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Oklahoma Arts Council News

June 2020

Oklahoma City’s Deanna Cardenas Appointed to Oklahoma Arts Council

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 11, 2020) – Deanna Cardenas of Oklahoma City has been appointed to the governing board of the Oklahoma Arts Council by Governor Kevin Stitt. Her appointment as a replacement for a board member who resigned took effect June 2.

A bilingual real estate advisor for Engel & Völkers, Cardenas’ background includes fundraising, event planning, and property management. Fluent in Spanish, Cardenas previously served as President of the Spanish Team at the Oklahoma City Reservations Center for Southwest Airlines. In this role, she led implementation of new procedures to better serve a growing Spanish-speaking customer base. She was also selected by her team to represent them at the first Spanish Round Table meeting in Dallas in 1994.

A native of south Texas, Cardenas grew up learning folkloric dance and participating as a member of the first mariachi group in Alice, Texas. Her background also includes fashion industry work. She views the arts as an important asset in strengthening Oklahoma City’s appeal as a vibrant and diverse place for families and businesses.
In addition to nearly 20 years of volunteer work for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s Total Resource Development Campaign, Cardenas has served as a member of the Annie Oakley Society Leadership Team. Her volunteer efforts have benefited the Green Tie Gala, Mercy Health Foundation, Other Options, Kingdom Media Club, Generations of Mercy Capital Campaign, and the Heart Rhythm Institute.

“I appreciate Governor Stitt’s prompt appointment of Deanna to our council to fill an immediate vacancy,” said Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples. “The importance of Deanna’s appointment to our board cannot be overstated, as she has a proven ability to lead established institutions to authentically connect with and improve service to the Spanish-speaking community. Representation of the rich diversity of Latinx voices across rural and urban parts of our state is imperative to our ability to serve all Oklahomans.”
The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. Comprised of fifteen appointed citizens from across Oklahoma, duties of the agency’s governing body include oversight of nearly 350 grants to 200 organizations and schools in communities statewide.

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About the Oklahoma Arts Council
The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahoma’s thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides approximately 350 grants to nearly 200 organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state’s arts and cultural industry, and manages the art collections at the Oklahoma State Capitol. More information is available at arts.ok.gov.

Governor Appoints Tulsans to Oklahoma Arts Council

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 11, 2020) – Tulsans Melinda Adwon and Stephania Grober have been appointed to the governing board of the Oklahoma Arts Council by Governor Kevin Stitt. Their three-year appointments begin July 1.

Adwon is co-owner of a Tulsa real estate investment, brokerage and management company. She is a longtime community volunteer with interest in arts education and literacy. Among her efforts, Adwon has volunteered for the Philbrook Museum of Art as a member of the board of trustees and as chair for the museum’s Festival of Trees. Her arts-related service includes volunteering for the Tulsa Ballet Gala. She served as Holland Hall School artworks chair and as the school’s 75th anniversary auction chair. Adwon’s commitments to literacy-related endeavors include committee work for the Peggy Helmerich Distinguished Author Award Dinner, visiting committee member for the McFarlin Fellows of the University of Tulsa library, and chairman of the Tulsa Library Trust Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature.

Grober is Vice President of Plan Operations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma. She is currently on the boards of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, Family & Children Services, and the Tulsa’s Future committee of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. She is also the 2020 chair of Tulsa Area United Way’s Women United. Among previous community-based efforts, Grober volunteers for Reading Partners, chaired the Parent Child Center 2020 Toyland Ball, and Hearts for Hearing’s Stories of Hope luncheon. She has also served on the Tulsa Area United Way campaign cabinet and community investment committees. Grober is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa and Leadership Oklahoma.

“Having strong representation from a large metropolitan area that is highly regarded as a cultural center is essential to our ability to serve all Oklahomans,” said Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples. “Not only will Melinda and Stephania bring proven leadership qualities and a number of beneficial skillsets to our governing board, they will bring vast experience from their many community-focused endeavors. Both have demonstrated genuine passion for helping Oklahomans, and this fits our goals of using the arts to provide hope to our communities.”

In addition to Adwon and Grober, the Governor nominated for a second three-year term current Oklahoma Arts Council board members Becky Frank, Partner, Chair and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank in Tulsa, and Charles Moore, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Summit in Muskogee. Frank and Moore are members of the board’s executive committee, and Moore is a board officer. The governor’s appointments of Adwon and Grober and reappointments of Frank and Moore were all confirmed by the state Senate on May 13.

The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. Comprised of fifteen appointed citizens from across the state, duties of the agency’s governing body include oversight of nearly 350 grants to 200 organizations and schools in communities statewide.

