Oklahoma Arts Council News

ONEAL Mentorship Program Announced

The Oklahoma Arts Council is pleased to announce the launch of the ONEAL Mentorship Program for new and emerging arts leaders. Through the program, ONEAL members (emerging leaders age 35 years or younger or with less than five years experience in the arts) are matched with a seasoned arts administrator for guidance with leadership and career issues. The program is geared for ONEAL members interested in deepening their knowledge about arts administration or board leadership.

Individuals statewide can get connected through the program - mentorship correspondence can take place through email, phone calls, or in person. A six month commitment is required.

Learn more about the ONEAL Mentorship Program here. Be sure to apply by March 1.

Want to be a mentor? We're seeking experienced arts administrators for the program as well.

LIVESTRONG Offering Grants for Outpatient Art Programs

The LIVESTRONG Foundation, in partnership with New York based Creative Center at University Settlement, is offering grants to community organizations to implement outpatient art programs for cancer survivors. Grants of $15,000 will assist awarded organizations in establishing a series of art therapy workshops, replicating Creative Center workshops that have a 19-year history of succes. The $15,000 grants include $12,000 for an artist stipend and $3,000 for supplies.

To learn more about the program and grants, visit the LIVESTRONG website.

Opportunity for Rural Communities with Design Challenges

Rural Oklahoma communities with can enhance quality of life and economic vitality for their citizens through a unique opportunity offered by the Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD). CIRD has issued a request for proposals for rural communities facing design challenges to host local workshops during the summer and fall of 2013. Successful applicants will receive a $7,000 grant and in-kind design expertise and technical assistance valued at $35,000.

Deadline to apply is March 5. View the Request for Proposals here.

To learn more visit the CIRD website.

Improved Teaching with Capitol Art Site

Teacher resources available on the Oklahoma Arts Council website are easier to use and more engaging than ever thanks to recent updates by our curator of education and Capitol galleries. The Teaching with Capitol Art site is now easier to navigate, and lessons and activities are easier to download. Social studies (Oklahoma history) and visual art topics are now searchable. Activities for math, science and other subjects will be available soon.

Teaching with Capitol Art online resources include lessons and activies based on hundreds of works of art at the Oklahoma state Capitol. The free resources make it easy to integrate the Capitol art into Oklahoma classrooms.

Two additional resources include a free DVD for educators titled The People's Art: A Tour of the Capitol Collection and Capitol Art Travel Subsidies, a program that reimburses schools for travel costs to the state Capitol.

Go to the new Teaching with Capitol Art webpage.

Nominate an Arts-Supportive Oklahoma Business

Americans for the Arts is seeking nominations for the BCA 10: The Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America. Through February 15 you can nominate a businesses of any size deserving recognition for its exceptional involvement with the arts and its efforts to enrich the workplace, education, and the community. Recognized companies set the standard of excellence and serve as role models for others to follow.

You may have heard of one of last year's honorees!

Click here to learn more about the BCA 10.

NEA Grant Deadline Approaching

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 are available through the National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA) Art Works program. Projects eligible for consideration in the Art Works category should include one or more of the following outcomes:

• Creation

• Engagement

• Learning

• Livability

The NEA accepts applications for Art Works grants twice each year. The next deadline is March 7, 2013.

Click here for the details.

Tribal Heritage Grants Available

Grants for preserving Native American culture and history are available from the National Park Service. Entities that may be eligible for Tribal Heritage Grants include federally recognized American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian tribes.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorized the National Park Service to offer grants to assist tribes in protecting and promoting their unique cultural heritage and traditions. Grants support programs focusing on protection of Native language, oral history, plant and animal species important in tradition, sacred and historic places, and the establishment of tribal historic preservation offices.

To learn more visit the National Park Service website.

Again...Thank You for Your Support! (HB 1895)

Staff and board members of the Oklahoma Arts Council can't express enough thanks to you - our friends in the Oklahoma arts community - and others for your overwhelming response opposing state legislation that would defund our agency.

As you may know, House leadership has moved the legislation (House Bill 1895) to a committee where it is not likely to proceed. The move was in response to your swift action to voice your thoughts to your elected representatives.

We hope you will continue to stay informed about HB 1895 and other legislative actions that could impact you during the 2013 session, which begins Monday. The nonprofit arts advocacy organization Oklahomans for the Arts is your best source for staying updated.

Thanks again and keep us informed on how we can serve you better!