Due to the COVID-19 federal emergency, Arts Council Oklahoma City announces the cancellation of Festival of the Arts 2020. Arts Council Oklahoma City board and staff made the decision today at a special board meeting where they unanimously agreed to cancel the event for the safety of the community.
“It is with a heavy heart that we make this decision. Each year, Festival of the Arts brings in 5,000 volunteers, 144 artists worldwide, and an average attendance of 100,000 people per day. We felt that it was impossible to consider putting all those people at risk,” states Peter Dolese, Executive Director.
“Our decision was made through careful and thoughtful deliberations with our Board and Executive Committee,” says Kati Christ, Arts Council Oklahoma City Board President. “We know our entire City looks forward to this event, but given the uncertainty in the current environment, this is the decision that was best for the artists, vendors and other stakeholders. We share the collective disappointment but look forward to welcoming everyone back to Festival of the Arts, April 2021.”
Arts Council Oklahoma City wishes to thank the Oklahoma City County Health Department and City of Oklahoma City for their assistance in the decision making process. Updates on all other Arts Council OKC programs can be found online at www.artscouncilokc.com and through the organization’s social media platforms.
