Latest news with #SummerArtsInstitute
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
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. Local nonprofit, company team up to build beds for OKC children 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Federal grants from National Endowment of the Arts withdrawn, local organizations feeling effects
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Federal grants from the National Endowment of the Arts are gone, including tens of thousands of dollars for the prestigious Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
