Oklahoma: New and Emerging Arts Leaders (ONEAL)

In November 2008, the Oklahoma Arts Council (OAC) launched ONEAL, Oklahoma’s New and Emerging Arts Leaders. ONEAL is a free, independent, statewide network that is actively recruiting new members and has a strong focus on ensuring that all regions of the state are represented in the process. ONEAL is geared toward Oklahoma’s arts leaders age 35 and under who have fewer than five years of experience in arts administration or the business of the arts. Key issues the group is looking to address include how to identify mentors, how to advocate for support of the arts, and how to actively connect with other arts leaders who are making things happen across the state. Longer-term goals of ONEAL consist of creating a blog, working with communities in the state to host ONEAL events, and compiling and distributing a directory of ONEAL members. A small task force of ONEAL members has been appointed, and members are working together to advance the entire network, ensuring that ONEAL is represented in small and large communities across Oklahoma. The group maintains a Facebook page touting more than 200 members that serves as an on-line forum for discussion, job announcements and other resources. For more information, contact OAC Arts Learning in Communities Director Molly O’Connor.