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About the Oklahoma Arts Council
The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahoma’s thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides approximately 350 grants to nearly 200 organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state’s arts and cultural industry, and manages the art collections at the Oklahoma State Capitol. More information is available at arts.ok.gov.

Introducing Wellness Resources for Oklahoma's Cultural Sector

Oklahomans in the arts and cultural sector face distinct challenges because of COVID-19. Ensuring self-care during the pandemic is the focus of a new effort by the Oklahoma Museums Association (OMA) in partnership with the Oklahoma Arts Council and Oklahoma Humanities.

To address specific self-care needs in our sector arising from the pandemic, the OMA Wellbeing Committee has created a special wellness resource webpage with links to information on anxiety and stress, work-life balance, grief and loss, sleep, and other issues. Among the resources, the page on creative expression includes tools for considering and implementing the creative process to manage stress and anxiety.

Visit the OMA Wellbeing Resources page at okmuseums.org/wellbeing.

Increased Eligibility, New Deadlines for Several OAC Grant Programs

The Oklahoma Arts Council is changing eligibility and deadlines for select grant programs for fiscal year 2021 in response to needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes apply to grantees receiving funding through our Small Grant Support for audience-based programs and community-based learning programs. Changes also apply to Small Grant Support for Schools and Arts in Alternative Education programs (Note: Changes do not apply to other grant categories).

Organizations eligible for funding in these categories are now eligible for three grants of up to $2,500 during the fiscal year. In order to provide more flexibility for applicants, the deadline to submit applications will be 30 days prior to the start of a program. Fiscal year 2021 begins July 1, 2020 and ends June 30, 2021.

Funding for Innovation

As organizations respond to the pandemic by innovating to provide arts engagement in new ways for their communities, the Oklahoma Arts Council is responding by seeking to fund programs being delivered online, in virtual settings, or through other innovative means. In addition, programs serving first responders and healthcare workers are welcome.

For questions about eligibility changes and funding for innovative programming, visit our staff page to find contact information for the appropriate personnel.

Updated List: COVID-19 Grants and Resources

The Oklahoma Arts Council continues to add resources to the Oklahoma Arts Emergency Resource Page in order to help artists and organizations weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Available for download and accessible on our website, the list features nearly 70 resources, from potential relief grant opportunities to considerations in creating a safe space for people when reopening.

Newly added resources include:

Oklahomans have already benefited from resources listed on the page. Check the page often for updates.

IMLS CARES Grants Available for Museums, Projects Serving Native Communities

Support for Oklahoma libraries and museums impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be available with CARES Act funding being provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Awards ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 will be made through IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries. IMLS welcomes applications for projects that create opportunities to preserve jobs, train and develop staff, address the digital divide, plan for reopening, build capacity for digital inclusion and engagement, and more. A recorded webinar is available to assist potential applicants. Deadline to apply is June 12.

Download the notice of funding opportunity here

"Museums and libraries have never been more essential to their communties," said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. "COVID-19 has not only created a public health emergency, but it has also created a deep need for trusted communty information, education, and connection that our libraries and museums are designed to provide."

Projects serving Native American and Native Hawaiian communities

In addition to being eligible for funding through IMLS CARES Act Grants for Museums and Libraries, projects that create opportunities for Native American tribes and organizations that primarily serve Native Hawaiians may be eligible for support through IMLS CARES Act Grants for Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum and Library Services. Awards ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 are available. Deadline to apply is June 12.

Download the notice of funding opportunity here.

OETA, Oklahoma Arts Council, OSDE Partner to Offer Students 'Art Club'

Responding to the cancelation of traditional summer art camps across the state, the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) has partnered with the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to launch the OETA Art Club. The virtual program will provide arts learning engagement for students of all skill levels in grades 6-12 during the summer.

Centered on OETA's award-winning show, "Gallery America," which highlights the arts in Oklahoma and around the nation, the OETA Art Club is free, however registration is required. An internet connected device and basic art supplies are the only items needed to participate.

Among activities, participants will receive exclusive links to weekly program materials, participate in a virtual Q&A with the show host, and upload their own unique works to OETA's social media. Submitted artwork may appear on television. The program begins June 15 and will last eight weeks.

Register here for the OETA Art Club program. Deadline to register is June 15.

Artists Can Take Part in First Statewide OK Art Crawl

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) has announced the opportunity for artists to participate in the first-ever statewide OK Art Crawl. The event will help Oklahomans discover the "art next door" as artists who sign up to participate will display their art outdoors or in their windows during the event in late June. Artists earn 100 percent of the proceeds of any sale on their artwork.

Participation is free, and all artists are invited to take part. Artists must register by June 12 and must follow the program guidelines. Participating artists will be listed on OVAC's website and on an illustrated Google map. The map will help Oklahomans find artwork on display close to them, or help them visit new areas to discover artwork.

