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Allied Arts Postpones 2022 Campaign Kickoff Event

January 20, 2022January 20, 2022

Originally scheduled for February 3, the Allied Arts 2022 Campaign Kickoff event has been postponed to March 2 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. This was a challenging decision made as concerns about the COVID-19 Omicron variant grew, and local public health officials urged people not to attend large, public events. Event guests and invitees have received Kickoff updates via email. We understand that this may affect guest availability for the event. Updated RSVPs will be accepted through February 18. […]

Economic Impact of the Arts

April 7, 2020March 29, 2021

IN 2015, OKLAHOMA’S ARTS AND CULTURE NONPROFITS GENERATED DIRECT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF $872,830,632. An investment in the arts is an investment in Oklahoma. A study done by Oklahomans for the Arts found that the arts industry supports 29,165 jobs in Oklahoma. In addition to inspiring and connecting us, the arts have direct economic impact on our communities. Check out these studies done by Oklahomans for the Arts exemplifying the economic impact of the arts: Statewide Survey Greater OKC Survey For […]

Virtual Arts Experiences

March 25, 2020March 30, 2020

Arts Council OKC: Art Moves is an initiative that provides free arts events in downtown OKC each workday from Noon-1:00. Currently, Art Moves is live streamed on the Arts Council OKC Facebook page. All Access Arts provides quality programming content online using a 3-tiered plan including updated curriculum, online instructional video and discussion and a variety of supplemental materials and information to help continue learning beyond the initial video lesson. Check out Arts in School online, Creative Aging online and […]

Arts and Cultural Resources

March 25, 2020April 16, 2020

Here are some of the available resources for you and the people you serve: Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Nonprofits Americans for the Arts: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE AND RESPONSE CENTER National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: Coronavirus Resources COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources Alliance of Artist Communities: COVID-19 Preparedness for Residencies, Resources and Approaches Alternate Roots: COVID-19 Resource Page American Alliance of Museums: Information for the Museum Field on the COVID-19/Coronavirus American Association of Community Theatre: COVID-19 Response […]

Virtual Employee Giving

March 25, 2020March 26, 2020

We know there is quite a bit of uncertainty right now; however, our arts and cultural organizations need community support more than ever. Allied Arts is invested in the long-term sustainability of arts organizations, and we are grateful to our community partners equally dedicated to their preservation. One of the most important Allied Arts partnerships is the network of local companies that host an employee giving campaign, allowing Allied Arts to inform their employees about the impact of the arts […]

Allied Arts COVID-19 Response:

March 25, 2020March 25, 2020

We want to keep you updated on the ways in which Allied Arts is addressing the impact of COVID-19 on our fundraising as well as on our member agencies and grantees. Allied Arts continues to mobilize vital funding for, and to advocate on behalf of, central Oklahoma’s cultural community. We are compiling resources, coordinating learning and sharing sessions via teleconference, and bringing together civic, philanthropic and corporate leaders in the community to help us all navigate this unprecedented situation. Our […]

ALLIED ARTS LAUNCHES ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR THE ARTS GOAL TO EXCEED $3.4 MILLION ANNOUNCED

February 6, 2020February 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., February 5, 2020 – Under the leadership of campaign co-chairs Julie and Mark Beffort, Allied Arts kicked off its 2020 community-wide fundraising campaign to raise more than $3.4 million for central Oklahoma’s cultural community. Allied Arts board chair Steve Mason welcomed more than 350 donors, sponsors, volunteers and government leaders attending the Campaign Kickoff event at the Embassy Suites by Hilton last night. The event featured inspiring performances by a variety of nonprofit organizations […]

Allied Arts 2019 Campaign Raises More Than $3.4 Million for Local Arts Community

June 11, 2019June 11, 2019

OAllied Arts is pleased to announce a total of $3,426,873 was raised for central Oklahoma’s arts community through its fundraising efforts in the 2019 fiscal year. These funds are distributed to more than 40 local nonprofit arts organizations annually, providing the resources they need to remain dynamic, reach underserved populations, and offer quality and affordable programming to the public. The Allied Arts 2019 fundraising campaign was chaired by John Higginbotham, Bank of Oklahoma, and Doug Stussi, Love’s Travel Stops, with […]

Enter our Love Letter Contest for a Chance to Win TWO Free Kristin Chenoweth Tickets!

February 14, 2019February 14, 2019

Interested in winning a pair of FREE tickets to Kristin Chenoweth: My Love Letter to Oklahoma (benefitting Allied Arts) on May 14th at the Civic Center? Submit the most beautiful, cute, or happy love letter you have ever written or received from a significant other, family member, or friend to info@alliedartsokc.com by February 16th at 11:59pm for a chance to win!

2019 Campaign Kickoff Event Highlights

February 11, 2019

On Wednesday, February 6, Allied Arts launched their 2019 campaign with the goal of raising more than $3.3 million under the leadership of campaign co-chairs Doug Stussi and John Higginbotham. Allied Arts President/CEO Deborah McAuliffe Senner welcomed more than 350 donors, volunteers, and sponsors attending the annual campaign kickoff event that took place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Allied Arts has already raised almost $1.2 million towards their $3.3 million goal. The event featured performances from El […]

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund Pledges $1 Million to Aid Local Cultural Nonprofits

In response to a survey demonstrating a $33.1 million negative impact on central Oklahoma arts organizations due to COVID-19, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund has announced a $1 million commitment to Allied Arts over a three-year period to assist in nonprofit arts recovery and forward momentum.

