Tulsa's Arts Future
Tulsa's CREATIVE  INDUSTRY

Our goal is to begin a conversation between the city, its artists, and those with small businesses in the arts and tourism industry.

Pardon us as we first lay out some concerns and "grievances".  Later we will offer some initial ideas for possible solutions.

Please pardon the use of a personal project (The Tulsa Art Deco Museum) and the use of an easy target, (the Cry Baby Cry Statue) for this example.

You Choose

Purpose... "Create an iconic, Tulsa Route 66 destination."

Budget; $250,000.00

Cry Baby Statue?

Or
 Tulsa Art Deco Museum?

For the same cost, which would you have rather had on Tulsa's Route 66?

The Cry Baby Cry statue, paid to an out of state artist? Or the DECOPOLIS Tulsa Art Deco Museum, paid to a local artist? A for-profit museum that would have hired local businesses to build it, hired local people to run it, generated sales tax revenue through ticket, events and gift shop sales, paid property taxes, hosted events supporting more local artists, pulled in Tourists, helped revitalize an area of Route 66 in Tulsa that really needs help, etc.? 

Likely due to lack of communication and collaboration with local artists and their businesses, the statue is what we got. The museum has been in the works for almost 15 years. The local artist finally has purchased the property and put in infrastructure for the museum on his own as he works towards building the museum for the city. But there has been no direct support for this museum effort from the city. Tulsa is known the world over for its magnificent collection of Art Deco Architecture. There are multiple tour groups that give tours of that architecture, numerous books have been written about Tulsa's Art Deco. It would seem a natural fit for Tulsa to have the first and only museum in the US, celebrating this art style. 

There are 4 big patterns we see in Tulsa

1. Big arts projects, and the big dollar sums (grants, fellowships, etc.) mostly going to out of town artists.

2. Taxpayer funded grants, mostly going to non-profit arts/tourism entities while for-profit ones are either forbidden from applying for their own tax dollars, or have to go through extra, wasteful hoops to do so. 

3. Vastly more government support for large arts/tourism entities, compared to small, locally owned arts/tourism entities.

4. A lack of support, communication and collaboration between those allocating money to support artists and tourism, and the local, for-profit artists and tourism businesses. Where city objectives and small business objectives align, there lies great opportunity for collaboration. IF there is communication. 

So the local artists and their businesses watch as big sums from local donors mostly go to out of town artists, and or non-profits (and it's perfectly fine if the donors choose to do that, it's their money!) But, they ALSO watch as their non-profit counterparts receive taxpayer grants, while they are often locked out from competing for those grants. And they watch as huge sums of city money go to the largest arts/tourism entities, while they, together, being the other big part of the arts/tourism equation get very little to none... and see that this is not so in other cities. 

Its a pattern we see over, and over, and over, month after month, year after year, creating hurt and frustration.

 Arts & Tourism often overlap. They are a natural pairing. Local creatives and their small businesses contribute in many ways to the local Tourism industries alongside the big convention centers, arenas, performing arts venues, etc.

Local, For-profit arts/tourism businesses include...

*Art galleries (art openings, featured artists, performance nights, classes, etc.)
*Artists teaching classes, in their own galleries or others.
*For-profit Museums & Historic Attractions.
*Performance artists (often perform at events, and festivals, actors, cosplay performers, musicians, fire dancers, etc.often have their own for-profit busineses, work for for-profit and private events and festivals)
*Local artist/creatives that run businesses in Tourism areas and turn their businesses into attractions, (Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios "Giant Muffler Men", DECOPOLIS with it's life-size dinosaurs, volcano, art deco "buildings" etc.)
*Artists who create murals and who do "themed environments" (create local attractions like public murals, work in movies, commercials, museums, create "Meow Wolf" type experiences for local businesses turning them into attractions, etc.)
*Local artists in general, Sculptors (large and small scale works), commercial artists who create things like souvenirs, t-shirt designs, etc, fun tourist maps, roadside attractions, fun signage, etc.)
*For-profit music and performance venues

Our proposition is this...
Wealthy donors have a right to decide to whom and for what their donations go. Shouldn't taxpayers have the same right?

A tax paying, for-profit small business, having a similar focus and motivation as a non-profit, should be allowed to compete for TAXPAYER funded grants.

