Our Mission

to promote and preserve the art of storytelling

Who are we?

Kentucky Storytelling Association members are people who love and value storytelling. Some of us are storytellers. Some of us are storytelling fans. Some of us are storytelling event producers. We are a welcoming and supportive group who strive to make all our events accessible to all. Whether you are new to storytelling or have been involved in storytelling for a long time, you’ll feel at home in KSA. No matter who you are, everyone is welcome here. 

Our Goals

Provide opportunities for people of all ages to develop an appreciation and understanding of storytelling.

Raise awareness of storytelling as:

  • essential for strengthening families, friendships, and communities.
  • a valuable asset in many fields, such as education, law, medicine, science, technology, ministry, politics, and business.
  • a creative and entertaining performing art.

Connect listeners, tellers, and event planners by serving as a clearinghouse for storytelling information.

Help people of all ages develop and improve their storytelling skills.

Collaborate with others to bring storytelling to the public. 

Definitions for KSA purposes

  • "Storytelling" refers to oral narratives of all types.
  • "Oral" refers to non-written language including, but not limited to, spoken and signed language.

Our History

Back in 2004, some folks who love storytelling decided to start a statewide organization. Because storytelling festivals already existed in Kentucky, we decided our primary goals would be storytelling education and promotion.

  • We’ve produced the Kentucky Storytelling Conference every year since 2004. This educational event includes workshops, open mic storytelling opportunities, and increased camaraderie.
  • We developed a storytelling event calendar to promote and publicize events in Kentucky and nearby areas of adjoining states.
  • Through our Youth Storytelling program we’ve encouraged young Kentuckians to engage in storytelling.
  • We’ve helped storytelling event producers find storytellers through our directory and request-a-teller feature.
  • To encourage our members to embrace their own creativity, we’ve awarded member mini-grants to help fund their storytelling projects.
  • From our beginning, we’ve provided ASL interpreters when needed, and we’ve placed our events in accessible spaces.

About the Kentucky Storytelling Association, Inc.

KSA is a 501(c)(3) organization, classified as a public charity. Donations to KSA are tax-deductible.