Oklahoma Arts Council News

'Recharge the Arts' Videos Tell Story of ARPA Funding Impact

Produced by the Oklahoma Arts Council and its ARPA partners Allied Arts OKC and Arts Alliance Tulsa, a new video series highlighting the impact of the state's historic $10 million investment in the arts sector is available to view and share. The "Recharge the Arts" series features videos and sound bite clips of 20 Oklahoma arts leaders whose organizations received pandemic relief through the transformative funding. More than 180 organizations across the state were awarded funding.

In the videos, arts leaders reflect on their journeys through the pandemic, recalling the moments they learned ARPA funding had been approved to rebuild arts and explaining how the funding renewed their hope for the future of the arts in Oklahoma.

The videos are available as a way of inspiring everyone in the sector to share their stories of renewed hope for impacting lives and communities through the arts.

Available through 2026, the "Recharge the Arts" videos are designed to be downloaded and shared on social media, websites, email newsletters, and more. They are ideal for a wide range of storytelling opportunities including presentations, outdoor events, film screenings, fundraising galas, and other situations where these uplifting stories can be shared with Oklahomans.

View and download the videos here.

Soon! A New Brand for the Oklahoma Arts Council

In April, Oklahomans can expect to see a few changes at the Oklahoma Arts Council. The agency is preparing to formally announce its new brand identity, complete with a new logo, website, and more.

Oklahomans may recognize the agency's new look and new logo, which are based on the state branding introduced in 2020 by Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. The adoption of these will aid in achieving an important agency goal—to help Oklahomans better understand how we are the state agency for the arts, established to lead, support, and develop the sector in our state for the benefit of our people and their communities.

Following the official announcement, many changes will be immediately noticeable, while others will occur in the weeks following. Expect to see the new brand reflected in the agency's social media, newsletters, letterhead, website, and other print and digital materials. The refreshed brand identity is intended to symbolize and instill optimism for the future of the arts in our state.

Look for the announcement soon!

Calls for Artists: Three Oklahoma Art in Public Places Projects

The Oklahoma Arts Council currently has three calls for artists for public art projects being administered through agency's Oklahoma Art in Public Placesprogram. The state's percent-for-art program is administered by the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Projects include:

Route 66 Public Art Trail (Bridgeport, OK)
The first of a series of projects that will focus on Route 66, artists and artist teams are invited to submit qualifications for the design and installation of artwork for a project involving the historic William H. Murray Bridge (Pony Bridge) in Bridgeport. Originally built in 1933, the newly restored bridge stands as a testament to the region's history and is a model of engineering innovation. A public art sculpture will be commissioned that will reflect the bridge's distinctive design and historical significance. The project budget is $325,000. Deadline is April 15. Apply here.

Jim Thorpe Office Building Installation Artwork (Oklahoma City)
Artists and artist teams are invited to submit qualifications and a proposal for the design and installation of artwork at the newly renovated Jim Thorpe Office Building across from the Oklahoma State Capitol. The new work will be inspired by the legendary achievements of Jim Thorpe and should complement the building's distinctive Art Deco style. The project budget is $332,500. Deadline is May 6. Apply here.

Department of Environmental Quality (Oklahoma City)
Submissions are being accepted from artists and artist teams interested in designing and installing public artwork at the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), specifically the south facade of DEQ's south parking garage in a highly visible area. The artwork should serve as a visual celebraiton of the agency's work safeguarding Oklahoma's environment. Budget for the project is $100,000. Deadline is May 6. Apply here.

Music's Impact on Dementia the Focus of Creative Aging Webinar

Internationally renowned music therapy expert Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino will be the featured speaker during an upcoming Oklahoma Arts Council Creative Aging Initaitive webinar. On May 1 at 1:00 p.m., Tomaino will lead "Music's Impact on Dementia and the Brain," a webinar ideal for artists, art administrators, healthcare and aging service practitioners, and others involved in program development for older adults in Oklahoma.

During the webinar, participants will learn about the science behind music's positive impact on brain health, especially in individuals with dementia and neurological disorders. Participants will gain insights into how music can enhance well-being and improve quality of life for aging populations, and they will hear practical strategies for incorporating music and the arts into programs and services for older adults.

Music's Impact on Dementia and the Brain
An Oklahoma Creative Aging Initiative webinar
Thursday, May 1
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Register here

About Dr. Tomaino
An award-winning pioneer in the field of music therapy, Dr. Concetta Tomaino is Executive Director and co-founder of the Institute for Music and Neurological Function. Recognized around the world, Tomaino has given lectures on music therapy in Australia, South Africa, Italy, England, Canada, and beyond. Her work has been featured on "48 Hours" and "60 Minutes" among other national and international shows.

Made possible by funding from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Trust (TSET).

Register for Oklahoma Creative Aging Exchange III in Enid

The third iteration of the Oklahoma Arts Council's Creative Aging Exchange will take place Friday, May 2, in Enid. The day-long professional development convening will feature presentations and panel discussions about the benefits of creative aging programs for older adults. 

Offered at no cost, the Oklahoma Creative Aging Exchange is ideal for those involved in the health, aging, and social service fields; individuals from arts organizations; and, teaching artists. The event is part of the agency's Oklahoma Creative Aging Initiative, launched in 2021, which seeks to build capacity for community-based arts education programs to improve quality-of-life for this fast growing segment of our population.