 It's not fair to give tax dollars to a non-profit, while FORBIDDING their taxpaying counterparts from competing for those taxpayer funded grants.

Small businesses are already at an economic disadvantage when competing with much larger businesses and chains. Cities see that it is in their interest to support small businesses. But setting them up with this additional disadvantage to their non-profit counterparts, doesn't help, it adds to their marketplace challenges.

While people enjoy a story with a villain and an underdog hero (Or mouse!) What they really love is a good redemption story.
What will our City Hall do? 
Stay tuned to find out! 

A quick word about grants.

Remember, grants aren't given out to just, do whatever one wants.

Grants require "getting something specific, achieved".

They usually require reporting and showing that the "achievement" has been accomplished in order to get the full grant amount. And, you usually have to compete, showing that you are the best entity to achieve the goals of the grant.

Whether you are a non-profit, or a for-profit. The rules for competing for the grant, and meeting the goals of the grant, are the same.

However, in Tulsa another rule is often added.... only non-profits need apply.

 OR sometimes you can..

Try and find a non-profit sponsor.
OR Create a non-profit yourself.
Both of which add extra layers of work, waste, and can be problematic.

With the 100 year Centennial of Route 66 in Tulsa, Tourism has finally, firmly gotten onto the city's radar as being a good, potential economic driver.  Tourism and the arts are a natural pairing. Each success reinforcing the other. However, those individual artists and small business owners in the arts and tourism industries, have for years lamented a feeling of "Lack of support." from our city.

One place where this frustration arises is with the grants process in Tulsa.

We have a huge non-profit sector that seems to set the dominant tone, funding rules, and priorities for things. Often leaving local artists, creatives, and their small businesses out of the equation, and missing potential business and funding opportunities compared to their peers in other cities. The intent of this large non-profit network was to help advocate for more funding, and to combine different sources of funding, to hopefully create a bigger impact.

However there have been unintended consequences. One example being Taxpayer funds, that could, and often do, go to small arts and tourism, for-profit businesses in other cities, being coralled into that larger system here, which then often has rules forbidding for-profits from applying. Thus the ones most likely to pay the taxes, are then locked out of applying for those taxpayer funded grants. While allowing their peers in the non-profit sector to do so. Or the for-profits are asked to jump through more difficult hurdles in order to apply. 

Note the two images below. ARPA grants were allowed by the federal government to go to for-profit arts organizations and businesses, but then in Oklahoma, they made it so that only non-profits could apply. A portion of these funds went to organizations in Tulsa for distribution. But Tulsa had to follow the States rules at that point. However, even if the State had not changed it so that only non-profits could apply, the receiving entities in Tulsa would have those stipulations. 

Regardless, its one example of how for-profit arts organizations in Tulsa and Oklahoma, are at a disadvantage compared to our peers in other States and Cities that allowed for-profits to apply for those grants.

There is also a disconnect and lack of communication between those individual artists, creative entrepreneurs, and small businesses working "on the front lines" to fulfill their dreams, and those making the decisions, and setting the priorities and visions within City Hall and the huge non-profit system (top down, we know all and best, priority setting). Thus adding to the feeling, of artists and smaller tourism businesses, being left out. 

Did you know Tulsa's Route 66 could have had a Pontiac Museum? 

Years ago I spoke with Tim Dye, the then local collector who had amassed a world class collection of Pontiac memorabelia and automobiles, and listened as he voiced his frustration at not finding support here for his museum.  He had called me because he had seen something in the news about our Tulsa Art Deco Museum effort, and was wondering how we were doing with it.

Soon after, he visited Pontiac Illinois on Route 66. Within a year of visiting and talking with officials, they had donated a building and paid for its renovations, to house his collection.

Seems another missed opportunity for Tulsa. 

https://www.pontiacoaklandmuseum.org/about-us

Hotel Motel Tax

Shifting gears a bit, Tulsa is set to vote on an increase in the Hotel Motel Tax to help with its Tourism, convention, arena, PAC and promotions.

I personally have nothing against the tax... EXCEPT... As it's currently written, it's once again showing the pattern of Tulsa ignoring the smaller, players in the Arts & Tourism ecosystem. I believe NOW is the time to make some adjustments to "where" the tax goes. We have an opportunity here to help the other important players in Tulsa's Arts & Tourism scene. 

