Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. This grant is one of 25 awarded, totaling $427,845 to support local organizations working to enhance quality of life in rural Oklahoma. Funded projects focus on Arts, Culture and History, Economic Development, Health and Safety, and Libraries and Literacy.
This grant will support two virtual Artist INC Express workshops for Oklahoma artists, focusing on rural communities. Artist INC Express is a free, 9-hour virtual workshop designed to help artists of all disciplines build sustainable practices and strengthen their creative careers.
Artists may RSVP now for the free virtual programs on November 7–9, 2025 and February 20-22, 2026.
Adapted from M-AAA’s flagship eight-week Artist INC program, Artist INC Express explores the core concepts of how to build an enduring arts practice in a shorter format. With this funding, M-AAA will serve up to 80 artists across two sessions, providing them with the tools, resources, and peer network to grow their practices, strengthen local economies, and enrich Oklahoma’s cultural landscape.
M-AAA, a US regional arts organization, is dedicated to empowering communities through the arts by supporting and partnering with artists and arts organizations across its six-state region of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and Oklahoma. Through professional development programs like Artist INC and Artist INC Express, M-AAA delivers intensive, hands-on training in strategic planning, branding, funding strategies, and more. Since 2009, these programs have served more than 3,500 artists across eight states and dozens of communities.
By helping artists see themselves as creative entrepreneurs and their practices as small businesses, M-AAA equips them to build sustainable careers while expanding access to the arts to all people.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant and bring Artist INC Express to rural Oklahoma artists,” says Diane Scott, director of artist services at Mid-America Arts Alliance and author of Artist Entrepreneurship for Life: Making Art Work for You. “These workshops do more than teach practical tools and strategies; they help artists connect, collaborate, and build networks that fuel vibrant creative communities. By investing in rural artists, we’re investing in the art ecosystem that strengthens local economies.”
To learn more about the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation Fund grant program, visit occf.org/rural.
About Mid-America Arts Alliance
Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) partners with and supports artists, organizations, and communities to grow access to the arts, culture, and creativity throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. To learn more about M-AAA grants, programs, exhibitions, and fellowships, visit www.maaa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn.
About the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation
The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation was established in 1995 by the late Carolyn Watson, CEO and chairman of Shamrock Bank, N.A. Since its establishment, the Foundation has granted more than $4 million to schools, charitable organizations, and local government agencies working to improve the quality of life in rural Oklahoma. Grants are administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. For more information, visit occf.org/rural.
About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public charity that works with individuals, families, and organizations to benefit our community now and in the future. Together, we strive to make the greatest impact in our community. To join us or learn more about our work to maximize charitable funds, visit occf.org.
