ARTS AND CULTURE DAY
Every year, Oklahomans for the Arts proudly hosts Arts & Culture Day, the state’s only arts advocacy event. This unique day brings together artists, educators, cultural organizations, and advocates to champion the value of the arts in Oklahoma. Attendees will receive hands-on advocacy training, learn about key legislative issues impacting the arts, connect directly with state legislators, and celebrate the transformative role of the arts in our communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and support the future of creativity in Oklahoma!
Arts and Culture Day
April 17, 2025 from 8 to 12
Oklahoma State Capitol
2nd Floor Rotunda
2300 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73150
2025 Agenda
We'll start the day with breakfast alongside legislators, followed by a mix of speakers and performers. The rotunda will be filled with art organizations tables and engaging activities designed to help you connect with your legislators.
Are you interested in getting more involved? Sign up to volunteer!
Meet the Speakers
AI and the Arts: What Artists Need to Know about the Law and AI
In this talk, Collin will outline where the law stands and where it is heading regarding trademark, copyright, and other IP law, including fair use, and how artists can begin to prepare to protect their interests in light of 21st Century technology.
Collin Walke leads Hall Estill's Cybersecurity & Data Privacy practice. Collin is CIPP-US and CIPM certified and is also a certified AI auditor. Prior to joining Hall Estill, Collin served six years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he authored the country’s first and only opt-in data privacy law. Collin graduated magna cum laude from Oklahoma City University School of Law and is a graduate of Harvard’s Business Analytics Program where he was nominated for distinction in data programming and systems management.
Arts and Culture Sector Legislative Updates
Jerrod Shouse, the lobbyist for Oklahomans for the Arts, will deliver an insightful legislative updates speech, highlighting key policy developments impacting the arts and culture sector in Oklahoma. Shouse will discuss recent advocacy efforts and legislative priorities, emphasizing the importance of continued support for public funding and arts education. He will provide valuable insights into ongoing legislative sessions and address potential challenges and opportunities for arts organizations across the state.
Oklahoma Arts Council Update
Amber Sharples, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Arts Council, will deliver a crucial speech about the Oklahoma Arts Council budget. She will outline the current funding landscape, discuss budget priorities, and explain how state investments are being utilized to support arts programs and initiatives across Oklahoma. Sharples will also address the impact of funding on local communities and highlight opportunities for growth and sustainability within the arts sector.
Participants also have the unique opportunity to engage directly with legislators and policymakers, advocating for increased support and funding for the arts. This vital dialogue ensures that the voices of Oklahoma's creative community are heard, fostering policies that empower artists and cultural organizations. Arts and Culture Day serves as a reminder of the ways creativity enriches every aspect of life, inspiring a collective commitment to sustaining and celebrating the arts across the state.
Whether you're an artist, an arts enthusiast, or someone curious about the cultural heartbeat of Oklahoma, Arts and Culture Day is a chance to connect, learn, and make a lasting impact. Join us in celebrating the creativity that unites us all and in shaping a brighter, more vibrant future for the arts in Oklahoma!
ARTS AND CULTURE DAY
Arts and Culture Day is an annual event hosted by Oklahomans for the Arts to honor and amplify the profound impact of the arts on our communities. This day brings together artists, advocates, educators, policymakers, and citizens who are passionate about ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in Oklahoma. The event highlights the essential role of the arts in education, economic development, and community well-being. Through dynamic workshops, live performances, and interactive exhibits, attendees experience firsthand the transformative power of artistic expression.
SUPPORT ARTS ADVOCACY TODAY
Become an Arts and Culture Day Volunteer