There is an old saying,
There are TWO ways to make a big splash.
Throw in a big boulder.
or
Throw in a lot of coordinated pebbles.

The Convention Center, Arena, PAC, etc. are the "Big Boulders" part of the equation. But its the small Route 66 attractions made by local creatives, the small arts studios, the funky shops and restaurants in the Tourism Districts and Corridors, the local musicians and performers, etc. That make up the other half of the equation, the "Coordinated little Pebbles." They count as well.

Currently there is no portion of the Hotel Motel Tax that goes to support them. HOWEVER in our competitor cities, our "small business peers" in the arts & tourism industry DO get a portion. 

Us not doing so puts us at a competitive disadvantage. 

Again, this is yet another way, we are ignored and at a disadvantage compared our peers in other cities. 

Below: Some information about grants from Hotel Motel Tax in San Antonio, a city that knows a thing or two about Tourism. They state in their literature how Small Arts Businesses are recognized as being an integral part of San Antonio's Arts, and their Convention & Tourism draw. 
I have found many similar things in other cities that are big on Tourism, where not ALL the money only goes to the "big boulders." but a portion goes to the smaller, for-profit Tourism and Arts businesses and entities in their Tourism areas.

Some initial ideas per the Hotel Motel tax extension....
TOURISM

Supporting the numerous small arts and tourism related businesses in the city should also be seen as a critical part of our success as a Tourism and Convention draw.

From… HVS Global Hospitality Services“Tourism is the primary driver of hotel stays in US cities, consistently generating higher volume and revenue compared to conventions and corporate meetings. While conventions are vital for, specific large-city, full-service hotels and weekday business, tourism (leisure travel) constitutes the broader, foundational demand for the overall lodging industry.

”Utilizing a tiny percentage of the Hotel Motel tax to further the tourism infrastructure of Tulsa, and thus fill hotel rooms, seems a reasonable ask.

 Public - Private Partnerships to enhance and maximize Tourism dollars

2.5% of the Hotel Motel Tax

1.5% from advertising and promotion component (to act as matching grants for small arts/tourism related businesses, for advertising and promotion projects, thus not taking away from advertising and promoting, but actually growing and enhancing it

1% from facilities component (to go to small arts and tourism businesses for their "facilities")Would go to small Tourism and arts related for-profits.

PLEASE DO NOT allow the funds to be shunted into either city or non-profit organizations for distribution, that then have rules that only non-profits can apply.

Can be limited to designated tourism areas & corridors. Route 66, Kendal Whittier, Global District, etc.To enhance the creation and growth of small, local, arts and tourism related enterprises, this portion can be designated for “Small businesses only” annual revenue under X, number of employees under X.

Allow multiple small businesses to join together to pool their work and funds to create a larger area/district attraction or impact, than they could individually (a larger “icon/photo op” draw, an area/district tourism map or promotional effort, etc.” .

Ideas for what it can be used for…

* Matching grants for Beautification efforts: Front facing facade improvements (regardless of a buildings historic significance,) Planters, outdoor seating areas, awnings (some cities have awning grants to encourage pedestrian/transit friendly areas) murals, etc.

* Matching grants for Promoting…. Smaller attractions, galleries, venues, events and festivals, activities and classes, the creation of tourism maps, brochures, etc. This would be a complement to the City efforts to promote a broader, more comprehensive picture of the city and its larger venues, but would allow for creative ideas that focus on a small businesses unique characteristics, audiences and needs. Could allow for multiple businesses to join together to promote an area or district. (This shouldn’t be seen as “taking away” from the cities promotional funds, to the contrary, as a matching grant its enhancing and growing the promotional potential)

* Iconic photo-op and roadside attractions creation inside the designated tourism areas, especially those areas with the potential for numerous arts and tourism small businesses. These can be very expensive for a small business, business must pay at least 10%? 20%?, the city pays the rest) From giant statues to works of art. This could be a compliment to the Tulsa Neon Sign Grant and would be nice to have a stipulation that local artist/contractors be used for the design and creation of the Icon, thus further helping local artists and businesses that are an important part of the tourism ecosystem.

