Oklahoma Arts Council News

Major Grant Support Applications Available
for Eligible Organizations

The application period for Major Grant Support is open now through February 1 for eligible organizations. Please remember to mail us support materials for each project on the same day you submit your application (postmarked on the day of submission).

Click here to login to the e-Grant system.

For more information contact our grants director, Meleia Williamson at (405) 521-2040 or meleia.williamson@arts.ok.gov.

Leadership Arts Deadline Thursday

Thursday, December 15 is the application deadline for those interested in becoming a member of the 2012 Leadership Arts program. Since 2008 the program has graduated 120 community arts leaders and advocates from around the state.

Council Welcomes New Roster Artists

The Oklahoma Arts Council welcomes eight new artists to our performing and teaching artist rosters. Artists were recently approved by appointed Council members after a thorough application, interview, and audition process. Benefits include listing on our website, promotion through our social media feeds, the 'seal of approval' of the state's arts council, and the chance to join the Mid-America Arts Alliance Artists Registry.

Click here to learn about our new roster artists!

Arts Grants Available from Target

To many people Target is simply a great place to buy groceries or shop for Christmas gifts, but did you know the company also offers grant support for arts programs?! In addition to sponsoring free or reduced admission events at museums and performing arts centers, the company provides grants of $2,000 through their Art and Culture in Schools program. A champion of corporate responsibility, Target believes the arts are part of a well-rounded education.

Target accepts grant applications between March 1 and April 30 each year. Consider learning more about the company's efforts to support the arts in communities and schools nationwide!

Leadership Arts Applications Due December 15

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Leadership Arts program. Consider joining the network of Oklahoma community arts leaders and advocates! Apply by December 15.

The Leadership Arts program brings together 30 individuals from around the state each year for four monthly sessions to take an in-depth look at the arts' role in the economy, education, and quality of life in our communities. To date the program has graduated 120 individuals from throughout Oklahoma. Community and economic development planners, artists, community volunteers, business leaders, staff and board members from arts organizations, and others are encouraged to apply.

Click here to learn more.

Click here to apply for Leadership Arts.

Discover Oklahoma TV Show Features Capitol Art

Governor Mary Fallin recently joined Discover Oklahoma host Jennifer Reynolds to highlight destinations around the State Capitol during an episode of the weekly travel program. In addition to the Governor's Mansion and tourist destinations near the Capitol, the episode focused on the artwork of the State Capitol. Click here to watch the segment (#887) about the Capitol art!

Learn about Teaching with Capitol Art resources mentioned in the program.

NEA Highlights Oklahoma Conference

October's arts conference caught the attention of the National Endowment for the Arts, which asked us to provide a blog entry about the event. Their blog gave us the chance to showcase Oklahoma's conference and our arts and cultural industry to a nationwide audience! Take a look at the report we gave about the great things happening in the arts in Oklahoma.

Click here to read the conference blog entry.

New Deputy Director Brings Nonprofit Experience

The Oklahoma Arts Council welcomes back Karen Douglas to our agency! Karen served as grants director from 2001 to 2006 and has rejoined the Council staff as deputy director. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise in grants and nonprofit administration. Karen received her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Arts Management from Oklahoma City University in 1998 and is on track to receive her Masters in Leadership Studies from Southwestern Christian University in May 2012.

In her role as deputy director, Karen will work closely with our program staff. Her experience with budgets, grants, and nonprofit organizations will be helpful to grantees statewide.

Karen can be reached at (405) 521-2021 or karen.douglas@arts.ok.gov.