September 30, 2022
Local nonprofit arts organizations are invited to apply for the fourth round of Vision Arts grants managed by the City of Tulsa, Tulsa Arts Commission and Tulsa Planning Office. Vision Arts 4 will be open for applications on Oct. 1, 2022 at 8 a.m. These grants support nonprofit art organizations in creating economic development opportunities in Tulsa.
Vision Arts has been made possible by $2,250,000 approved by voters in 2016 as part of the Vision Tulsa capital package to support the arts in Tulsa and enhance their economic effects. These grants are scheduled for regular distribution during the Vision Tulsa program. So far $600,000 has been distributed in grants to Tulsa arts organizations.
Mayor G.T. Bynum said, “Among all the improvements happening through our Vision Tulsa capital program, the Vision Arts grants help to keep Tulsa’s economic development well-rounded, supplementing the construction projects with support for Tulsa’s vibrant arts activities – music, theater, events and exhibits – that provide jobs, generate economic activity, and enrich Tulsa’s quality of life and attractiveness as a tourist destination.”
Two City Councilors, Lori Decter Wright and Crista Patrick, serve on the Independent Review Panel to assist the Arts Commission in the review process.
City Council Chair Lori Decter Wright said, “As we prepare for the fourth distribution of Vision Arts grant funds, I am excited to see proposals from arts organizations and event producers that amplify the myriad of opportunities that local artists and creatives have to grow and thrive in our community while also bolstering our economy and contributing to the vibrancy and cultural life of our city.”
“I am so proud to be a small part of this grant process,” Council Vice-Chair Crista Patrick said. “In times of great turmoil ‘The Arts’ provides understanding and hope; it can bring people together in a way that nothing else can.”
Vision Arts, a collaboration between Tulsa City Council, the Mayor’s Office and Tulsa Arts Commission, provides selected 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(3)-sponsored organizations funding for programs that support art projects that stimulate economic development throughout Tulsa.
Eligible organizations must provide proof of their own (or sponsor’s) tax-exempt status, provide details about how the project will align with the Vision Arts goals and demonstrate the potential economic impact for the Tulsa community. Applying organizations may request up to $50,000 in funding with no private match requirement.
The Tulsa Arts Commission is hosting virtual information sessions at these dates and times:
Information about the program and how to apply is available at tulsaplanning.org/visionarts.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022 at 5 p.m. Central. After the winners are announced next year, grant recipients have from Saturday, July 1, 2023, until Sunday, June 30,2024 to use the funding for eligible expenses. For more information, contact Robi Jones in the Tulsa Planning Office at rjones@incog.org or (918) 579-9472.
GOALS FOR THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS:
- Promote visibility and awareness of the arts in Tulsa
- Contribute to increased visitor and tourism activity
- Promote Tulsa’s arts and cultural assets as key components of the city’s identity
- Strengthen future development and economic growth throughout the city
IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES:
- Fund events, programs, and festivals that attract a broad audience of visitors and tourists
- Build and diversify audiences from research and marketing strategies
- Highlight destinations by encouraging cultural events and creative activity
- Create engaging content for multimedia that tells Tulsa’s arts story to visitors and residents alike
- Increase access to cultural attractions and events
- Embrace a collaborative approach to enhance the local community through the arts
About Vision Tulsa
Vision Tulsa, an $884 million sales tax renewal package approved by voters in 2016, is making substantial investments in economic development, education, public safety, streets and transportation needs citywide. With citizen priorities providing the driving force behind the creation of Vision Tulsa, transformative projects and enhancements are setting the stage for a bright future for Tulsa.