* Cultural preservation, education, presentation and enhancement efforts by local artists and small businesses inside the designated Tourism Areas.

I love the sculpture below. BUT, I want to use it to make a contrast and comparison.

The "East Meets West" statue and plaza below cost MUCH more than all The Land of Giants, statues combined. The East Meets West statue was funded through the Tulsa Vision 2025 Sales Tax initiative. 
The East Meets West statue and Avery plaza is far away from any businesses that could take advantage of tourists stopping there to visit it and take photos, and purchase souvenirs, or dine, etc. The statue and plaza cost over a million dollars. The city is hoping a hotel will go nearby, but it's not the best location for just about any business. (different topic for a different discussion lol) 

Placement Matters!

Now compare that cost and location to what local entrepreneur and creative Mary Beth Babcock has done in an area of town that was once, fairly run down. With her shops and these statues, she has incredibly revitalized a good sized section of Route 66 near Downtown Tulsa. Her statues, that she funded herself with the help of small fundraising efforts and friends, are used constantly to promote the city. Used on city websites and brochures, used in magazines, commercials, by many organizations. Shared on social media, facebook, instagram, TikTok, youtube, etc. far more than the East Meets West statue. 

Her statues help all the businesses, gift shops, galleries, restaurants, etc. in the area.  Including my own! Those businesses, support HUNDREDS of artists. The cost of all these statues combined was FAR less than the East Meets West sculpture.... yet Mary Beth, with her for-profit arts/tourism business, could not apply for grants to help her create these wonderful pieces that have become Icons for the entire city. 

We need to better collaborate and communicate with the local dreamers, artists and entrepreneurs, who often share similar goals as the city. Together we could do so much more.

Imagine if all of the Land of Giants statues were placed by the river. Yes, you could say they help the tourism industry in Tulsa. But I doubt anyone would think they would help even remotely as much down by the river as they do where they are, by all the small businesses.

Together, and for a fraction of the money, we could have a MUCH greater economic and tourism impact per tax dollar spent. 

Philosophy

Remember our friends from the TulsaRama Gang who had found a way to "do good" and make money? 

Throughout corporate law history, there has been a philisophical debate between "Is the prime reason for a corporation to make money?" "Or can Doing Good also be a reason?" 

Lately the pendulum has begun to shift towards allowing the legal "raison d'etre" reason for being, to be, Doing Good. 

I have heard people complain that "Capitalism is bad" and we should get rid of it. I contend its not Capitalism per say, but how we structure it, the laws that create corporations, and yes, how we incentivise corporations. "Do Good" grants, could be a way to incentivise people and businesses to think... "What good can I do, that will make money?" 

It may seem like a small shift, but its a mental shift, a moral shift that I believe could have a profound, positive, societal impact.

B Corp - Benefit Corporations

One manifestation of this trend to add "doing good" into capitalist corporations is the B-Corp, or Benefit Corporation.

In a nutshell a Benefit Corporation allows for a legal process by which say the founder of a company, can instate their "do good" goals and philosopy into the corporations legal structure. If the founder dies, the board changes, etc. the "do good" mission, legally, has to carry on. 

Interestingly, fairly recently Oklahoma became a state that allowes the incorporation of Benefit Corporations.

DECOPOLIS.  Philosophy & Vision

My business, DECOPOLIS, has a "do good" philosopy at its heart. 

Our goal is to begin to shifting away from an economy that relies on the buying and selling of "things", to one where people are more and more, buying and selling Experiences.

And not just any Experiences, but ones that are magical, inspiring, fun and educational. Experiences where people learn and grow, and do good things for the city...for the world. 

We have started the DECOPOLIS Tulsa Art Deco Museum as a way to celebrate Tulsa's Art Deco Heritage, and use that as a means of establishing Tulsa's high artistic "credentials" and a positive global reputation in the arts for todays artists. Art Deco is a style that bridges the classical and modern. Helping people understand and appreciate modern art that can be more challenging. The museum would be a community space, a place of beauty and education, a Tourist attraction that brings in out of state dollars. As a for-profit museum it would pay property taxes (other, non-profit museums in Tulsa do not). It would also pay sales taxes, corporate taxes, etc.

And I believe, it should be able to apply for taxpayer funded grants like our non-profit peers do.

