Oklahoma Arts Council News
November 2025
Federal Shutdown: Counting on the Oklahoma Arts Council to Keep You Informed
by Amber Sharples, Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director
With the shutdown of the federal government dominating news cycles, we understand many in our sector might wonder about potential ramifications for the arts. Be assured, in our role leading the arts in Oklahoma, we are watching the situation closely and are in constant communication with federal and state officials so we can plan for scenarios where arts funding may be impacted.
Just last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to work with members of our state's Congressional delegation on issues related to our sector. The trip gave me the chance to address the importance of federal funding for the arts in Oklahoma. It was a timely and proactive measure I feel will help as these leaders make decisions about the current shutdown and the next federal budget.
Count on the Oklahoma Arts Council to share updates as we know them, and to offer insight and guidance to assist you in navigating uncertainties.
OFTA's Arts and Culture at the Capitol | April 30
Looking forward, it is important that our sector consistently demonstrate its impact on the lives of Oklahomans. One of the best ways you can do this is by attending 2026 Arts and Culture Day at the Capitol on April 30. This annual convening is hosted by the nonprofit arts advocacy organization Oklahomans for the Arts (OFTA). Save the date and, for organizations, plan to bring your board and staff to share your organization's story with your elected representatives.
Leadership Arts XIII Members Graduate at State Capitol
Twenty-nine members of the class of Leadership Arts XIII joined the growing collection of alumni across the state during a special graduation ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol on October 24. The class featured members from Altus, Durant, Enid, Muskogee, Ponca City, Tishomingo, Tulsa, Woodward, and other communities statewide. Legislators, family members, friends, and alumni of the Leadership Arts program were on hand to celebrate.
The day-long event featured a special morning focus group involving previous Leadership Arts classes. The focus group session provided valuable feedback that will help in evolving the Leadership Arts program.
About Leadership Arts
Available every two years, Leadership Arts equips Oklahomans to become leaders for the arts in their communities. During two-day sessions held in four different communities in the spring, selected participants learn about the role of the arts in economic development, education, and quality of life. Usually held in conjunction with the Oklahoma Arts Conference, graduation for Leadership Arts XIII was the first to take place at the Capitol.
Grants Can Support Programs Serving Veterans, Military-Connected Oklahoman
Veterans Day on November 11 offers the chance to consider ways the Oklahoma Arts Council can support your arts programs serving military-connected members of the community. Funding of up to $5,000 is available year-round through the agency's Oklahoma Arts and the Military Grants program. The funding supports new or ongoing learning-based and audience-based programs for active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, veterans, and immediate family members and caregivers.
Program Highlight—Oklahoma Opry
Among programs funded through the grant, since 2017, Oklahoma Opry has helped veterans find healing and connection through its Guitars for Vets program (recently renamed Strings of Valor). Featuring weekly individual and group lessons that take place at an Oklahoma City Vet Center, participants are building musical skills while gaining structure, community, and resilience. The program highlights how Oklahoma Arts and Military Grants can empower organizations to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our nation.
Save the Date and Register for Grants Meetings in Northwest Oklahoma
Oklahomans in the northwestern region of the state who want to learn more about Oklahoma Arts Council grants, including how to submit successful grant applications, are invited to register for one of several upcoming stops in the area by agency staff.
In November, staff members will travel to Guymon and Woodward to lead grant presentations to give an overview of the agency's various grant programs.
Time will be set aside following the presentations for participants to have one-on-one consultations with Oklahoma Arts Council grants and program staff to get specific questions answered. Dates, times, and locations for the meetings are:
Guymon
Friday, November 7
2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Woodward
Saturday, November 8
1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Click here to register for any of the upcoming northwest Oklahoma grant meetings. Specific meeting locations will be communicated to registrants soon.
Artists Sought for Honey Springs Visitor Center Public Art Project
A new call for artists is open through the Oklahoma Art in Public Places program. Artists and collaborative artist teams are invited to submit qualifications for a project commemorating the heroic achievements and courageous efforts of Black troops who fought in the Battle of Honey Springs near present-day Checotah, Oklahoma. The project is a partnership of the Oklahoma Arts Council and Oklahoma Historical Society.
The location for the public art will be in a highly visible and publicly accessible area of the new Honey Springs Visitor Center. The center features artifacts and exhibits related to the battle, considered one of the most decisive Civil War engagements that took place in Indian Territory. The historical reference for the project necessitates that the proposed artwork be a figurative bronze sculpture. The artist or artist team will receive $150,000 to create the artwork.
Deadline for submissions is December 15. Submit qualifications and download the full RFQ here.
M-AAA Reopens Regional Touring Program
Oklahoma's regional arts organization, Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) has reopened its Regional Touring Program, which supports programs where touring artists from another state in M-AAA's six-state region are presented for audiences in Oklahoma. Up to $5,000 is available to organizations. The grant program includes additional incentives for rural-based organizations and for presenting artists on other states' rosters.
Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of state or local government, and federally recognized tribal communities. In addition to the presentation event, programs must feature a second public-facing event such as an outreach engagement, artist talk, master class, or other qualifying event. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, due at least six weeks before the first public-facing activity.
RELATED: M-AAA offering special virtual Artist INC Express program in Oklahoma, November 7-9 and February 20-22.
NEA Big Read Applications Now Available
Organizations interested in organizing a community-wide reading program can receive support through the National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA) Big Readprogram. In partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA has announced the opening of the application phase for 2026-2027. Up to $20,000 is available for programming centered on a selection of books. Activities often programmed with the Big Read include kick-off events, author visits, lectures, poetry slams, writing workshops and contests, and more.
The 2026 NEA Big Read will center on the theme America250 in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Books available for this year's program celebrate America's culture, history, and resilience.
Nonprofit organizations, universities, libraries, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are eligible to apply. A mandatory intent to apply is due January 15.
Awesome Foundation Grants Support 'Brilliant' Ideas
Grants of $1,000 with "no strings attached" are awarded by the Awesome Foundation, an idea established in 2009 in Boston and growing with 69 chapters worldwide. Nearly 7,500 projects have been funded by the foundation, with the goal of supporting "brilliant" ideas every month. The program is open to individuals, groups, and organizations.
Examples of funded projects include the Free Little Art Gallery in Massachusetts; Art-O-Mat Creative Community Exchange in New York City; and, the CIRQUE VOLAER pre-professional aerial arts program in San Antonio.
Funding Available to Leverage Arts for Social Connection
USAging is currently accepting applications for seed grants to help organizations expand programs or build cross-sector partnerships in support of fostering social connections among older adults. Open to community-based organizations that work with older adults, Strengthening Social Connection in Communities Grants provide up to $35,000 in funding, with no match requirement. Arts organizations working with older adults, and organizations offering arts programs benefitting older adults are encouraged to learn more at usaging.org.