NEA Chair Emphasizes Public Funding in Conversation with Oklahoma Arts Leaders

For the first time in over a decade, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) visited Oklahoma in July, meeting with arts leaders from across the state and touring numerous Oklahoma City-area arts organizations.

Organized with help from the Oklahoma Arts Council, the trip by NEA Chair Mary Anne Carter spanned more than two days and concluded with a meeting with Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole.

The visit centered on an event featuring a moderated conversation between Carter and Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples held at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. The event provided a rare opportunity for Oklahoma arts leaders to dialogue and hear first-hand from the nation's top arts official, appointed by the President of the United States.

In the conversation, Chairman Carter spoke about the areas of focus in her work at the NEA, which draw from personal experiences: Her daughter succeeded in school, despite dyslexia, because of the arts. Her father, diagnosed with dementia, could recall songs through music programs.

"Arts and health is where the arts are going," said Carter, citing not only programs that advance wellness, but also programs serving military veterans.

Carter also affirmed the importance of the federal/state arts partnership, which for more than 60 years has made the arts possible in rural communities.

"I do not believe that Americans' access to arts programming should be based on their proximity to philanthropy," said Carter during, explaining how a quarter of Oklahoma counties receive no funding from large private funders. "The areas that are funded (through NEA grants) tend to be rural."

In addition to the event, Carter's visit included a tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum—where she reflected on the NEA's role bringing the community together following the 1995 bombing and laying the groundwork for what would become the memorial.

She also made stops at Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, Oklahoma City Ballet's Dance for Parkinson's program, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Reflecting on the recent celebration of America's 250 years of independence, Carter said,"We wouldn't be here without the arts." Watch the event here.

See photos from Carter's visit.

See OETA coverage of Carter's visit.