — creating a hands-on music, arts and culture experience for kids who may not be able to see that, and to put on a showcase for their city to be able to see what they’re capable of doing with concentration, the right guidance, and a healthy, safe space,” McCutchen said.

The arts camp starts with learning their parts for the performance, but it also provides a space and time for them to have open conversations about emotional well-being, self-love and personal growth.

The goal is not only to help the students get in touch with their creative abilities, but to allow them space to have dialogue and reflection that will help them “understand their feelings, find balance and build confidence in their art and their everyday lives,” McCutchen said.

In collaboration with LexArts, The University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts, The Lyric Historic Theatre and Transylvania University Mitchell School of Fine Arts, students will learn from professors and instructors around the country about what it takes to master music, dance, theater and art, and put on a production.

Then, at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, they will perform the play at the Singletary Center.

The program was opened to any student who was interested, McCutchen said. No performing arts background was required, with roles on the cast and crew open to students.

The program is about more than just putting on a play, Kay’mon Murrah, Community Outreach Manager, LexArts, said.

“The Bridge Initiative is a powerful example of how the arts can transform lives,” Murrah said. “By offering intensive performing arts programming and mentorship to youth in underserved communities, it gives children in Lexington a safe space to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with positive role models.”

“At LexArts, we believe in the power of the arts and its ability to heal and inspire — and The Bridge Initiative is doing just that for the next generation,” Murrah said.

Students participating are also given access to free concerts with the University of Kentucky Fine Arts and events at Transylvania University. The goal is to continue to expose the students to the art world, McCutchen said.

McCutchen said she hopes that the program will not only go on past this year, but that it will have a lasting impact on the students involved.

“I want the students to realize that they have allies in the art world that are here to foster a relationship with them, not just for a week, but to inspire them for a career and to just continue to create safe, healthy spaces and know that they have a fostered relationship the arts,” she said.

The performance on Saturday is free, but donations are encouraged.

Have a question or story idea related to Lexington’s 250-year history? Let us know at 250LexKy@gmail.com.