Global Lex, Lexington's new global engagement center, has opened on Versailles Road, with the mission of serving the needs of Lexington’s diverse citizenry while aiding multicultural communication and understanding, as well as economic development and artistic diversity, within the community.
“The global environment is thriving here in Lexington. Nearly 20 percent of our residents come from other countries,” said Mayor Jim Gray in a media release on the opening. “We’re connected to the world around us now more there ever, but it’s important to find ways to improve communication and understanding. Global Lex will help meet the needs of our diverse community with multilingual services, citizenship classes, driver’s education and public safety classes.”
GlobalLex, which will operate in the former Furrow’s building at 1306 Versailles Road, houses the city's Office of Multicultural Affairs, which provides assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency. The facility includes a conference room, multi-purpose rooms, computers available for training and tutoring, and an art gallery in the renovated building lobby.
Artistic works created by foreign-born Lexington residents were selected for the Global Lex gallery by an art committee led by LexArts Community Art Director Nathan Zamarron and Dr. Changzheng Wang of the Kentucky Chinese American Association.
“A diverse array of artists and organizers on the art committee ensured that the inaugural exhibition of the Global Lex art gallery represented many cultures from around the globe. The exhibit connects to the center’s mission of serving the many people living in Lexington who were born in other countries,” Zamarron said.
Global Lex will also have the support of the Mayor’s International Affairs Advisory Commission, a 23-member commission authorized by the Council to offer information and advice on issues affecting foreign-born Lexington residents and the community. Membership of the commission is expected to be finalized in October.