Oklahoma Arts Council News

Now accepting Governor's Arts Awards nominations

Are there individuals or organizations in your community who go "above and beyond" for the arts? Help us recognize them for their efforts by nominating them for a 2012 Governor's Arts Award.

Now through August 10 the Council is accepting nominations for awards in several categories. Whether it's a community volunteer or board member who has spent countless hours helping your organization, a business whose contributions have made a community-wide impact, a member of the media whose reporting elevates awareness of the arts, or a passionate educator making a difference in students' lives, Governor's Arts Awards recipients are a vital part of making our industry successful.

Click here to submit a nomination online.

Or download a nomination form and mail, email, or fax it to us by August 10.

Learn more about the Governor's Arts Awards and see past recipients here.

Sarkey's Foundation offers grants twice per year

The Sarkey's Foundation offers grant support for Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the areas of social or humanitarian services, arts and cultural endeavors, education, and more. Grant proposals are accepted during two submission periods each year, with deadlines of February 1 and August 1. With the next deadline for proposals approaching, Oklahoma arts and cultural organizations are encouraged to apply. Grants of up to $50,000 are available.

To learn more or to apply visit the Sarkey's Foundation website.

Governor signs budget keeping arts funding flat

For the first time in three years the Oklahoma Arts Council will not take a state funding cut when fiscal year 2013 begins July 1. However none of the 22 percent of funding cut during three years of decreasing state revenues will be restored. The flat funding comes as the Council's National Endowment for the Arts grant was reduced by $54,000 due to federal funding cuts.

State legislative officials worked out a budget agreement that kept funding flat for most agencies, including the Council. Governor Fallin recently signed the budget bill. The Council had requested a restoration of $300,000 to invest directly into communities through grants.

Council Executive Director Kim Baker expressed some disappointment in the budget. "We're happy we didn't receive another cut, but we were hoping to restore some of the funding lost over three years. Flat funding coupled with the decrease in NEA funds will unfortunately impact our grants and service programs to constituents across the state."

New Council members give board fresh look

When the 2013 fiscal year begins July 1 the governing body of the Oklahoma Arts Council - the 15 Governor-appointed Council board members - will look much different than in recent years. With several members' terms ending Governor Mary Fallin has appointed six new members. Current board member, James Pickel, is the new Council board chair. Pickel brings significant arts and business experience to his role as chair. His recent fundraising efforts with Allied Arts in Oklahoma City helped the organization break their fundraising record.

The Council staff welcomes our new board members and looks forward to working with them to serve Oklahoma through the arts! Here are our new Council members from around the state:

• Susan Coles (OKC)
  
• Ann Hargis (Stillwater)
  
• Jane Jayroe (OKC)
  
• Nancy Leonard (OKC)
• J.P. Richard (Lawton)
• Phyllis Stough (OKC)

Register for the Oklahoma Music Guide

Involved in Oklahoma's music industry? You might want to check out the Oklahoma Film & Music Office's new online resource that connects artists, presenters, and others involved in the music business. The Office's new Music Guide is an all-inclusive, fully-searchable online source for local music of all levels, styles, and genres. Artists and businesses can register at no charge.

Learn more by visiting the Oklahoma Film & Music Office's website.

Molly O'Connor heads up cultural development

After seven years of service with the Oklahoma Arts Council, cultural development director Kim McCoy announced her resignation last month. Kim moves on to another great opportunity in Oklahoma City and looks forward to remaining involved in the Oklahoma arts scene.

With Kim McCoy's departure we congratulate Molly O'Connor, who will take over for Kim McCoy as the Council's Director of Cultural Development. Molly has been on staff with the Council since 2006, where she was most recently the Director of Outreach and Community Arts Programs. Molly helps facilitate the ONEAL Network, and has been closely involved in planning the Oklahoma Arts Conference and Leadership Arts program.

If you're interested in talking to Molly about developing the arts in your community she can be reached at (405) 521-2025 or molly.oconnor@arts.ok.gov.

Remembering Milburn Steve Littleman

Steve Littleman, a well-known Oklahoma artist and proud member of the Kiowa and Cheyenne Tribes of Oklahoma passed away April 29. Littleman had a strong desire to keep his tribal heritage alive, and the arts helped him accomplish his goal. Littleman was a singer, Indian drummer and traditional storyteller who served as a consultant/presenter of American Indian culture, history, and traditional music at the University of Oklahoma. His knowledge and experience of traditional Indian culture led to him to serve as a teaching artist with the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Littleman was known for being the leader/director of the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, a professional dance troupe based in Oklahoma City. The troupe provides dance performances throughout Oklahoma, surrounding states and Europe. He was the first American Indian selected as a member of the American Traditions Program, a national arts program for traditional artists.