Oklahoma Creative Aging Exchange III
May 2, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Enid Symphony Orchestra
301 W. Broadway Ave.
Enid, OK 73701
Register here (no cost)

Schedule
9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Registration  
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Coffee and Networking  
10:00 to 10:15 a.m. Welcome and Housekeeping
10:15 to 10:30 a.m. The Benefits of Creative Aging
10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Model Programs: Presentations and Panel Discussions
11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lunch Networking
12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Arts Education Model: How to Create and Implement a Program
2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Oklahoma Arts Council Grants Workshop

Oklahoma Creative Aging Exchange III is made possible with support from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Trust (TSET).

Join us in Alva, Sayre for Cornerstone Conversations in April

Two additional Cornerstone Conversation sessions have been scheduled as the Oklahoma Arts Council continues its listening session tour across the state. Staff from the agency will co-host the sessions with local community members in Alva on April 2 and Sayre on April 10.

Cornerstone Conversations are a forum for Oklahomans to share ideas for how the arts can meet needs in their communtiies and across the state. During sessions, attendees participate in small group discussion and individual exercises, and they are given the chance to provide written feedback. Sessions include a 30-minute networking break with light refreshments. 

There is no cost to participate. Feedback from Cornerstone Conversation sessions will serve as important building blocks for the Oklahoma Arts Council's 2026-2030 strategic plan.

Reserve Your Seat
Reserve your seat at one of the following sessions by sending an email to chandra.boyd@arts.ok.gov. Please note which session you will attend.

Alva
Wednesday, April 2
3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Northwest Technology Center
1801 S. 11th St.

Sayre
Thursday, April 10
2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Western Technology Center
2002 NE Hwy 66

Learn more about Cornerstone Conversations. Additional communities will be announced soon.

Gifted Works Approved for Oklahoma State Art Collection

Several works of art generously gifted to the state by Judge Robert and Dr. Jan Henry are the latest to be approved to the Oklahoma State Art Collection. Members of the Governor-appointed Oklahoma Arts Council recently voted to affirm the addition of the works for the collection, with several works now on exhibition in the newly reopened Betty Price Gallery at the state Capitol.

The newly added works include:

"The Pinto Colt" by J.Jay McVicker (view)
"Scissortail" by Enoch Kelly Haney (view)
"Untitled" by Father Gregory Gerrer (view)
"Deep Fork Lake" by Jacques Hans Gallrein (view)

The Oklahoma State Art Collection was established in 1971 as a visual anthology of the history of artistic expression in Oklahoma. The collection is comprised of more than 200 works by notable Oklahoma artists. The Betty Price Gallery on the second floor of the Capitol serves as the collection's permanent home, with rotating exhibitions from the collection.

New! Download the new Oklahoma Arts Council app for a closer look at the artworks on display in the Betty Price Gallery.

Register for Oklahomans for the Arts' Arts Day at the Capitol

Oklahomans for the Arts (OFTA)—the state's nonprofit arts advocacy organization—is hosting its 2025 Arts Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Thursday, April 17. Organizations and individuals from the arts and creative sector statewide are invited to register for the event, which will take place in the second-floor rotunda from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Arts Day is an annual event hosted by OFTA to honor and amplify the profound impact of the arts on Oklahoma communities. The event brings together artists, advocates, educators, policymakers, and citizens who are passionate about ensuring the arts thrive across the state.

Speakers for this year's event include Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples who will provide an update about the agency's budget and the current arts funding landscape; Jerrod Shouse, OFTA arts lobbyist, who will highlight key policy developments impacting the arts sector; and, Collin Walke of Hall Estill law firm who will outline legal considerations about artificial intelligence and the arts.

Registration is free, with breakfast options available beginning at $15 per person. In addition to individual registration, organizations can register their team members and request a table. Visit ok4arts.org to register.

Jenks Student Wins Oklahoma Poetry Out Loud Competition

Jenks High School student Elisha Dalmeida took top honors at the state Poetry Out Loud finals in March. Organized by Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma, through a partnership with the Oklahoma Arts Council, the competition featured 22 students from across the state vying for a chance to represent Oklahoma at the national contest in Washington, D.C., in May.

Poetry Out Loud is a free poetry recitation contest for high school students. The program encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. Students gain valuable public speaking skills and self-confidence while learning about literary history and contemporary life.

Poetry Out Loud is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Poetry Foundation.

Oklahoma schools participating in the 2024-2025 program ranged from Idabel to Lawton, Madill to Oolagah, and elsewhere across the state. Schools interested in signing up for the 2025-2026 program can learn more here.

Being Ready to Respond to Natural and Other Disasters

Wildfires that damaged homes and businesses across the state in March serve as an important reminder for artists and arts organizations to safeguard their assets. Planning for protecting your work and knowing what emergency resources are available can prepare the sector to respond effectively when calamities occur.

One of the best resources to know and bookmark is the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER). Since 2006, this voluntary task force of national, state, and local entities has built resilience in the arts sector by coordinating emergency programs and resources.

Among the resources NCAPER features on their website is a field guide for navigating federal disaster relief for the arts; a list of partners offering emergency grants and funding; a toolkit for protecting creative assets; emergency preparedness planning tips; and more.

ODAFF Agritourism Offers Opportunities for Artists

With the return of warm weather, thousands of Oklahomans are flocking to their weekly farmers markets in nearby communities. Many of these markets attract crowds that are ideal for connecting to one-of-a-kind works created by Oklahoma artists.

Staff of the Oklahoma Arts Council recently met with representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) to learn how the agency's programs can intersect with the needs and offerings of the arts sector. Among their programs, ODAFF manitains a list of registered farmers markets located throughout Oklahoma. Artists interested in learning about opportunities available through farmers markets can find contact information for individual markets through ODAFF's Agritourism website. 

Additional markets will be registered as the season continues to ramp up. Be sure to check the site often.