After two recent meetings focusing on agency grants and services and arts education issues, Oklahoma Arts Council staff are scheduled to return to Ada for a third meeting that will center on opportunities for artists in the region.
Artists and interested individuals from southeast Oklahoma and around the state are invited to the historic McSwain Theater on June 8 [TUESDAY] from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to learn about artist support groups, leadership development opportunities and teaching residencies.
"This forum will provide an excellent opportunity for artists in the region to meet each other and find out about exciting resources for artists in Oklahoma," said Bridget Forshay, community development coordinator for East Central University.
In addition to Forshay's overview of how Ada will serve as a hub for the arts in the southeast region of Oklahoma, Molly O'Connor, Oklahoma Arts Council director of outreach and community arts programs, will discuss community arts grants available from the agency and present information about resources available to artists in the area.
Resources such as the Oklahoma New and Emerging Arts Leaders Network (ONEAL), Teaching Artist Network, Leadership Arts program, Oklahoma Presenter's Network, and Oklahoma Arts Conference will be covered. A discussion focusing on regional resources and challenges will conclude the meeting.
The three meetings held in Ada over the past month have been part of the process of establishing Ada as a hub where artists, arts organizations, educators, arts advocates and others from the region can receive support and network.
"Our partners in Ada have demonstrated their commitment and capacity to serve artists and organizations in the area," said Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Suzanne Tate. "With Ada serving as a hub we hope to see increased cultural development and grants to the southeast region of Oklahoma."
The regional artist networking forum is sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council in partnership with East Central University and the Chickasaw Nation.
The McSwain Theater is located in downtown Ada at 130 W. Main. To register, contact Bridget Forshay at 580-559-5296 or bforshay@ecok.edu.
For more information, contact Molly O'Connor at 405-521-2025 orMolly.Oconnor@arts.ok.gov.
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