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City of Tulsa Announces Fifth Round of Vision Arts Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

10/11/2023
This article was archived on 12/10/2023

Local nonprofit arts organizations are invited to apply for the fifth round of Vision Arts grants managed by the City of Tulsa, Tulsa Arts Commission, and Tulsa Planning Office. Vision Arts 5 is now open for applications to be submitted through Friday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.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 impact. These grants are scheduled for regular distribution during the Vision Tulsa program. So far, $900,000 has been distributed in grants to Tulsa arts organizations. 

Mayor G.T. Bynum said, “The Vision Arts grant program plays a crucial role in maintaining Tulsa's diverse and thriving economy. By supporting local music, theater, events, and exhibits, we are not only creating jobs and generating economic activity but also enhancing the city’s appeal as a tourist destination and improving our residents' overall quality of life.” 

Two City Councilors, Lori Decter Wright and Crista Patrick, serve on the Independent Review Panel to assist the Arts Commission in reviewing.

District 7 City Councilor Lori Decter Wright said, “I am excited to see what proposals come through this fifth round of Vision Arts Funds Grant Applications. As a community, Tulsans have witnessed firsthand that investing in the arts is absolutely essential for our vitality. We foster economic growth by cultivating creativity and empowering expression. The arts are a powerful driver of our city's tourism, job creation, and local business prosperity. When we support the arts, we're not only nurturing our cultural soul but also fueling our economic engine.” 

"Tulsa artists and organizations play a vital role in ensuring our residents have equal access to the arts and cultural experiences," City Council Chair Crista Patrick said. "The Vision Arts Grants program demonstrates the City's continued support of the arts and fosters an environment in which art and culture flourish for the enjoyment and benefit of residents and visitors." 

Vision Arts, a collaboration between Tulsa City Council, the Mayor’s Office, and the Tulsa Arts Commission, provides selected 501© (3) and 501© (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 the sponsor’s) tax-exempt status, detail 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, how to apply, and how to join the virtual sessions is available at www.tulsaplanning.org/visionarts.  

The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at 5 p.m. After the winners are announced next year, grant recipients have to use the funding for eligible expenses from Saturday, July 1, 2024, until Tuesday, June 30, 2025. For more information, contact Juniper Hentz in the Tulsa Planning Office at [email protected]
 

GOALS FOR THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS:  

IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES:  

About Vision Tulsa 

Vision Tulsa, a $884 million sales tax renewal package approved by voters in 2016, is making substantial investments in citywide economic development, education, public safety, streets, and transportation needs. 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.