NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 5, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Ann Dee Lee
Public Information Director
Oklahoma Arts Council
(405) 521-2931
anndee@arts.ok.gov

TOWN MEETINGS TO BE HELD
REGARDING THE ARTS IN OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma City, OK -- Oklahomans will have an opportunity to voice their opinion about the arts in our state at one of three town meetings sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council.

The Tulsa town meeting will be held on Friday, June 20, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Harweldon, 2210 S. Main. The Pauls Valley Arts Council will host a town meeting at the Pauls Valley Library, 210 N. Willow, on Friday, June 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Oklahoma City town meeting will be held on Monday, June 30 at the McAlpine Center, 480 W. California, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Executive Director Suzanne Tate said the purpose of the town meetings is to give individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and interests a chance to express their views regarding the arts and its role in Oklahoma.

Tate said comments expressed at the town meetings will be used to help develop the agency’s strategic plan. “It’s vitally important for us to determine what the current culture is in our state in order to focus on what is valued by our citizens. In order to be good stewards, it is incumbent on us to develop a strategic plan that will reflect these findings,” said Tate.
 
Council Research Director Linda Garrett encouraged people from all walks of life to attend one of the town meetings. “From arts festivals to museums, from performances to art classes, the arts in Oklahoma connect us to our neighbors and build pride in our communities. We look forward to hearing how the arts have impacted your life and what role you want the arts to have in the lives of your children and grandchildren,” said Garrett.

For more information, contact Ann Dee Lee, Information Director, Oklahoma Arts Council, (405) 521-2931 or anndee@arts.ok.gov.

ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA ARTS COUNCIL

The Oklahoma Arts Council is a state agency whose mission is to improve lives through the arts by promoting and sustaining the development of a thriving arts environment, which is essential to quality of life, education and economic vitality for all Oklahomans.

---End---