Federal grants from National Endowment of the Arts withdrawn, local organizations feeling effects
The Summer Arts Institute is a two-week program for young musicians, artists, actors and writers who auditioned and earned their spot.
The Oklahoma Arts Institute is losing $30K in funding that they were counting on, with over 200 campers enrolled in their upcoming summer intensive program.
'It really is a blow,' said Caleb Mitchum, the Deputy Director of the Oklahoma Arts Institute.
Ariana Weir-Temoshok works for the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. She attended the program while in school.
'I learned so many art skills, met so many people. It was an amazing experience. I can just really like trace a lot of, I don't know, some of my successes and things that have like really impacted me from going to the camp at Oklahoma Arts Institute,' Temoshok said.
OKC artist David Holland completes his largest painting yet
The budget proposal in congress eliminates the National Endowment for the Arts completely, which means the Oklahoma Arts Institute wouldn't receive future funding.
Mitchum also got his start at Quartz.
'It's the reason why I'm a professional musician as well. Winners of Grammys, Tonys, Oscars, Pulitzer Prizes. These are the kinds of artists that these students may never have a chance to work with if they weren't a part of the Summer Arts Institute,' said Mitchum.
Despite the cuts being disappointing, they're moving forward with the program this summer, taking one step at a time.
Mitchum adds, 'I want the students to be excited for this summer. I don't want this to be the thing that they think about when they're coming and practicing their arts.'
For decades, the Oklahoma Arts Institute has relied on both private donations and grants. The future of next summer's program is still uncertain.
If you'd like to help the Oklahoma Arts Institute, you can donate here.
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