It’s been over a decade since the painted ponies last graced our streets, but LexArts is re-launching the popular public art project — Horse Mania — in 2022.

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

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.