OKLAHOMA CITY (October 28, 2019) – The Oklahoma Arts Council has selected Muskogee as the host community for the 2020 Oklahoma Arts Conference. Scheduled October 14-16, the conference will provide professional development and networking opportunities for hundreds of individuals from across the state who want to use the arts to benefit their communities and schools.
"We are thrilled to bring the Oklahoma Arts Conference to Muskogee for the first time," said Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples. “Muskogee reflects its roots as a thriving African American community, an important center of Oklahoma American Indian cultures, and a vital outpost for commerce and the exchange of goods and ideas. Its diverse artistic and cultural heritage are assets that we look forward to highlighting during the conference.”
State Senator Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, said “Hosting the 2020 Oklahoma Arts Conference is a dream come true for Muskogee. Muskogee has a rich and deep art history that will be on display for visitors across the state to observe and enjoy. We are awaiting the conference with joyous anticipation!”
“I’m excited to welcome to Muskogee all who will participate in the 2020 Oklahoma Arts Conference,” said state Representative Avery Frix, R-Muskogee. “The arts add so much to our state in terms of culture and helping us grow our economy. I can’t wait to hear and see all that this conference will bring to Muskogee."
Muskogee Mayor Janey Boydston said, “Muskogee is excited to share everything we can about our community with the 2020 Oklahoma Arts Conference. We have immersive experiences in the arts and beyond and we're ready to show those off! I don't think there is a more passionate city when it comes to hospitality and collaboration. We so look forward to this partnership and what we can learn from one another going forward in a renewed focus on the arts as an important part of our city.”
Muskogee city manager Mike Miller said, “Muskogee is proudly home to a great arts community and we look forward to hosting 500 artistically-inclined fellow Oklahomans next October.”
Among Muskogee’s cultural assets are the Ataloa Lodge Museum, Bacone College, Bare Bones Film Festival, Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Martin Luther King Community Center, Muskogee Area Arts Council, Muskogee Art Guild, Muskogee Little Theatre, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, Roxy Theatre, and the Three Rivers Museum. Depot Green, a downtown Muskogee outdoor community gathering space that will host performances and other events, is scheduled to be completed before the Oklahoma Arts Conference.
