ENID, OK - More than 400 individuals from across the state will be in Enid, October 24-26 when the city hosts the 2017 Oklahoma Arts Conference at the Central National Bank Center. Artists, nonprofit administrators, civic leaders, community developers, educators and others are among those who will participate in the event. The conference provides professional development and networking opportunities for Oklahoma’s $872.8 million arts and cultural industry.
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Spearheaded by the Oklahoma Arts Council in partnership with Oklahomans for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, the annual convening features nationally-recognized presenters, local Oklahoma panelists, tours, workshops, and evening networking events. Many of Enid’s creative spaces and art centers will be featured in conference-related activities.
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Featured presenters for the conference include Jerry Yoshitomi, a seasoned arts administrator whose methods have benefited arts organizations worldwide; Felicity Hogan, director of learning at New York Foundation for the Arts, whose sessions will help artists achieve a more sustainable practice; and Keir Johnston, co-founder of Amber Arts and Design in Philadelphia, who uses public art initiatives to bring communities together.
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Enid Mayor Bill Shewey will welcome conference attendees during the opening general luncheon session on Wednesday, October 25. Enid native and internationally-renowned opera singer Leona Mitchell will perform and provide keynote remarks during the opening session.
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To highlight Enid’s strong art education programs, area youth will be featured in performances throughout the conference. Performances will be provided by Enid High School Advanced Lead Guitar, the Enid High School Multi-Cultural Choir, Enid Community Children’s Choir, and the Enid High School Orchestra.
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Community members who are not attending the conference can participate in a free writing workshop being offered in conjunction with the event by Oklahoma State Poet Laureate Dr. Jeanetta Calhoun Mish. Titled “Writing from History,” the workshop will take place Thursday, October 26, from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. at Simpson’s Old Time Museum located at 228 E. Randolph Ave. It will explore the use of historical documents and objects as inspiration for creative writing.
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About the Oklahoma Arts Council
The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s mission is to lead in the advancement of Oklahoma’s thriving arts industry. The Oklahoma Arts Council provides approximately 450 grants to nearly 250 organizations in communities statewide each year, organizes professional development opportunities for the state's arts and cultural industry, and manages works of art in Oklahoma Public Art Collection and the public spaces of the state Capitol. Additional information is available at arts.ok.gov.
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