19-05-2025
Instructor weighs in on National Endowment for the Arts funding cuts
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Thousands in grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts is gone. Ghanian instructor Nani Agbeli has concerns for future generations.
'Not supporting this program is basically killing the idea of our connection that we're trying to create, that generational stability,' said Agbeli.
Agbeli teaches traditional West African culture through dance and music.
'In everything we do in our daily life, those arts programs are the things that holds the foundation for what we build our life on,' Agbeli said.
Agbeli taught at last years Summer Arts Institute on Quartz Mountain, saying his experience was incredible.
'I've been teaching for over 40 something years, and I've never done this before. It was my first time, honestly experiencing such high level of respect for each other, this culture of respect for teachers and themselves and intensity and the love for what they do,' Agbeli adds.
Many creative programs like the Summer Arts Institute have an uncertain future ahead, as grant opportunities are no longer up for grabs.
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Caleb Mitchum, Director of Development for the Oklahoma Arts Institute said, 'Applying for federal grants is not easy, and administering them is even more difficult. It takes a lot of time and effort from many members of our staff to make that happen. So to do all of that work and then see it go away makes it difficult.'
The Summer Arts Institute program for this summer will go on as planned, despite the shortfall in funding.
Mitchum said the organization has gotten support from donors, as they take one day at a time.
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