Oklahoma Arts Council News
Recharging the Arts: Terron Liles of Ponca City Arts
Post-pandemic, nearly 200 organizations are putting to work their shares of $10 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds invested by state leaders to recharge the arts. In this video series, you'll hear from arts leaders on what the funding means to their communities.
View clip: Terron Liles of Ponca City Arts explains why recharging the arts matters to small towns.
Federal and State Arts Funding Concerns: Register for Webinar
By Amber Sharples, Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director
There is no denying, these are disheartening times for the arts. Still reeling from the crippling pandemic, our sector now faces divestment of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)—our sector's anchor for 60 years.
The NEA is facing its gravest test. Its status has been altered dramatically in just a matter of weeks. We have seen abrupt changes to its grant programs, cancelation of hundreds of grant awards—some affecting Oklahoma organizations, and proposed elimination of the agency by the President. Nearly half of NEA staff members have submitted resignations.
2025 Oklahoma Arts Conference Suspended
The Oklahoma Arts Council has suspended this fall's 2025 Oklahoma Arts Council in light of uncertainty with state and federal arts funding. The announcement was made in April.
Training Begins Soon for Volunteer Docents at State Capitol
Training begins soon for individuals interested in leading tours as volunteer docents at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Managed by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the docent program equips participants to provide a one-of-a-kind educational experience for school children, families, and visitors from around the world.