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Oklahoma Arts Council News

January 2015

Top Five Things on Our Calendar for 2015

With the start of a new year, here are five of the top things on our calendar at the Oklahoma Arts Council:

1. The Oklahoma Arts Council's 50th Anniversary
In 1965, with the national move to ensure all Americans have access to the arts, Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellmon and the state Legislature created and funded the Oklahoma Arts Council, enabling our state to receive funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. During 2015 we will commemorate 50 years of supporting and developing the arts in Oklahoma. Take a look at highlights from our first 50 years.

2. Oklahoma Legislative Session
The Oklahoma state Legislature convenes February 2 to begin the 2015 legislative session. State appropriations for the Oklahoma Arts Council and other state cultural organizations will be determined during the session, with a final state budget due by May 29. Here is a recent news report about the estimated revenues policymakers will have to create the fiscal year 2016 budget.

3. New Class Members Prepare for Leadership Arts
On February 25, a group of 30 individuals from communities throughout the state will begin the 2015 Leadership Arts program. Upon their completion of the program, the 2015 class will join 210 arts leaders from 68 communities who have graduated from Leadership Arts and are working to impact their communities through the arts.

4. Arts Day at the Capitol Planned for May
Follow our friends Oklahomans for the Arts (OFTA) for the latest news about the annual Arts Day at the Capitol event. Organized by OFTA, Arts Day at the Capitol is one of the few opportunities each year when Oklahoma arts organizations convene to showcase the programs they provide for their communities. We look forward to seeing arts friends from across the state at the Capitol.

5. The Oklahoma Arts Conference Returns to Tulsa
Tulsa's Brady Arts District of 2011 looked vastly different from the Brady Arts District of 2015, and we will see just how different in October when the 2015 Oklahoma Arts Conference returns to Tulsa after four years. Mark October 21-22 on your 2015 calendar and meet us in Tulsa!

George Kaiser Family Foundation Announces Tulsa Artist Fellowship Program

Unrestricted stipends, free housing, and free work-space are available to artists selected to participate in the George Kaiser Family Foundation's new Tulsa Artist Fellowship Program. With the goal of cultivating Tulsa's growing arts scene, the program will support local artists and attract national talent. Five to 15 artists in different stages of their careers will be selected for the first year of the program. The foundation is encouraging Alaska Native, Native American, and Native Hawaiian artists to apply. Artists who are selected will live and work in Tulsa's Brady Arts District.

Fellowship categories include:

  • Early Career Artists ($15,000 stipend)
  • Mid Career Artists ($25,000 stipend)

Deadline to apply is February 1, 2015. Click here for details.

Shakespeare in American Communities Grants Available for Performances and Educational Activities

The National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest are partnering to bring performances and educational activities to audiences nationwide through Shakespeare in American Communities. Through the program, up to 40 theaters will earn grants averaging $25,000 to perform works of Shakespeare and conduct workshops, discussions, seminars, or other approved educational activities.

Theaters with 501(c)(3) status that have produced Shakespeare or classically-based repertoire within the past five years are eligible to apply. A minimum of 10 middle schools or high schools must be served by each applicant.

Visit the Shakespeare in American Communities website to learn more. Apply by February 25.

Letters of Intent for Artistic Innovations Grants Due January 16

Individuals and organizations seeking funding for the creation of original artwork can submit letters of intent for the MId-America Arts Alliance's Artist Innovations grant program through January 16.

Grants of up to $15,000 can underwrite expenses related to the art-making process and public premier of the work. Artists and nonprofit organizations in all disciplines are eligible to apply. Projects must include a public engagement component such as a performance, presentation, exhibition, or workshop.

Now in its the third year, the grant program has already benefitted six Oklahoma artists and organizations. Click here to learn about Oklahoma projects that earned funding last year.

See guidelines for the Artistic Innovations grant program.

Oklahoma Arts Council Partners with Edmond Questers International to Preserve State Capitol Artwork

Several historic works of art at the state Capitol have been preserved for future generations through a partnership between the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Edmond Chapter of Questers International. The partnership was forged after Edmond Questers member Rita Ward saw a news story about the artwork of the Capitol and called the Oklahoma Arts Council to inquire about ways to help with preservation needs.

A sculpture of Kate Barnard, a painting of Te Ata, and bronze busts of all past Oklahoma governors received needed maintenance. The work took place throughout 2014, preparing the artwork to continue bringing Oklahoma history alive for the thousands of students, tourists, and others who visit the Capitol each year.

Read what inspired the efforts of Edmond Questers members.

Related: Schools can bring students to see the Capitol artwork through our Capitol Art Travel Subsidies program.

Grant Opportunities with Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines are approaching for two grant opportunities that can help make your programs possible:

1. Apply for Art Works funding through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a wide range of projects. The NEA specifically welcomes projects that have the potential for meaningful change, are distinctive, and have the potential to be shared or emulated. Deadline to apply is February 19.

View a list of projects funded through Arts Works.

Register for the January 21 Art Works Guidelines Workshop webinar.

2. Bring a touring performing artist to your community through Mid-America Arts Alliance's (M-AAA) Regional Touring Program. Grants awarded through the program can underwrite artistic fees for your program. Performing artists must come from outside of Oklahoma but within M-AAA's six state region. Presenters in rural communities may receive an additional 10 percent of the underwritten fee.

The upcoming quarterly deadline to apply for a Regional Touring Program grant is February 1. Click here for details.

Oklahoma Arts Council Accepting Applications for Grants Director

The Oklahoma Arts Council is accepting applications from qualified individuals who wish to serve the state through the arts as Grants Director for the agency. The Grants Director is responsible for administering all of the Oklahoma Arts Council's grants programs, providing technical assistance to applicants concerning grant preparation, organizing and conducting peer panel reviews of grant applications, analyzing statistical information, preparing reports, and more.

To view other principal responsibilities, minimum qualifications, and application procedures, click here.