2027 Step-Up Art Program Application
Ends on
STEP-UP ART PROGRAM CALL FOR ARTISTS:
The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) and Allied Arts invite visual artists and artist collectives residing or working in central Oklahoma or rural communities whose works are culturally or historically relevant to Oklahoma and appeal to a broad audience to submit proposals for consideration for the 2027 Step-Up Art Program.
ABOUT ALLIED ARTS:
Allied Arts is a central Oklahoma nonprofit that strengthens the arts and cultural sector through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement. By providing grants and support to dozens of local arts organizations, Allied Arts helps ensure that creativity and cultural experiences remain accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
ABOUT THE STEP-UP ART PROGRAM:
Since 2016, Allied Arts has commissioned local artists to create original works, which are gifted to donors who contribute $200 or more to Workplace Giving drives that support its annual fundraising campaigns.
The program not only recognizes donor generosity but also provides meaningful promotional and income opportunities for local artists, connecting philanthropy with creativity in inspiring ways.
PROJECT SCOPE:
The selected artist(s) will be commissioned to create between 800 – 1,500 original, hand-signed 2D or 3D display-ready artworks. Artist(s) will receive up to $25 per piece in compensation, to be determined by the final scope of the project.
Artist(s) will collaborate closely with OVAC and Allied Arts to develop and finalize the artwork concept, ensuring alignment with the program goals.
The commissioned artwork will be created exclusively for the Step-Up Art Program and will remain unique to the 2027 campaign throughout its duration. Artist(s) must agree not to sell or distribute the commissioned artwork, or artwork substantially similar in concept or design, to outside buyers until the campaign concludes.
Artwork delivery schedules will be mutually agreed upon by the artist(s), OVAC, and Allied Arts during the contracting phase.
In addition to financial compensation, the selected artist(s) will gain significant visibility and promotional opportunities, including media coverage, public recognition, and speaking engagements to share their creative process and connect with donors.
PROGRAM TIMELINE:
December 5, 2025 - Call for Artists Opens
December 17 at 11:30AM- Info Session for interested artists via Zoom
January 25, 2026 - Call for Artists Closes
February/March 2026 - Artist(s) Selection Phase
March/April 2026 - Artist(s) Contracting Phase
June 2026 - Step-Up Artist(s) announced at the 2026 Allied Arts Campaign Celebration
November 2026 - Step-Up Artist(s) presentation at Allied Arts Workplace Giving Coordinators Event & Artwork Delivery/Distribution Begins
January 2027 - Allied Arts Fundraising Campaign Kick-Off Event
SELECTION PROCESS:
Artists will be selected based on 3 criteria: artistic quality and originality, audience engagement, and professional experience and project feasibility.
- The artwork should demonstrate relevance to the program's mission through quality craftsmanship and originality, strong cultural and/or historical relevance to Oklahoma, and universal appeal to a broad audience.
- An ideal applicant demonstrates the ability to effectively engage audiences, speak about their work, and share their artistic process or inspiration.
- The proposed artwork concept is should be clear, thoughtful, and well-presented. An ideal application will demonstrate the artist’s ability and experience to successfully complete large-scale projects within the program’s scope and timeline.
QUESTIONS:
Contact OVAC's Administrative & Artist Relations Manager at ariana@ovac-ok.org