Skip navigation

Oklahoma Arts Council News

January 2013

Our Response to HB 1895

When the state Legislature convenes in early February, members will consider a bill, HB 1895, which would eliminate funding for the Oklahoma Arts Council over the course of four years. In a blog article, Representative Josh Cockroft cites his reasoning for introducing the bill.

Please click here to read our response to the legislation.

What the Fiscal Cliff Vote Means to Arts Funding

A last minute agreement between Congress and President Obama means the federal budget will avoid going over the so-called "fiscal cliff." Had an agreement not been reached, a series of automatic federal tax and policy changes would have occured with what economists feared would be negative consequences. Federal discretionary spending, including funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), would have been cut significantly.

So, what does the agreement, and avoidance of the "fiscal cliff," mean for arts funding and the NEA?

In short, the agreement only delayed a final decision on discretionary spending for two months. Between now and March 1, 2013, Congress and the president will negotiate a final agreement on discretionary spending and NEA funding. Now is the time to learn more about what the fiscal cliff vote means to arts funding.

Click to voice your thoughts to your elected federal representatives.

New Year's Resolution: How Can We Serve You?

As a state government agency, the Oklahoma Arts Council exists to provide a valuable service to core constituents and all Oklahomans. We want to be efficient and effective in all we do, which means paying attention to the needs of those we serve.

With the start of the new year, we want to hear about your needs. We want to know your thoughts on how we may be able to help meet those needs.

Is there information you or your organization need to reach your goals? Are there important resources from which artists, arts organizations and others in your community could benefit? Let us know!

Take a few minutes and share your thoughts by clicking here.

We look forward to serving you during 2013!

Mid-America Grants for Artists, Organizations

Oklahoma artists and organizations are encouraged to discover funding available from the Mid-America Arts Alliance for touring programs, professional development, and creation of new artwork:

  1. Organizations seeking performing artists may be eligible for Regional Touring Program grants to hire touring artists from the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) Artists' Registry. (Deadline: March 1)

  2. Professional Development Support grants for artists are available on a first come, first served basis. Maximum award is $500 .

  3. NEW! Artistic Innovations grants are designed to support new artistic work that will result in regional public engagement. Artists and organizations are eligible for awards of up to $15,000. (Deadline: February 15).

Visit the Mid-America Arts Alliance website for details about each of these grant opportunities!

Oklahoma Organizations Receive NEA Fast-Track Grants

The latest round of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Challenge America Fast-Track grants includes three Oklahoma organizations. Projects by the Oklahoma Israel Exchange, Poncan Theatre Company, and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra are among 153 projects in 41 states and U.S. territories to be awarded. Each organization will receive a $10,000 grant from the NEA to support their submitted program.

The NEA's Challenge America Fast-Track grants support two major outcomes: public engagement with diverse and excellent art and livability, or the strengthening of communities through the arts. These grants focus on high-quality, local projects including festivals, exhibits, performances, public murals and sculptures, environmental art, and cultural tourism. To learn more about the grant category, click here.

Upcoming NEA grant application deadlines:

  • January 14: Our Town (creative placemaking grants of $25,000 - $200,000)

Kaiser Foundation Seeks Artists for Woody Guthrie Mural

The George Kaiser Family Foundation is seeking artist submissions for a mural of Oklahoma's Woody Guthrie. The outdoor public mural is planned for the west wall of the soon-to-be open Woody Archives in Tulsa. Located in the burgeoning downtown Brady Arts District, the building sits across from the new Guthrie Green urban park and performance space.

An artist fee of $5,000 plus reimbursement of supplies and expenses up to $5,000 is being offered. Open to experienced mural artists nationwide, Oklahoma artists will receive preferential consideration.

Click here to view the Request for Qualifications. Deadline for submissions is February 1.

Apply for National Youth Program Awards

Know of an Oklahoma youth arts or humanities after-school or out-of-school program that deserves recognition? The President?s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is inviting applications for the 2013 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards.

Twelve program from throughout the U.S. will be selected for the awards, and each will receive $10,000 and an invitation to the White House for a special ceremony.

Deadline for applications is February 4. For more information, or to submit an application, click here.

2013 Dates to Remember

Be sure to mark the following dates on your 2013 calendar: