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Allied Arts Raises $5.3 Million for the Arts

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Oklahoma City, OK – Allied Arts announced that it has raised more than $5.3 million during its 2026 fiscal year through its annual community campaign and signature events, OPUS and ARTini. The annual campaign generated more than $3.73 million, marking one of the largest fundraising efforts in the organization’s 55-year history.

Led by Co-Chairs Susan Davis Jordan, Bank of Oklahoma, and Farooq Karim, REES Associates, this year’s campaign reflects strong support from individual donors, corporate and foundation partners, and community stakeholders across central Oklahoma. Funds raised provide critical operating support and grant funding to nearly 50 cultural nonprofits, helping sustain a vibrant and accessible arts landscape.

“What we’re celebrating is not just a number. It’s 55 years of impact, powered by people like you,” said Jordan. “This represents one of the strongest campaigns in Allied Arts history, and every single donor has helped make it possible.”

More than 3,300 donors contributed to the campaign, joined by sponsors and patrons of OPUS and ARTini, whose participation helped drive overall fundraising success. Together, these efforts support vital artistic, educational and community-based programming throughout the region. Allied Arts also launched Club Bubbly, a new event chaired by Derek Cohlmia and Cooper Tate, creating new opportunities to connect with first-time supporters and broaden awareness of the Allied Arts mission.

This year’s fundraising success was driven in part by the philanthropic leadership of campaign Visionary donors: American Fidelity, The Chickasaw Nation, Continental Resources, Devon Energy, Kirkpatrick Family Fund and OG&E, along with Lifetime Donors Glenna & Dick Tanenbaum.

Nearly 100 local businesses participated in Allied Arts’ employee giving program, which accounted for 20% of total campaign funds raised. Top-performing workplace campaigns included Continental Energy, OG&E, Employees of the City of Oklahoma City, American Fidelity, Devon Energy, Robinson Park, BancFirst, Bank of Oklahoma, Duncan Oil and Magellan Executive Partners.

“Because of you, we’re helping our nearly 50 member agencies and grantees expand access to the arts through programs for youth, veterans and other underserved groups across our community,” added Karim. “Every gift adds to that impact, helping create a stronger, more vibrant and more connected community through the arts.”

Although the campaign has concluded, Allied Arts continues to accept donations year-round at alliedartsokc.com/donate.

About Allied Arts

As a United Arts Fund, Allied Arts works to broaden support for the arts by raising financial support for cultural organizations, encouraging participation and attendance, advocating for arts education, and promoting excellence in the arts and arts management. Since its founding in 1971, the organization has raised more than $100 million to advance the arts in central Oklahoma. Allied Arts has nearly 50 nonprofit cultural organizations under its umbrella. Member agencies include:

• Ambassadors’ Concert Choir

• Arts Council Oklahoma City

• Canterbury Voices

• Carpenter Square Theatre

• Cimarron Opera

• deadCenter Film

• Firehouse Art Center

• Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

• Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

• Metropolitan School of Dance

• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

• OK City Chorus

• Oklahoma Children’s Theatre

• Oklahoma City Ballet

• Oklahoma City Museum of Art

• Oklahoma Opry

• Oklahoma City Philharmonic

• Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center

• Oklahoma Shakespeare

• Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC)

• Oklahoma Youth Orchestras

• Prairie Dance Theatre

• Red Earth, Inc.

• Science Museum Oklahoma

• Sooner Theatre

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