OUR HISTORY, PLACE & VALUES
Tulsa Artist Fellowship was founded in 2015 with visionary support from the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) and has since evolved alongside the artists and city it serves.
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes hoping for a better life, some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted, and some fled Tulsa, never to return. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference.
Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement upon this land. Tulsa Artist Fellowship offers our care and commitment to acknowledging these truths and resisting injustice through intentional programming and artistic practices.
Inclusivity is our driving force.
Tulsa Artist Fellowship is a growing community of artists, alumni, collaborators, and audiences. Through exhibitions, readings, performances, and conversations, Fellows contribute to Tulsa’s cultural landscape.
“The Tulsa Artist Fellowship has given me the time and resources to pursue my creative practice, here, near my tribal community. And the fellowship locates me within an inspirational community that inspires my art-making.”
Arts practitioners in their own right, the Tulsa Artist Fellowship team brings specialized expertise and cultivates partnership opportunities to ensure that awardees thrive creatively.