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Oklahoma Arts Information Center

In order to keep you updated on important issues that could impact funding for the arts in our state, the Oklahoma Arts Council introduces the Oklahoma Arts Information Center. See below for the latest news about state and federal arts funding.

Oklahoma Arts Council

For fiscal year 2012 (begins July 1, 2011) the Oklahoma Arts Council will have less money to fund arts and cultural programming in Oklahoma. A state budget agreement, which was signed by Governor Fallin, inluded a 9 percent budget cut to the agency's budget. This compares to cuts of 3 to 7 percent proposed for most agencies (see proposed cuts for all agencies). With the cut, the Council's budget will be down a total of 22 percent since fiscal year 2009.

Oklahoma Arts Council executive director, Suzanne Tate said the cuts are "disappointing," and stressed they will impact funding for arts organizations, communities, and schools throughout the state. The cuts come at a time when organizations providing arts programming are working hard to raise funds and survive in a tough economy.

"We understand cuts are necessary to balance this year's budget, and we're willing to do our part, but we had hoped our cut would be in line with those of other agencies," Tate said. "As the legislature and governor continue making critical decisions for Oklahoma we hope they fully consider the arts' role in attracting businesses and a creative workforce, strengthening our economy, providing a high quality of life, and improving education."

Contact your elected representatives in the State Legislature.
Contact Governor Mary Fallin.

National Endowment for the Arts

Less than a week after learning the state will cut its support for the arts by 9 percent, the Oklahoma Arts Council learned today its fiscal year 2011 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts' (NEA) will be reduced by 8.5 percent from the 2010 level. Funds from the NEA comprise approximately 20 percent of the Oklahoma Arts Council budget.

With the current NEA reduction, the arts industry in Oklahoma has lost almost $1.4 million in funding since fiscal year 2009.

Because the NEA received a $12.5 million cut to its budget, a reduction in its grant to the Oklahoma Arts Council was not unexpected.

Contact your elected representatives in Washington, D.C.

Oklahoma Art in Public Places*

On May 11, Governor Fallin signed HB 1665, discontinuing the Oklahoma Art in Public Places program for three years. In April the Senate approved the bill in a 29 to 18 vote (see how each Senator voted). The final version of the bill included an amendment to allow current projects to be completed in order to avoid any potential breach of contract.

*While the Oklahoma Arts Council does not manage the Art in Public Places program, we believe it is an important tool for improving our public spaces and attracting businesses and tourists to Oklahoma. What is Oklahoma Art in Public Places?


Helpful Resources:

"Arts, culture make good economic sense" (The Oklahoman) Details how arts and culture attract businesses to Oklahoma and impacts the economy.

How Does Public Funding for the Arts Impact Oklahoma? This one-page brochure highlights the impact of Oklahoma Arts Council grants and services on Oklahoma communities and education. Be sure to include examples of how your community benefits when emailing, writing or talking to your elected representatives.

The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations in Oklahoma Report Released in 2010, this study shows how the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Oklahoma has a $314.9 million impact in our state. View and download the complete report by clicking on the link above.

Oklahoma Museums Association: Maintaining the Focus Published by the Oklahoma Museums Association, this two-page brochure provides information and statistics highlighting the role of museums as economic drivers, centers of learning, stewards of local culture and more.

"Public art programs cost little, benefit many" (The Oklahoman)

"House decision to suspend Art in Public Places law disappoints some Oklahomans." (Tulsa World)

"Public art is a wonderful idea" (Norman Transcript)