Oklahoma Arts Council News
Oklahoma Arts Council FY26 State Appropriation Announced
The state legislative session ended in May, and while we now know the state's appropriation to the Oklahoma Arts Council for fiscal year 2026, uncertainty remains as we wait to learn about our federal funding—nearly 20 percent of our budget comes from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
FY26 Grant Award Notifications to be Delayed
Organizations applying for fiscal year 2026 grant funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council should expect a delay in their award notifications. The delay is due to to a deferred timeline for issuing federal funding through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which is impacting NEA state partnership grants to state arts agencies including the Oklahoma Arts Council.
Volunteer Docents Sought for Tours at the State Capitol
Managed by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma State Capitol docent program equips individuals to provide one-of-a-kind educational experiences in art, history, and government for students, families, and visitors from around the world. Training begins soon for those interested in becoming a volunteer Capitol docent.
Arts Projects Awarded Funding as Part of Route 66 Revitalization
The arts continue to be at the center of efforts to revitalize Route 66 as the nation prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the "Mother Road" in 2026. Several arts organizations are receiving funding as part of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce's third round of grants for Route 66 projects. The Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program is a partnership between the Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission.
Among the 12 grants announced were awards for The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park (Edmond), Rivers Edge Arts Society/Gallery@112 (Sayre), and The Church Studio Music Foundation (Tulsa).
The chance to apply for the next round of funding opens August 15. Click here for information.