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.”

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.

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.

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. 

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/.