The University of Kentucky Department of Arts Administration’s seventh annual “Fish Tank: Emerging Entrepreneurs in the Arts” pitch competition returns to Awesome Inc., 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in downtown Lexington. 

“Fish Tank” is an annual pitch competition featuring UK arts administration students who have bold ideas for a better future in the arts and are ready to “jump in the tank” and share their ideas with the world. It is part of a course on arts entrepreneurship taught by Jill Schinberg, associate professor of arts administration, that students take during their senior year.

Part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and produced by theLAB, competitors will be judged on the feasibility and sustainability of their projects by esteemed business owners and arts professionals.

Among the ideas being pitched are a hands-free, silent and accessible page-turning device designed specifically for musicians; a comprehensive injury prevention and wellness certification program for professional dance instructors; written translation services tailored for Spanish- and Swahili-speaking artists in Lexington; and budget management consulting services crafted to support K-12 school music directors.

The 2024 Fish Tank will be judged by a panel of local leaders in business and innovation. Panelists are Serenity Wright, associate director for social innovation at UK Innovate; Keith McMunn, founder of Good Tilt and co-owner of Kind Memorials; and returning for his sixth year as a local celebrity judge is Sal Sanchez, owner of Cup of Commonwealth and Magic Beans Coffee Roasters.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register to attend the event, visit this link.

Listen to a WEKU interview with Associate Professor Jill Schinberg about “Fish Tank.”