After School & Summer Youth Programs

Artistic self-expression is essential to the overall health and well-being of all citizens. The Council brings professional residencies in the literary, visual, and performing arts to a wide array of diverse community citizens. Current programs include:

Artists in the Parks: (AIP) This is a collaborative effort with the City of Tulsa Parks & Recreation Department that serves over 1,800 youth each year. Artists are chosen from the Council roster to create innovative programming for Tulsa Parks Community Centers during Spring Break Camps, Summer Camps, Special Events, and special camps for developmentally disabled young adults. A variety of art forms are addressed and emphasis is placed on the development of creative leisure time activities in the arts.

Youth Arts After School: partners with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide artists-in-residence at DHS school-age childcare sites. Youth Arts After School offers opportunities for positive learning and creative engagement during the crucial hours following school dismissal when parents or caregivers may be unavailable. Young people are introduced to arts materials and projects that may not be included in the school curriculum. Programs emphasize hands-on learning and positive adult relationships, and take full advantage of the capacity of the arts to develop social skills such as teamwork, self-respect, and self-discipline.