Beginning January 5, our team will be available during regular operating hours, Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm, via phone or email. If you’d like to meet with a staff member in person or via video conferencing, reach out via email to schedule an appointment. You can also subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky to stay up to date on upcoming open office hours at our new space and community locations.

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. This program is facilitated by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC).


The Application

Applications are open for 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.

Applications Open Dec 5, 2025

Application Deadline: January 25, 2026

The Timeline

  • December 5 - Call for Artists Opens
  • December 17 @ 11:30am CT - Virtual Info Webinar
  • Register
  • 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 - Campaign Kick-Off Event

Questions?

Reach out to Administrative and Artist Relations Manager, Ariana Weir-Temoshok, at Ariana@Ovac-Ok.Org or (405) 879-2400 Ex. 5

Info Webinar

Dec 17, 2025 | 11:30am CT

Join OVAC and Allied Arts for a free virtual info webinar to learn more about this unique paid commission opportunity for central and rural Oklahoma artists. We’ll talk through the program goals, eligibility, proposal requirements, and project scope. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and gain insight into how to prepare a strong application.


Current Step-Up Artist

Clarence Long III
Wispy Junction
2026 Artist


Past Artists

Madeline Dillner
White Sands Oasis
2025 Artist
Benjamin Harjo, Jr
lightning and thunder
2024 Artist
Lauren Florence
Monarch IIr
2023 Artist

Program Partner



CONTACT US

Phone: (405)879-2400

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9AM–5PM

ADDRESS

Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition

1720 N. Shartel Ave. Suite B.

Oklahoma City, OK 73103

© 2025 Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. All rights reserved. Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 73-1328072.

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