Arts advocates to rally at Oklahoma State Capitol on May 4

OKLAHOMA CITY – Representatives of more than 75 arts and cultural heritage organizations from across Oklahoma will rally at the State Capitol from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4 to raise awareness among state legislators of the economic and social impact of the arts in urban and rural communities.

Organized by Oklahomans for the Arts, Oklahoma Arts Day 2016 will kick-off at 9 a.m. with a rally and special performance in the State Supreme Court Ceremonial Chambers.

“Arts and culture is a public good that benefits the entire state, developing communities, improving education and growing the economy. The arts aren’t just nice, they’re necessary, core to our everyday lives,” said Julia Kirt, executive director for Oklahomans for the Arts. “Oklahoma is home to 5,822 arts-related businesses that employ 23,990 people. The nonprofit arts alone create a direct economic impact of $314.8 million in Oklahoma.”

Following the 9 a.m. rally, arts advocates will meet individually with elected officials to share arts-related success stories impacting their local communities. Arts organizations will host exhibits throughout the day in the 4th Floor Rotunda.

Live music, interactive art displays, demonstrations, literary readings, and dance performances will create a multidisciplinary Culture Storm that will span the Capitol Complex throughout the day.

“Art has the power to help individuals and communities persevere through difficult times, to connect people from all walks of life, bridging social, cultural and economic barriers and providing a common language for the free expression of ideas,” Lucy Swanson, Co-chair of this year’s committee said. “We expect the Culture Storm to reflect the hope and the indomitable spirit people in our state have become known for.”

There will also be guided tours of the state art collection and capitol galleries each hour.

The event is free and open to the public. More than 400 arts supporters participated in 2015.

Formed in 2011, Oklahomans for the Arts is a statewide 501c3 organization. Supporters and advocates include more than 4,000 business and civic leaders, educators, artists, and arts administrators across the state. For more information, visit www.oklahomansforthearts.org.