Allied Arts kicks off 2018 campaign
Oklahoma City-based Allied Arts kicked off its 2018 fundraising campaign Thursday evening with nearly 400 supporters in attendance at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
This year’s campaign co-chairs Aimee and David Harlow announced the 2018 goal of $3.125 million, adding that about 37 percent or $1.55 million already has been raised.
“Everyone here is an advocate for the arts. We can appreciate art for its intrinsic value,” David Harlow said. “From a business perspective and an economic development perspective, I think the arts is a critical component when working to attract new companies and new workers to our community, and also working to expand and retain existing companies and their respective workforces.
“Our community benefits in multiple ways by offering dynamic, artsoriented, cultural experiences. That’s exactly what Allied Arts and this campaign help support.”
The Harlows also recognized longtime patrons Polly and Larry Nichols for their decades of service to the organization.
“I have watched the growth and the effectiveness of Allied Arts, especially in the last few years. It seems to me that the arts organizations were working in silos — in their individual areas,” said Polly Nichols. “And like most organizational structures, arts organizations need to collaborate — to lock arms in presenting the case for the arts. Allied Arts has come forward very effectively to bring many diverse arts organizations together in collective programs and advocacy efforts.”
The evening culminated with the presentation of the organization’s inaugural Aubrey McClendon Visionary Award, which was given to civic leader Mike Turpen.
Entertainment was provided by organizations supported by Allied Arts including El Sistema, Life Change Ballroom, Oklahoma Youth Orchestras and The Sooner Theatre.
Many of the
performers shared personal stories about how the arts have transformed their lives.
Campaign funds provide grants to more than 40 arts and cultural organizations in Oklahoma. For Allied Arts member agencies, funds are used to offset operating costs; underwrite productions, performances and exhibits; create
new
programming and provide free and affordable arts programming. In addition, the campaign reaches beyond member agencies by awarding grants to qualified nonprofit cultural organizations to expand the reach of arts education and strengthen organizational capacities.
“Allied Arts receives no city, state or federal funding and yet we fund programs that reach all 77 counties,” said President and CEO Deborah McAuliffe Senner.
“This is a communitywide campaign, and as such, the arts need the support and attention of the entire community.”
Allied Arts contributes to approximately 40 organizations annually.
For more information, go online alliedartsokc.com or call 2788944.