Oklahoma Arts Council News
May 2025
Federal and State Arts Funding Concerns: Register for Webinar
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.
Without the NEA, there is real concern about the long-term prospects for the arts in rural communities and further erosion of our sector overall. The NEA's fate lies in the hands of the U.S. Congress and their actions in the coming weeks and months as it exercises its constitutional authority to craft the federal government's fiscal year 2026 budget.
State Funding Update
At the state Capitol, the state Legislature is scheduled to wrap its 2025 session at the end of May. With a shortfall in state revenues, agencies including the Oklahoma Arts Council will soon learn of the impact on their appropriations for the next year, which starts July 1. Our appropriation could be flat or worse, while our costs to operate will increase. Expect announcements about our funding in the coming weeks. Grant award notifications, program offerings, and other services will be affected. Please note our June Council meeting has been moved to July because to accommodate uncertainties with federal funding.
Remaining Unified
Staying informed and remaining unified as a sector is vital as we face uncertainty and looming threats. In my 12 years as executive director, we have weathered many storms together with you. We are determined to weather this too, while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Next Monday at 3:00 p.m., I will be part of a virtual convening for the arts sector hosted by Oklahomans for the Arts to provide updates on federal and state arts funding. I urge you to tune in to hear what's at stake with cuts to the NEA, National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and more.
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. Executive Director Amber Sharples said the conference is irreplaceable and has advanced the arts across Oklahoma in countless ways. However, with an uncertain budget environment, and conference planning taking place months ahead of the event, the agency cannot responsibly obligate itself financially.
The Oklahoma Arts Council remains committed to presenting the conference in Enid at the right time. For updates, visit the conference page.
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.
The program—designed with flexibility to accommodate schedules—is ideal for retirees, former educators, corporate volunteers, civic leaders, art and history enthusiasts, and others. Docents lead 45-minute tours throughout six floors of the historic building, covering topics ranging from art and history to architecture and government.
New docent training will take place Wednesdays in July (July 9, 16, 23, and 30), from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Docent trainees will tour the Capitol, hear from special guests, and receive detailed information about the legislative process. They will also explore key elements of the Capitol's architecture and learn about the Oklahoma State Capitol Art Collection. Click here to apply.
New U.S. Commerce Data Shows Trends in Oklahoma Arts and Cultural Production
New data from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows positive trends in the production of arts and cultural economic activity in Oklahoma. Data showed Oklahoma ranked #2 nationally in value added growth in arts and cultural production from 2022-2023, up 13.8%. It also showed we rank #10 among states in arts and cultural employment growth during the period.
In 2023, arts and cultural production in Oklahoma contributed $5.4 billion to the economy and accounted for 48,659 jobs. The statistics reinforce the creative sector's importance to Oklahoma's overall economic well-being and growth.
The data reported by the BEA includes core arts and cultural production—origination of ideas and content associated with the creation of arts and culture (music performance, museums, design services, photography, etc.) and supporting industries—production and dissemination of arts and cultural commodities (broadcasting, manufacturing, publishing, etc.).
OVAC Thrive Grants Can Support Innovative Art-Making
The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) is currently accepting applications for their THRIVE Grants program. The program encourages artist innovation with funding of up to $10,000 for unique artist-led initiatives. Offered through a partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation, THRIVE Grants reward experimental approaches to visual art-making. Projects should be accessible to the public via process, production, presentation, or publication. Individuals artists and artist collectives may apply.
Deadline to apply is June 2.
Artists Creative Fund for Tulsa Opens May 21
Applications for the next round of Artists Creative Fundawards opens May 21. A program of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, this provides funding, visibility, and professional development to artists and creatives living in Tulsa. Awards of $10,000 each are given for 20 projects. The program is designed to test ideas, explore collaborations, and build skills in the process of generating innovative creative work. Disciplines considered for funding include dance, theater, music, spoken word, performance art, traditional and folk arts, visual art (2D and 3D), film, literary arts, and multi-disciplinary combinations.
Blue Star Museums Registration Available
Museums across Oklahoma can register to take part in the 2025 Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to the nation's active-duty military personnel and their families. The program is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families in collaboration with the Department of Defense. Each year, more than 2,000 museums nationwide participate. This year's program runs from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, through Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025.
USS Oklahoma Submarine Challenge Coin Design Competition
An open design competition will determine the official submarine challenge coin for the commissioning events of the USS OKLAHOMA SSN 802, a new, state-of-the-art submarine being built for the United States Navy. Challenge coins are a common symbol for honor, camaraderie, and service within military circles. For the USS OKLAHOMA SSN 802 challenge coin, designs are sought to capture the spirit, history and heritage of the submarine's namesake. Oklahoma artists are encouraged to submit designs.
To apply and to see examples of coin designs, visit ussoklahoma-ssn802.us. Deadline is July 4.