ARTS ADVOCACY UPDATES

Arts funding is under serious threat—with recent cuts to the NEA, NEH, and IMLS, the future of arts programming in Oklahoma is at risk. Now is the time to act.

Join us Monday, May 12 from 3–4 p.m. for an urgent webinar designed for arts leaders and board members who want to fight back with practical, effective advocacy. Hear directly from Amber Sharples, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Arts Council, and Danielle Ezell, Director of Oklahomans for the Arts, about what’s at stake and how we must engage our elected officials now to defend the arts across our state.

The President’s proposed budget eliminates funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities and Institute of Museum and Library Services.

This isn’t the first time this has happened—and last time, thanks to advocates like YOU, Congress rejected it.

Let’s do it again. Oklahoma’s creative sector strengthens our economy, educates our kids, and builds vibrant communities.

Congress—not the President—controls the budget. Contact your elected officials today and urge them to continue to protect arts & culture funding.

Oklahomans for the Arts is building a statewide community of creatives, educators, leaders, and advocates who believe in the power of the arts to strengthen our communities.

SB44 makes it easier for artists, designers, and creators working with tax-exempt organizations to save on project costs by extending sales tax exemptions to contractors. This means more opportunities to collaborate, create, and thrive without extra financial burdens.

This bill proposes extending the sales tax exemption period for certain smaller, lower-budget museums. The bill seeks to prolong the current exemption, set to expire on December 31, 2024, through December 31, 2027. This extension aims to provide continued financial relief to qualifying museums, supporting their operations and contributions to Oklahoma's cultural landscape.

A new executive order calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law—threatening critical federal funding for Oklahoma's museums and libraries.

We need you to take action today, contact your legislators!