Available to Schools Statewide
The Oklahoma Arts Council offers vibrant, educational, docent-led tours of the newly restored Oklahoma State Capitol. In addition to offering tours that focus on making meaningful connections to the art on display, the history of our state, and the important work that takes place inside of the Capitol, the Oklahoma Arts Council can reimburse schools for transportation costs for field trips to the Capitol. Capitol Art Field Trip Grants can be used to reimburse schools for school-approved transportation, drivers, mileage, substitute teachers and additional school support staff to and from your school and the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Program Objectives
- Provide access to the Oklahoma State Capitol field trips for Oklahoma schools that might not be able to attend otherwise, especially those from rural and under-resourced schools and communities.
- Create opportunities for students to explore the Capitol’s art collection, the history of Oklahoma, and the role of government and civics in our daily lives.
This grant program supports the following focus areas of Oklahoma Arts Council’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan:
- Invest in Quality Arts Education and Lifelong Learning (Goal 2: Advance Arts Education)
- Build and Empower Partnerships to Ensure Equitable Access Statewide (Goal 2: Arts Education)
- Encourage Arts-Friendly Policy and Public Value of the Arts (Goal 1: Cultivate and Support the Arts in Oklahoma)
- Promote and Equip Oklahoma Artists and Programs (Goal 1: Cultivate and Support the Arts in Oklahoma
Contact:
Oklahoma State Capitol Tours
(405) 521-6813
tours@arts.ok.gov
Project Activity Dates
Applications are currently being accepted for tours scheduled September 1, 2025, through May 30, 2026. In addition to submitting a grant application, schools must submit a request for a guided tour using the form available at https://oklahoma.gov/arts/visit-the-oklahoma-state-capitol/tours-request.html
Grant Amount
Up to $1,100 per field trip. Each school site may apply for one Capitol Art Field Trip Grant per school year for grades 3rd and above. Submission of an application does not guarantee grant funding.
Application Deadline
30 days before the scheduled trip
Who Can Apply?
Oklahoma PreK-12 public, charter, and private schools
Grantee Requirements
If selected for funding, grantee organizations must comply with all requirements as outlined in the Legal Assurances/General Grant Terms, grant contract, and grant program guidelines, including but not limited to the following:
- Signed electronic grant contract by the deadline specified in the award notification email
- Updated contact, mailing, and payment/banking information with the Oklahoma Arts Council and Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) Supplier Portal
- Oklahoma Arts Council will process grant payments to the school/district bank account or address registered in the Oklahoma Supplier Portal
- Thank you letters to your organization’s legislators
- Timely submission of required reports
- Retention of all financial records (including invoices and receipts) related to the grant award for seven years
Capitol Art Field Trip Grants can be used to reimburse schools for school-approved transportation, drivers, mileage, substitute teachers and additional school support staff.
Distance from school site to the Capitol (located at 2300 North Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105):
- 0-50 miles from the Capitol: Up to $400
- 51-100 miles from the Capitol: Up to $550
- 101-200 miles from the Capitol: Up to $850
- 201-400 miles from the Capitol: Up to $1,100
If selected for funding, grant funds are reimbursed to the school/school district after a final report is submitted.
Step 1: Your organization must be verified in the Oklahoma Arts Council grant portal before applying for this grant opportunity. If your organization is new to the Oklahoma Arts Council Fluxx grant system, you must create a new account and complete the eligibility verification process. If you have questions, contact our grants office at grants@arts.ok.gov or 405-521-2040.
Step 2: Once your organization is verified, you can start an application from the Apply for Funding page. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on the application deadline date published on the grant program guidelines. If an application deadline falls on a weekend or state holiday, the application will be due by 5:00 p.m. on the next business day. Late submissions are subject to the noncompliance policies as outlined in the General Grant Terms and Conditions.
Grant Process
- Schools new to Oklahoma Arts Council grants will need to request access to the Grant System
- Grant Contact submits application
- Oklahoma Arts Council reviews application
- Oklahoma Arts Council sends award notification (if project is selected for funding)
- Authorizing Official accepts grant contract
- School’s project activity occurs
- Grant Contact submits final report
- Oklahoma Arts Council processes grant payment to school
Q. What types of artistic disciplines can be supported?
A. The Oklahoma Arts Council uses artistic quality as one of its review criteria for grants. Artistic disciplines include, but are not limited to, music, theatre, dance, literary arts, media arts, and visual arts. If you have questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact our Arts Education Director.
Q. Can these grant funds support a memorial sculpture, mural, or other permanent artwork?
A. Unfortunately, no. Oklahoma Arts Council’s grants for schools cannot be used to support capital improvements/expenses including the creation of permanent artwork or the improvement of buildings/properties.
Q. My school is already receiving funding through Oklahoma Arts Council’s other school grant program(s). Can I apply for this opportunity?
A. Yes, your school site can apply for numerous different grant opportunities between July through June, including other school grants like the Classroom Supply Grant for Visual and Performing Arts. If your school is selected to receive a grant, your school or district will need to provide a 10% match for the award. None of the match may come from another Oklahoma Arts Council grant awards.
Q. Can my school purchase marimbas, tubas, and other instruments with this grant?
A. No, this grant cannot be used to purchase permanent equipment such as instruments.
Q. How do I find a teaching artist to work with my students?
A. You can find artists on our Oklahoma Teaching Artist Roster, however you are not required to use artists on this roster for your grant.
Q. How can I update my school’s Grant Administrator or Authorizing Official?
A. Contact the Grants Office at grants@arts.ok.gov.
Q. How do I find out if my school has access to the Grants Portal to apply for a grant?
A. Contact Jennifer Allen-Barron at jennifer.allen-barron@arts.ok.gov or grants@arts.ok.gov.
