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Oklahoma Arts Council News

May 2014

Council's Cultural District Initiative Leads to Alva Development Plan

Alva, Oklahoma, is on its way to developing a formal cultural district after piloting a new Oklahoma Arts Council program. During 2013, residents and community leaders in Alva worked with Oklahoma Arts Council staff and professional consultants brought in through the Council's new Cultural District Development Program to create a formal plan to use local arts and cultural assets as anchors for economic development. The published plan is the first major milestone in the Alva project, part of the Council's Cultural District Initiative, which aims to develop and certify cultural districts statewide. The formal plan is now available to read on the Oklahoma Arts Council website.

Want to learn more? Click here for details about the Cultural District Initiative.

Related: "Cultural District Initiative Gives Students Hands-on Learning Experience"

Arts Day at the Capitol Approaching

In only a matter of days, individuals and organizations working in the arts across Oklahoma will gather at the Oklahoma state Capitol to showcase our diverse and vibrant industry. Oklahomans for the Arts hosts the third annual Arts Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, May 7. Space may be limited, so don't wait to RSVP!

Visit Oklahomans for the Arts' website to sign up for Arts Day at the Capitol.

OVAC's Julia Kirt Named Executive Director of Oklahomans for the Arts

After devoting 15 years to building an organization to serve Oklahoma's visual artists, Julia Kirt has been selected to build a network of arts advocates across the state. Oklahoma Visual Artists Coalition (OVAC) Executive Director Julia Kirt has been named the new executive director of Oklahoma's arts advocacy nonprofit organization, Oklahomans for the Arts. The organization's mission is to formally advocate for public funding for the arts.

Amber Sharples, Oklahoma Arts Council executive director, said Kirt's experience in developing an arts organization and her established network of artists and individuals statewide will be valuable in her new position.

"Julia is a passionate and engaging professional. Given Julia's years of dedicated service to Oklahoma artists, I am confident she will be a strong voice for the arts in our state," Sharples said.

Kirt will be on-hand for individuals and organizations to meet in person during Arts Day at the Capitol on May 7.

Artist Entrepreneurs Can Apply for Artist INC Live Oklahoma City

Artists seeking to hone their business skills and gain valuable tools in marketing, finance, law and technology are encouraged to apply for the 2014 Artist INC Live Oklahoma City program. The 2014 program will be the second time Artist INC Live has been offered in Oklahoma City. Artist INC was launched in Kansas City in 2007 as a collaborative partnership involving local arts organizations. In 2013, Oklahoma City became one of only two communities where Artist INC Live seminars were offered outside of Kansas City for the first time.
The program is limited to 25 participants, and the selection process is competitive. Participants meet once per week for eight weeks.

Artist INC Live Oklahoma City is made possible through the Oklahoma Arts Council's partnership with the Mid-America Arts Alliance. The Oklahoma City program is presented by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma Contemporary, Oklahoma Film & Music Office, and the City of Oklahoma City Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.

Deadline to apply is June 2. Click here for information about applying and for details about the fall schedule.

National Endowment for the Arts Grants Announced for Oklahoma

Three Oklahoma organizations were among the latest round of recipients of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants announced in April. Categories of grants included Art Works projects, research projects, and partnership grants to state arts agencies.

Grants to Oklahoma organizations totaled $761,700, including:

  • Oklahoma Arts Council: $701,700 (State Partnership Agreement). Represents approximately 15 percent of the Oklahoma Arts Council budget each year.

  • University of Central Oklahoma: $50,000 to support the Sustaining the Arts as Essential to Whole School Reform initiative.

  • Cherokee Nation: $10,000 to support the Arts on the Avenue festival in Tahlequah celebrating Native American and Oklahoma arts and culture.

Oklahoma organizations are encouraged to apply for NEA grant funding. Learn about NEA funding opportunities.

For more information about the latest round of NEA grants, click here.

Proposals Being Accepted for EmcArts' Innovation Lab for the Performing Arts

Through grant funding, the Innovation Lab for the Performing Arts helps arts organizations challenge core operating assumptions, engage in intense planning on innovation projects, create a sense of organization-wide investment in change, and test innovative strategies. In partnership with the Doris Duke Foundation, EmcArts is accepting proposals for its ninth Innovation Lab for the Performing Arts through May 30.

Organizations eligible for the program include nonprofit producing and presenting organizations in theater, modern or contemporary dance, and jazz (including college-based presenters).

For more information about Innovation Lab for the Performing Arts, click here.

Mentorship Opportunities Available for Emerging Arts Leaders

New and emerging Oklahoma arts leaders interested in strengthening their knowledge of arts administration and/or board leadership can receive guidance from a seasoned mentor through the Oklahoma Arts Council's ONEAL Mentorship Program.

The ONEAL (Oklahoma's New and Emerging Arts Leaders) network is a free statewide network for arts leaders age 35 or younger or with less than five years of experience in arts administration. The ONEAL Mentorship Program connects ONEAL members with mentors who provide guidance on leadership and career issues. The program requires a six month commitment. Mentor/mentee meetings can take place in person, over the phone, or online. Opportunities depend on the availability of mentors and mentees with mutual interests. In general, geographic location is not a barrier.

To learn more, visit the ONEAL page on the Oklahoma Arts Council website.

Interested in being a mentor?! Seasoned arts leaders are encouraged to apply here.

In Memoriam: Jeannette Sias, Longtime Arts Supporter

Executive Director Amber Sharples and members of Oklahoma Arts Council board and staff express their condolences to Dick Sias and members of the Sias family in response to the passing of Dick's wife, Jeannette, on April 15. Jeannette served on the Governor-appointed board of the Oklahoma Arts Council from 2007 to 2013. The Sias' have been longtime contributor to the arts community in Oklahoma, having supported the arts and dedicated their time and leadership abilities to further arts education and the missions of several nonprofit arts organizations.After completing her service on the Council, Jeannette was presented with the Marilyn Douglass Award during the 2013 Governor's Arts Awards event. The award is presented to an outgoing Council member for his/her service to the state. Jeannette's presence in the arts in Oklahoma will be missed.