OKLAHOMA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE ARPA FUNDING FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURAL SECTOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK., July 5, 2023 –On Monday, the Board of Oklahoma County Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal investing $350,000 into District 1 and District 2 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Led by Allied Arts, the proposal sought the investment to rebuild arts and cultural infrastructure for Oklahoma County.

“A thriving arts and cultural community is a key part of how Oklahoma City has grown to become the 20th largest metro in the country,” said Sunny Cearley, President and CEO of Allied Arts. “This investment by Oklahoma County will help heal some of the damage done to the arts organizations over the past several years and allow us to reset, restore and prepare to level up to become what Central Oklahoma needs our sector to be as a world-class community”.

Each of the three commissioners were able to infuse 1.6 million dollars into their individual districts. Commissioner Carrie Blumert (District 1) and Brian Maughan (District 2) together allocated a total of $350,000 to Allied Arts.

Commissioner Carrie Blumert awarded $100,000 to the Allied Arts proposal. Blumert says, “The arts are a valuable piece of our community’s fabric. I’m so pleased the board voted 3-0 to provide crucial funding to Allied Arts so they can continue to make a difference in our community through the work of their partner agencies.”

In addition to Blumert’s award, Commissioner Brian Maughan also allocated $250,000 of his funds to Allied Arts. “I am a long-time supporter of the arts, especially music entertainment,” said Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan.  “I believe regular exposure to the arts adds to the quality of life for everyone.  I appreciate the Allied Arts program aimed to help Oklahoma County Cultural Nonprofits bounce back following hardships incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.  I look forward to seeing an increase in arts education for students in Oklahoma County through outreach programs and community events.”

The County announced they were seeking proposals for community-based projects in February 2023, and received more than 140 proposals. Proposals were reviewed for eligibility and impact within the community by the County’s consultant prior to Monday’s announcement. Training for award recipients will move forward towards the end of July with awarded funds to follow in August.

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