PRESS RELEASE

March 17th, 2020

Contact: Alonna Dray, Communications Director
adray@artscouncilokc.com | Main: (405) 270-4848, Direct: (405) 270-4896
For Immediate Release

Arts Council Oklahoma City Announces Cancellation of Festival of the Arts 2020

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,”says Peter Dolese, Executive Director.
“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.”

“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.

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