ARTS AND CULTURE DAY

Arts and Culture Day

April 2026, Date TBD

Oklahoma State Capitol

2300 N Lincoln Blvd

Oklahoma City, OK 73150

Every year, Oklahomans for the Arts hosts Arts & Culture Day, the state’s only arts advocacy event. This unique day brings together artists, educators, organizations, and advocates to champion the value of the arts in Oklahoma. Attendees will receive advocacy training, learn about key legislative issues impacting the arts, connect directly with state legislators, and celebrate the transformative role of the arts in our communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and support the future of creativity in Oklahoma!

2025 Arts and Culture Day Review

To all our advocates, artists, educators, administrators, and supporters, thank you for attending Arts & Culture Day!

This was a crucial time to advocate for the arts. We filled the Capitol with music, dance, visual art, and important conversations that emphasized the importance of public investment in the arts. From inspiring performances to impactful meetings with legislators, we made sure that the voices of artists and arts supporters were heard loud and clear. Your presence helped us advocate for policies and funding that support arts education, local economies, and strengthen our communities throughout our state.

  • Breakfast with Elected Officials

  • Making OK4Arts Friendship Bracelets

  • Card Writing to Elected Officials

  • Live Painting by Zonly Looman

  • Amber Sharples speaking on the Oklahoma Arts Council budget

  • “In the Middle of the West” excerpts performed by OCU students

  • Senator Kirt Speaking

  • Tabling in the 2nd Floor Rotunda

  • Danielle Ezell speaking on the importance of the Arts and Culture Sector

  • OKC Philharmonic Performs

  • Connecting Artists with Art Organizations

  • Learning about AI and the Arts and Legislative Updates

  • OKC Thunder Dancers

  • Oklahoma Museum Association Advocating

  • Oklahoma Musicians Performing

  • Music Organizations Tabling

  • Collin Walke presenting on AI and the Arts

  • Arts Day 2025 at Oklahoma Capitol

With over 300 attendees from across Oklahoma, the message was clear the arts are a priority in Oklahoma.

Meet the Speakers

AI and the Arts: What Artists Need to Know about the Law and AI

In this presentation, Collin outlined where the law stood and where it was heading regarding trademark, copyright, and other IP law, including fair use, and how artists could begin to prepare to protect their interests in light of 21st Century technology.

Collin Walke leads Hall Estill's Cybersecurity & Data Privacy practice. Collin is CIPP-US and CIPM certified and is also a certified AI auditor.  Prior to joining Hall Estill, Collin served six years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he authored the country’s first and only opt-in data privacy law.  Collin graduated magna cum laude from Oklahoma City University School of Law and is a graduate of Harvard’s Business Analytics Program where he was nominated for distinction in data programming and systems management.

Arts and Culture Sector Legislative Updates

Jerrod Shouse, the lobbyist for Oklahomans for the Arts, delivered an insightful legislative update speech, highlighting key policy developments impacting the arts and culture sector in Oklahoma. Shouse discussed recent advocacy efforts and legislative priorities, emphasizing the importance of continued support for public funding and arts education. He provided valuable insights into ongoing legislative sessions and addressed potential challenges and opportunities for arts organizations across the state.

Oklahoma Arts Council Update

Amber Sharples, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Arts Council, delivered a crucial speech about the Oklahoma Arts Council budget. She outlined the current funding landscape, discussed budget priorities, and explained how state investments are being utilized to support arts programs and initiatives across Oklahoma. Sharples addressed the impact of funding on local communities and highlighted opportunities for growth and sustainability within the arts sector.

Why is arts and culture day important?

Celebrates the impact of the arts on education, the economy, and community well-being in Oklahoma.

Brings together artists, educators, advocates, and citizens to unite around a shared passion for creativity.

Provides direct access to legislators, empowering attendees to advocate for increased arts support and funding.

Features live performances, workshops, and exhibits, showcasing the transformative power of artistic expression.

Encourages dialogue between policymakers and the creative community, shaping a stronger future for the arts.

Inspires connection and collaboration, whether you're an artist, supporter, or simply curious about Oklahoma's culture.

Promotes a collective commitment to sustaining and celebrating the arts across the state.

SUPPORT ARTS ADVOCACY TODAY 

Become an Arts and Culture Day Volunteer