"COVID-19 has forced art organizations to get creative in how we offer arts experiences for the public," OVAC Executive Director Krystle Brewer said. "We hope this is a valuable experience for both the public and the participating artists. While digital platforms are a great way to have a far reach, there is no substitute for experiencing art in person."

The OK Art Crawl event is an opportunity for Oklahomans to see art safely in person while giving artists the chance to potentially sell their artwork.

Artists must register at OKArtCrawl.org.

Updates on Paycheck Protection Plan Forgiveness

Forgiveness of loans to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and self-employed individuals is one of the appealing factors of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), established through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the intent of the program is to help preserve jobs by incentivizing recipients to maintain payroll.

Oklahomans who have applied for and/or received funding through the PPP program are encouraged to stay informed about requirements they must meet to have their loans forgiven. Original requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury may soon be changed as Congress is working on legislation after learning about widespread concerns about the original forgiveness requirements.

Read an article to learn about proposed changes.

Free OKCNP Consultations

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) is offering tools on their website to help organizations access PPP funds and other SBA programs. The center is also offering free consultations. Visit the OKCNP website to schedule a consultation.

Cultural Organizations, Artists Urged to Take AFTA Survey Monthly

Oklahoma nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and artists are urged to take Americans for the Arts' (AFTA) COVID-19 Impact Survey monthly to help AFTA track the pandemic's evolving impact on Oklahoma's cultural sector. As the data is collected in an ongoing manner, reports from the data will be shared with state leaders and arts funders.

Through the survey, AFTA will demonstrate how canceled events, lost wages, and additional expenses are affecting cultural nonprofits. Arts councils, museums, performing and visual arts organizations, film and media arts organizations, foundations, makerspaces, arts advocacy organizations, and a wide variety of other cultural entities should complete the survey. A separate survey specifically designed for artists to report the impact of COVID-19 on their work is available.

Conclusions from the survey will affect future funding for the arts, including additional federal stimulus measures.

Take the survey for organizations.

Take the survey for artists and creative workers.

OKC, Tulsa Public Art Opportunities

Artists wanting to earn commissions for public art projects can learn about several opportunities currently available through the City of Oklahoma City and the City of Tulsa.

The City of Oklahoma City's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs is currently accepting applications from artists interested in joining their Pre-Qualified Artist Pool 2020-2023. Artists accepted for the pool are automatically eligible to be considered for city public art projects with budgets of $25,000 or less. The pool is also a resource provide to private entities.

Submissions will be accepted through June 10. Artists, artist teams, curators, and art handlers may apply.

The City of Tulsa has two current calls for artists. Forthe Air National Guard Mission Training Center near the Tulsa International Airport, a sculptural installation is sought that will commemorate the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Deadline to submit is June 23. Click here for the call for artists information.

For a project at the new Tulsa Fire Station 33, a sculptural piece is sought that can either be mounted or placed immediately in front of an outlined location. Click here for the call for artists information.

Applications Available for Our Town Grants

National Endowment for the Arts funding for creative placemaking projects is available through the federal agency's Our Town grant program.

Funding ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 may be requested through the program to support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design into efforts that strengthen economic, physical, or social outcomes for communities. Activities that may be included in projects supported through Our town grants include arts engagement (residencies, festivals, public art, and more), cultural planning, design, and creative industry support.

View past projects supported through Our Town grants.

Partnerships are required for Our Town grant projects. Partnerships may involve nonprofit organizations, local government, and non-arts sector entities in areas such as agriculture, education, energy, health, housing, and transportation.

August 6 is the deadline. Click here for guidelines.

Download #OKHereWeGo Kit to Promote Local Cultural Tourism

A new campaign of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) is aimed at helping Oklahoma's economy bounce back from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oklahoma's travel industry, including those in the arts and cultural sector, are intended to benefit directly from the effort.

With less out-of-state travel likely due to COVID-19, OTRD wants Oklahomans to consider in-state cultural tourism and other local travel options available to them within Oklahoma. Arts and cultural organizations, businesses, and others can help by downloading free resources available for incorporating into their marketing efforts. Resources are available to use in encouraging Oklahomans to shop, dine, travel, and play across the state as they feel comfortable. Graphics in the toolkit are customizable and sample social media posts are available.

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who serves as Oklahoma's Secretary of Tourism and Branding, said, "We have seen our Oklahoma restaurants, shops, hotels, and tourism attractions weather some truly rough times in these past few months...We want to support them in any way we can, and we felt this campaign would be a terrific way to remind Oklahomans that they can help these great businesses survive and thrive in the coming months."

Go to the #OKHereWeGo Industry Resource Page to learn how you can be part of promoting local cultural tourism and giving a boost to Oklahoma's economy.