Oklahoma Arts Council News
March 2014
Museum-quality Audio Tour Now Available at State Capitol
The Oklahoma Arts Council and OETA have teamed up to provide visitors to the Oklahoma state Capitol an interactive educational experience based on the special sculpture exhibit on display on the Capitol grounds titled "Allan Houser at the Capitol: A Legacy in Bronze." A museum-quality cell phone audio tour of the exhibit is now available and is the first of its kind at the Capitol. Learn more.
Update on House Bill 3028
On behalf of the board and staff of the Oklahoma Arts Council, we would like to express our appreciation to Oklahoma citizens for their support of our agency.
The deadline for House Bill 3028 to be considered by the full Oklahoma House of Representatives was Thursday, March 13. That deadline has passed, and thus the proposal in its form as House Bill 3028 is no longer eligible to be considered during the 2014 legislative session.
Background
In late February, House Bill 3028 was introduced in the state Legislature to consolidate the Oklahoma Arts Council with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and Oklahoma Historical Society. The bill was approved by a vote of 6-5 in the House committee in which it originated, advancing it for possible consideration by the full Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Updates on the Legislative Session
Here's an update on bills involving the state arts industry:
House Bill 3028
A bill to consolidate the Oklahoma Arts Council and Oklahoma Historical Society with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to form the Department of Tourism, History and Cultural Affairs was narrowly approved in a House committee, with a vote of six to five. The bill follows a proposal made by the Governor in her executive budget, released in early February at the start of the 2014 legislative session. The bill may now be considered by the full House of Representatives. If approved, it would then go to a Senate committee for consideration.
Learn more about House Bill 3028 here.
House Bill 2850
A bill (HB 2850) that would have defunded the Oklahoma Arts Council over the course of four years did not make it out of its committee of origin and will not be considered during the remainder of the legislative session
We will continue to keep you updated on matters that could effect Oklahoma's arts and cultural industry.
Meetings Bring Regional Grantees Together
Throughout January and February, the Oklahoma Arts Council held regional meetings with Major Grant and Organizational Support grantees to address questions and prepare organizations for the fiscal year 2015 granting period.
Grants director Meleia Williamson reiterated important factors in submitting grants and support materials, discussed the goal of Council staff increasing site visits throughout the state, and emphasized that the state will soon only issue electronic payments to grantees.
Amy Weaver, Council deputy director, introduced herself and explained the agency's upcoming strategic planning process, which would include seeking feedback from the state's arts community.
Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said the meetings have been helpful for her staff as well as the grantees.
"Bringing grantees together to hear and answer their various questions is productive for all of us." Sharples said. "It's also great to hear about the wonderful work they are doing for their communities and schools. Oklahoma truly has a close-knit arts industry that we are proud to serve."
For questions related to grants, contact Meleia Williamson, grants director, at (405) 521-2040 or meleia.williamson@arts.ok.gov.
Grantees: Are You Using Our Logo and Ads?
From your fliers to your print ads and websites, the marketing of your programs that are funded by Oklahoma Arts Council grant funding should reflect the role of public funding in helping to make them happen. By consistently including our current logo, you are helping to ensure that the public is aware of the impact of the state's investment in the arts in their communities.
Organizations receiving support in the Major Grant and Organizational Support categories should also include one of our ads in their printed programs. Click here to access our ads and logos.
Questions about how to use the Oklahoma Arts Council logo or ads can be directed to Joel Gavin, director of marketing and communications, at joel.gavin@arts.ok.gov or (405) 521-2037.
Six Leadership Arts Classes Come Together for First Time
After six years and 176 graduates, a reunion of Leadership Arts class members was in order. Reunions in Tulsa and Oklahoma City in late January and early February gave graduates from six classes their first opportunities to come together and discuss their arts-related leadership efforts in their communities.
Oklahoma Arts Council Director of Cultural Development Molly O'Connor said graduates talked about partnerships fostered during Leadership Arts that are benefitting their communities. O'Connor cited project collaborations between graduates from Enid and Duncan, Oklahoma City and Ardmore, and Norman and Miami that have been initiated because of the program. Graduates are also working to develop cultural districts in communities such as Ada, Alva, Enid, Guthrie and Woodward.
Arts Day at the Capitol, May 7
Oklahomans for the Arts is gearing up for the third annual Arts Day at the Capitol, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7. Plan now to be in attendance because space may be limited!
For staff of the Oklahoma Arts Council, Arts Day at the Capitol has become one of the few times each year when we get to see our colleagues in the arts from around the state together in one place.
Stay in touch with Oklahomans for the Arts to find out when you or your organization can sign up for Arts Day at the Capitol.
Plan Your Budget: Oklahoma Arts Conference, Oct. 22-23
As you and your organization begin planning your budgets for the next fiscal year, be sure to consider budgeting for the 2014 Oklahoma Arts Conference, scheduled October 22-23 in Norman. The two day conference offers professional development, events, and networking for artists, arts managers, community developers, and others involved in the arts in Oklahoma.
Typical costs may include:
- Registration: $75-$125 (register early and save)
- Travel: gas and any related tolls
- Hotel: Approximately $129 per night plus taxes at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center
- Food: Two lunches are covered in your conference registration. Stay at the hotel and enjoy free breakfast.
- Miscellaneous expenses could include parking, dinner, etc.
You're Invited! Allan Houser Event at the Capitol
Members of Oklahoma's arts community along with elected officials and the public are invited to a special event at the Oklahoma state Capitol on Monday, March 10. Join us from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Capitol's first floor rotunda to celebrate and learn about one of Oklahoma's most revered figures in the arts, Allan Houser. The event will include a reception, live flute music and a special recognition of the Houser family by the Native American legislative caucus. Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn will lead a tour of the exhibit beginning at 4 p.m.
Titled Allan Houser: A Legacy in Bronze, the exhibit at the Capitol is managed by the Oklahoma Arts Council and made possible by Friends of the Capitol and The Kerr Foundation.