LexArts re-launches Horse Mania for 2022

A horse statue painted with colorful swirls

The painted horses will hit the town spring of next year. | Photo by LEXtoday

It’s been over a decade since the painted ponies last graced our streets, but LexArts is re-launching the popular public art projectHorse Maniain 2022.

Horse Mania serves as a major fundraising campaign for LexArts — the city’s arts council — which gives out numerous grants to support Lexington’s arts + cultural programming. The community also benefits from Horse Mania with pops of color and unique photo ops around town.

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Members of City Council + LexArts announce the return of Horse Mania in 2022. | Photo by LEXtoday

The timing for Horse Mania couldn’t be more perfect. Lexington will host an expected 50,000+ visitors for the 2022 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland next November and LexArts will celebrate their 50th anniversary.

The horses

  • There are 50 horses in total, 10 have already been sponsored, 40 are still available
  • The statues are available in 3 styles: grazing, standing, or walking
  • Locations will be determined by the sponsor
  • Horses will make their way around town April 2022

The sponsors

  • $7,500 sponsors can choose a horse that will be auctioned off at a later date
  • $15,000 sponsors can choose a horse + keep it after the campaign
  • Sponsors who pay in full will receive first dibs on design choice.
  • Sponsors can choose designs from a portfolio of artists provided by LexArts, or can work with an artist of their choice.

The artists

  • Interested artists should complete a 2-part submission to LexArts by Fri., Dec. 10.
  • Final designs will be approved by LexArts.
  • Artists will be chosen January 2022

Finishing touches

  • In true Lexington fashion, the horses will be auctioned off at Keeneland. Proceeds from the sales will fund LexArts’ grants program + another local arts nonprofit of the sponsor’s choice.