We have also started the DECOPOLIS Discovitorium. The Discovitorium features; Rocks, Fossils & Life Sized Dinosaurs, science and nature books, gifts and toys, and sci-fi items. We have a "Time Challenge" game where people solve fun, educational challenges to open a lock on a chest, which them leads them to another challenge and chest, then another till the end of the game. It's a fun, free, educational activity. Once had a group of kids come in and say that their teacher said if they played the game and finished, they would get extra credit in their class. That was a good moment. The ultimate goal for the DECOPOLIS Discovitorium is to have a larger attraction called the MESMER ISLAND DINO ADVENTURE! that is part Natural History Museum with educational displays, meets fun gift shop, meets magical, Disney style theming, meets activity and classroom space.

Even our DECOPOLIS TulsaRama Ice Cream Parlor is part magically themed attraction and has an educational component. We have artifacts and "fun facts" from Oklahoma's 1957 Semi-Centennial Celebrations and Tulsa's verison of the Centennial Celebrations they called the "TulsaRama!". The artifacts and info are spread throughout the space and its a joy to watch people go around, look, learn, and laugh. 

We have the DECOPOLIS FableRealm Bookstore, which is also a magical, themed attraction that features and promotes local authors, local book illustrators, has book signings, hosts book clubs, etc.

The new property where we chose to be located, is on Route 66 in Tulsa, in order to both contribute to and benefit from Tulsa's Route 66 Tourism potential.

We looked at less expensive, undeveloped property further out. But as part of our Do Good mission we chose an area of town that needed revitalization. It's a challenging area to be in, but we believe we have the potential to spark positive changes in the area. Especially if we can get a little help from the city.

When the bank had our propety appraised, the current building was in bad shape. The appraiser valued it at NEGATIVE $35,000.00. Saying for our business plan it would be better and cheaper to tear the buidling down (cost to do so, $35,000.00) and build new. We decided to save the building because of its history, (and its better environmentally to remodel) and give it new life. 

We also liked this location because we believe in creating walkable, pedestrian friendly places in Tulsa, and this property is on the next BRT Bus RapidTransit Line, which will run from our property to Downtown Tulsa. Will have a BRT stop on the property, and we also like that a city bike lane runs along our property. 

So our "Do Good" philosopy is woven into the fabric of our business in multiple ways. And we are an Arts and Tourism based company. I AM an artist. DECOPOLIS is in a way, a giant, immersive art and learning experience. And that is the goal, that is our mission. 

I am just one artist. Trying to make a postitive difference, trying to give and leave something beautiful and worthwhile to Tulsa and the world.

I do not need to be a non-profit (taking my business off the tax rolls) being a for-profit works perfecty well thank you. We have a perfectly capable business and do not need to have a "non-profit sponsor" help us apply for a grant. Especially when our peers in other cities do not face those extra hurdles and can apply directly for similar grants.

Making it so that other artists and small arts/tourism businesses don't have to either go through a non-profit, or have to create a seperate non-profit, in order to access grants, their tax dollars pay for, would go a LONG way towards making things easier and more equitable for those small businesses.

That allowance, that change, would benefit hundreds of local artists, and the small arts and Tourism related businesses in Tulsa.

Have the for-profit find a FISCAL  SPONSOR

Our proposal is to disentangle taxpayer money (meant for arts and tourism) from the non-profit sector and allow both for-profit and non-profit arts/tourism entities to compete equally for those taxpayer dollars.

Of course, for-profits want more funding to achieve their good missions, and will work with the city to get taxpayer funds into their “non-profit distribution systems”. BUT again, once the tax dollars are intermingled with the non-profits and foundations, the rules for allocating them change. It in essence pulls taxpayer allocated funds further away from for-profit arts/tourism organizations. At best, making it more difficult, time consuming and risky for both parties.

 And note, the city already does allocate funds to for-profit businesses, the Neon Sign Grant as one good example, without them having to go through a non-profit sponsor.

There can be some benefits to being a fiscal sponsor, but being a fiscal sponsor does come with additional work and legal responsibilities.

Technically, any 501(c)(3) nonprofit can act as a fiscal sponsor in Oklahoma, BUT to be effective and legal, the sponsored project must align with the sponsor's mission. A relationship is necessary because the sponsor bears legal and fiduciary liability, requiring the project to further the sponsor’s exempt purpose.