“As we emerge out of a pandemic year, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund is committed to helping restore the educational, visual, and performing arts that are vital to a thriving society and economy,” said Christian Keesee, President, Kirkpatrick Family Fund. “Oklahoma arts organizations have endured an astounding blow: millions of dollars in lost revenue and hundreds of jobs eliminated, setting our once thriving organizations back to statistics they haven’t seen in over a decade in some cases. Our hope for this gift is that Oklahomans are encouraged to also consider increasing their support to help propel the trajectory of arts and culture in Oklahoma for future generations to enjoy.”

For more information on the gift, click here.
New Survey Shows Devastating Impact of COVID-19 on Local Arts Organizations

According to a COVID-19 impact survey of central Oklahoma arts organizations, the pandemic has had a $33.1 million negative impact on budgets and revenue plus significant job losses.

Allied Arts surveyed 39 nonprofits to gauge the health of area arts and cultural organizations. The survey covers a full year of operations, March 2020 through February 2021, and asked for detailed financial and employment information from organizations located in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman and Shawnee.

Survey respondents reported a loss of more than 1.8 million audience members in the same time period. While many organizations were able to implement new ways of engaging patrons like hosting socially distanced outdoor performances and virtual classes, there was a sharp decline in audience size and income from ticket sales.

To read the full release, click here.
Allied Arts Recognizes Leaders

Allied Arts would like to thank community leaders for championing the arts in Oklahoma City. Their support has been vital as we work to enrich lives through the advancement of the arts.

Honorary Chairs
2020

James A. Pickel

2019

Cathy and Frank Keating

2018

Polly and Larry Nichols

2017

Jeanette and Rand Elliott

2016

Joan Maguire

2015

Nancy and Bob Ellis

2014

Governor Bill Anoatubby

2013

Norick Family, Ron, Kandy

Vicki and Jim

2012

Jeaneen and Robert Naifeh
Becky and Barry Switzer

2011

Herman and LaDonna Meinders

2010

Judy and Tom Love

2009

Christy and Jim Everest

2008

Gene Rainbolt and the late Jeannine Rainbolt

2007

Mary Nichols

2006

Jose Freede

2005

Lou C. Kerr

2004

Richard L. Sias

2003

Lee Allan Smith

2002

Marion DeVore

2001

Ray Ackerman
Mex Frates

2000

John Kirkpatrick

1998

Ann Simmons Alspaugh
ALLIED ARTS BRINGS BACK EVENTS WITH RETURN OF OPUS

Allied Arts is preparing for the return of its signature biennial fundraiser, OPUS, on June 18 at The Criterion.

OPUS XI Club Cabaret will showcase local and nationally-known performing artists. Performances from Erin Elizabeth Clemons, who starred on Broadway and in the national tour of Hamilton as Eliza, Emmy Award-winning hip hop artist Jabee and renowned violinist Kyle Dillingham will dazzle on the OPUS XI stage. Country star Miranda Lambert will perform virtually, as will winner of America’s Got Talent, Darci Lynne. Emceeing the event will be the father-daughter duo of Mark and Annie Funke.

In addition to the stellar entertainment lineup, guests will enjoy a decadent meal with a chance to win one-of-a-kind auction items. Packages include four exclusive trips via private jets to top wineries in Oregon and Napa Valley as well as to luxury golf retreats and spa-cations at Omni Barton Creek in Austin and Rancho Las Palmas in Palm Springs. Also included in the live auction are custom jewelry from Naifeh Fine Jewelry, artwork by Oklahoma-born and Santa Fe-based Poteet Victory, a private, catered dinner with Oklahoma coaching legends including Bob Stoops and Barry Switzer, and much more.

The evening will also recognize local first responders who inspired the community with their courage and selflessness during the pandemic.

For all the event details, click here.
ALLIED ARTS AWARDS MORE THAN $130,000 TO 25 LOCAL ARTS & CULTURAL NONPROFITS

Allied Arts recently announced that more than $130,000 in grants has been awarded to 25 local arts and cultural nonprofits through its annual grant programs focusing on two areas: Educational Outreach and Capacity-Building. 

These grants bring Allied Arts’ total support of more than 40 cultural nonprofits to $2.8 million this fiscal year.

“The Allied Arts Educational Outreach Program supports a broad range of programming that provides school-aged children across Oklahoma the opportunity to learn and grow through arts education and cultural experiences,” said Allied Arts President and CEO Deborah McAuliffe Senner.

To read the full press release, please click here.
Allied Arts Kicks off 2021 Campaign Virtually

We invite you to watch our 2021 campaign videos and learn more about Allied Arts and our impact on the community.

To see how the arts create hope, connection and joy, view our 2021 Campaign Kick-off Video. With you, art can!

You can watch a Campaign and Organizational Overview from Board Chair, Steve Mason, and President & CEO, Deborah McAuliffe Senner.

Take a Sneak Peek of Lyric Theatre’s Production of Distant Thunder.

Allied Artist of the Year, Joe Slack Gives You Special Access to His Studio.

Oklahoma City Ballet Gives us a Behind-the-Scenes Look into the Rehearsals for its Production of Robert Mills’ The Firebird.

Hear a Moving Story from Allied Arts Member Agency, Canterbury Voices.
Allied Arts Distributes $300,000 in COVID-Related Grants

Allied Arts recently announced the distribution of $300,000 in emergency relief grants to 22 nonprofit cultural organizations based in Oklahoma City. The grant program was funded by a federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation approved by the Oklahoma City Council.

CDBG grants are being utilized to procure protective supplies to ensure the safety of staff, patrons and students; to purchase equipment to deliver programming remotely; to keep staff, artists and teaching artists employed; and to expand existing services.

To view the comprehensive list of award recipients, please visit https://alliedartsokc.com/covid19/.

To read the full press release, please visit

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