PROGRAMS

Norman Arts Council has established a number of programs to help bring art and culture to the Norman community, including 2nd Friday Norman Art Walks, MAINSITE Contemporary Art, Cultural Connections, Arts in Education initiatives and more.

GRANTS

Norman Arts Council expands its reach by supporting a number of community arts organizations and events like Norman Music Festival, Sooner Theatre, Jazz in June, The Depot, Resonator & more. Your organization could be eligible, too!

OPPORTUNITIES

To support individual artists, Norman Arts Council, MAINSITE Contemporary Art & Norman Public Arts Board makes a number of art opportunities available. See those and more from a variety of partners and organizations across the state and country. 

Offer your goodbye and a good luck to our outgoing Executive Director Erinn Gavaghan as she departs Norman for the Pacific Northwest! We want to celebrate her and all she’s done for Norman Arts and Norman at large with a Farewell Party from 6 to 8 p.m. next Thursday, May 23 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main! Anyone and everyone is invited to attend and big their fond farewell!

Biophilia
May 10 thru July 12, 2024
MAINSITE ContempORARY ART | 122 E. Main

Biophilia — the latest exhibition at MAINSITE Contemporary Art — conjures nature with artists and scientists Hannah Harper, Jennifer Larsen, Grace Potter, Lauren Rosenfelt and Nick Czaplewski, PhD. Curated by Haley Prestifilippo, the artwork considers the frameworks through which we all interpret nature and is further explored with a series of events on top of the exhibition itself, including a plein air sketch session, poetry workshop, open mic, nature walk and more. It's all free and made possible through the support from Norman Arts Council, Pioneer Library System and Factory Obscura.

Join us for the opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 10 at MAINSITE during art walk to discover this beautiful collaboration and enjoy activities from PLS for the whole family to enjoy. Learn more here!

2023/24 Artist Grants Round Two
Three, $1,000 awards to Norman artists
Submit by Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Norman creatives can apply for one of three $1,000 awards in three different categories: Community Projects, Creative Art Project and Education/Travel Grants. This is the fourth round of Norman Artist Grants and the second this year. Learn more here!

Norman Arts Council Announces Arts & Economic Impact Study Results

Norman Arts Council has announced that Cleveland County nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $36,081,185 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. Learn more here.

Elevate the Game
Young Family Athletic Center | 2201 Trae Young Drive, Norman

DiBari & Associates' iconic sculpture, "Elevate the Game," for the Young Family Athletic Center embraces the variety of sports activities that will take place in the facility. This three-dimensional installation for the entry roundabout features the figures of a swimmer, a volleyball player, and a basketball player. In the words of Vito DiBari, the 16.5' artwork "is to become a landmark honoring and representing the Young Family Athletic Center, its vision, and the people of Norman."

Mechan 14 by Tyler FuQua Creations
Now in its permanent home at Reaves Park | 2501 Jenkins Ave.

Norman's public art collection is booming; our latest piece landed this December! Mechan 14 from Tyler FuQua Creations is Norman’s new robot friend greet visitors to the park. Learn more about the piece here.

Sound Trekking
An interactive virtual public art project happening through Fall 2025
Andrews Park | 201 W. DAWS, NORMAN

Sound Trekking is site-specific, GPS-activated and completely guided by you, the user. The only way to explore the work is to enter its sonic portal through Andrews Park. Wander the 20 acres of winding paths and surrounding trails, experiencing a world of music, spoken word and sound design created for the very spot where you stand. Each visitor is empowered to create unique sequences that blend with the park’s ambient sounds and spotlight words of wisdom from notable Normanites immortalized in M.J. Alexander’s public art work In Their Words. Learn more and find links to download iOS and Android apps here.

As well as the contributions and support from many more businesses, organizations, families and individuals.