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It’s no secret, the Oklahoma City arts scene is experiencing a renaissance. From the Plaza District to Paseo to Film Row, there’s excitement in the air that ignites a sense of giddiness, reminiscent of young love. But it isn’t happening on its own. There are folks out there like Julia Kirt, executive director of Oklahomans for the Arts (OFTA), who go to bat for the art and culture sector each and everyday. They are leading the charge in working in fulfilling a very important mission: to keep art alive in Oklahoma.
Established in 2011, OFTA became the first nonprofit in the state created primarily to advocate public funding for arts, culture and arts education. In just four years, supporters and advocates have grown to be 3,500 strong and include businesses and civic leaders, educators, artists and arts administrators all across the state. On a broader scale, OFTA aims to grow the economy, improve education, and enhance the image and quality of life of our state through advancing the arts and culture sector.
“We recognize that arts and culture contribute to Oklahoma’s educational, economic and community goals,” says Kirt.
Kirt, who became executive director just over a year ago, maintains a busy schedule in her efforts to help OFTA fulfill its mission. And she certainly has her work cut out for her.
“Since we are a nonprofit focusing on advocacy, I meet with many different people across the state about partnering with, supporting or spreading the word about our goals for our state through the arts,” says Kirt. “I also plan events, produce all communications, organize volunteers, raise money and more. Plus, I work with our lobbyist on our legislative agenda and educate our elected officials about the arts and culture sector.”
In just the past year, OFTA has further established the importance of art and culture by emphasizing the process in which public funding for the arts advances our state.
“This legislative session, we helped legislation move forward that will kick start the Oklahoma Art in Public Places program,” says Kirt. “Now managed by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the program will create a legacy of artwork across our state.”
In addition, this year’s Oklahoma Arts Day at the Capitol, an annual event organized by OFTA, boasted the largest turnout yet.
“More than 400 artists, arts and business leaders from across the state participated,” she says. “Participants met with their legislators and toured the Capitol. For the first time visitors experienced live music, performance and visual art throughout the day.”
Kirt emphasis the importance of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in leading community-enhancing and educational work all across Oklahoma.
“The arts sector creates accessible arts experiences, educates and fosters creative placemaking and community development across our state. Arts and cultural organizations can help solve community problems at the intersections of education, health, economic development, neighborhoods and beyond. Research has shown that arts education benefits student achievement and outcomes.”
So how is Oklahoma doing compared to other states?
Kirt says Oklahoma has maintained strong support for the arts for the past 50 years. And while we don’t have the highest funding per capita, we certainly aren’t in the lower percentiles. With each state having different programs and a different approach, she assures that OFTA is not opposed to emulating the work of their peers.
“South Carolina has created very strong legislative support for the arts. Ohio and Michigan have been creative in partnering their creative entrepreneurial community with the arts. Texas has a growing Cultural Districts program. We learn from and hope to incorporate ideas from many places.”
Although it’s only been a little over a year, Kirt is clear about OFTA’s long-term goals. “Oklahomans for the Arts envisions a state where everyone is able to experience and benefit from arts and culture.”
Of course this becomes possible through arts funding, which Kirt says, causes a ripple effect that benefits all Oklahomans.
“Public resources for the arts assist organizations reaching more people, offering access to underserved and marginalized communities and providing programs where earned revenue cannot sustain them, but the programs are still needed to transform the community,” she says. However, “earned revenue is especially difficult in rural communities.”
State support for arts and culture is provided through funding and leadership development from the Oklahoma Arts Council as well as through arts education policy and funding. And the impact is huge. While the Oklahoma Arts Council’s state appropriation is less than a tenth of one percent of the state budget, it sustains Oklahoma’s $314.8 million nonprofit arts and cultural industry and over 10,000 jobs. Funding also comes through local support, which may include cultural facilities, community partnerships, support for artists and creative businesses, as well as, in-kind support and/or funding.
“We need to keep helping our elected officials and broader public understand how public funding for arts and culture is a public good that benefits the entire state. Especially as budgets are tight, we must invest in our original Oklahoma culture,” says Kirt.
There are many ways you can help keep art alive in Oklahoma. Art advocates are encouraged to make their voices heard by contacting legislators. Visit oklahomansforthearts.org/advocacy for more information.
Written by Christina Reyes | Main photo by Shevaun Williams | Photos Provided by Julia Kirt
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