The Golden Thread: Weaving a Culture of Connection
Presented by Kentucky Performing Arts & RUX, in partnership with Kentucky to the World, The Golden Thread is an annual forum gathering visionary leaders from various sectors to foster unity across cultures and communities in the Commonwealth.
Sunday, November 8, 2026
3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Eastern
Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Louisville, KY
$40 General Admission ($25 Students)
Experience what binds the Bluegrass State together
On November 8, you are invited to join Kentucky Performing Arts and the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX), in partnership with Kentucky to the World, for The Golden Thread — a mainstage celebration of inspiring stories of civic leadership in Kentucky.
Over the course of an afternoon, you’ll experience visionary arts performances, artisanal food & cocktails, and a dynamic conversation between cross-sector Kentucky leaders on the ideas that root us in our heritage while moving Kentucky forward.
2026 FEATURED PERFORMERS
Frank X Walker (Emcee; Affrilachian Poets), Mady Dinh (KY Youth Poet Laureate), Myles Gee (Bluegrass Musician), Lacey Guthrie (Art Pop Musician), Aubrielle Whitis (Contemporary Dancer)
2026 FEATURED SPEAKERS
Sec. of State Michael G. Adams, Angel Ballew (Ballew Farms), Karina Barillas (La Casita), Chef Sara Bradley (Freight House), Devou Good Foundation, Robert Gipe (Appalachian Author), Max Moran (Data Center Organizer), Susan Montalvo-Gesser (Catholic Charities, Diocese of Owensboro), Adrian Williams (KY Tenants)
About The Golden Thread
Since 2023, The Golden Thread has uplifted cultural treasures and unsung heroes in Kentucky. We have brought Charles Booker, Silas House, SG Goodman, Secretary of State Michael G. Adams, Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Secretary Lindy Casebier, and many others into conversation with each other and RUX’s mission.
In the past few years, we’ve gained a broader audience due to a recent feature in The New York Times and a tweet from President Barack Obama, and we are excited to share this conversation on one of Kentucky's biggest stages.
Experience the event!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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The dress code is fun but not formal for this celebratory, connective evening.
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Park in the Kentucky Center garage. This will be the first garage on your left when you turn off of Main Street onto 5th. Learn more on the KPA website.
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Yes, we will have a room block with The Myriad Hotel (900 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204). Check back later this summer for more information!
Show your support and sponsor The Golden Thread!
For more information on sponsorship, please contact us at kentuckyrux@gmail.com.
Thank you, sponsors!
2026 Presenting Sponsor
2026 Contributing Sponsors
About KY RUX
The Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX) was founded in 2014.
Since its founding, RUX has connected 300 Kentuckians from 65 counties in 17 host communities. RUX members are passionate about bridging divides across difference and distance and come together to learn about other communities and are ready to listen deeply, develop meaningful relationships, and lend their own expertise.
The RUX cohort in Owensboro, July 2023