And, even when a non-profit understands all the risks. There are questions it must ask itself.

* Are we ok putting our organization’s 501(c)(3) status on the line to do this work? Is offering fiscal sponsorship truly aligned with the mission, vision, and values of our nonprofit or are we drifting away from our stated mission in order to sponsor a project/organization?

* Why are we doing this? Does it make sense to offer other forms of support instead (contract work, partnership, etc.)? Are we doing this for the right reasons?

* Do we have the capacity to take on the extra administrative work and to exercise discretion and control over funding?* Do we have the expertise on staff to be a successful fiscal sponsor? Is our board and staff knowledgeable enough to ensure we’re operating our program according to IRS guidelines and best practices?

* What would happen to this project/organization if we decide not to be a sponsor? Are there already existing sponsors who could take on this role?* What is our relationship with the sponsored project/organization’s funders or other involved parties?

* Do we have any conflicts of interest that need to be reviewed?

* Should our organization solicit donations for our fiscally sponsored project(s)?

* Do we know how to account for and be transparent with funds being held for our fiscally sponsored projects on our organization’s financials, both internal and external?

* Under what circumstances do we terminate a fiscal sponsorship relationship and are we comfortable doing so?

* Do we fully understand the requirements and implications of the model(s) of sponsorship we are offering?

When someone at City Hall says “Why don’t you just find a fiscal sponsor for the grant?” They may not understand all the extra work, money and hassle involved for both the non-profit and for-profits (which also makes us less competitive compared to our peers in other cities).

Again, we already have models that are more efficient whereby the city allocates the taxpayer funds/grants to the projects it wants done. The Neon Sign Grant for example. And we see similar funding elements in other cities going more directly to the artists, without the added hoops, hassles, and wasted time and money, we have added here in Tulsa.

This makes our for-profit arts and tourism small businesses less competitive with those in other cities.

We need to disentangle taxpayer money (meant for arts and tourism) from the non-profit sector and allow both for-profit and non-profit arts/tourism entities to compete equally for those taxpayer dollars.

It is right to target and tailor those funds to city goals, (helping SMALL businesses - revitalization efforts - targeted areas like tourism districts and main streets - targeted industries we are wanting to establish and grow, like in this case, arts and tourism)

Have the For-Profit start a Non-Profit to access the taxpayer funded grants.

Someone with a business, starting a non-profit in order to access grant funding. Well the image above says a lot. We are being asked to greatly increase our work load.

Again, for many of the same types of grants, artists and tourism related businesses in other places, just simply apply for them, WITHOUT having to form a non-profit, or go through a non-profit sponsor, as we are asked to do here in Tulsa.

DANGER!

IF you do decide to go this route, it is fraught with legal and financial danger. You can NOT be seen to be "self-dealing" by the IRS. A non-profit is not a pass through for grants to help your business. If caught or seen to be doing so, you will face SEVERE legal, financial, and reputational damage.

*Lack of Control: A nonprofit must have its own independent board of directors. The for-profit cannot simply control it, and the board is legally obligated to act in the best interest of the nonprofit, not the parent for-profit.

*High Compliance Cost and Complexity: Nonprofits have strict reporting requirements (e.g., Form 990), and the cost of maintaining, auditing, and operating the entity can outweigh the grant money.

*The IRS heavily scrutinizes relationships between for-profit and nonprofit entities. If the nonprofit is seen as a shell to subsidize the for-profit, the nonprofit could lose its tax-exempt status.

*Private Inurement/Benefit: Nonprofits exist for public benefit, not to enrich private interests. If funds or assets transfer to the for-profit, it violates tax laws.

*Loss of Assets: Assets donated to or acquired by a nonprofit cannot be taken back by the for-profit entity if the nonprofit dissolves. They must be transferred to another nonprofit.

*Reputational Damage: If donors or the public even perceive the non-profit as a disingenuous, for-profit-driven scheme, it can result in a loss of credibility, reduced donations, and damaged reputation.


*High Competition and Limited Funding: Grants are highly competitive, and relying on them is risky. The for-profit may end up funding the non-profit's administrative overhead without achieving the intended financial return.

info from...U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Tulsa's Arts Future
TULSA'S CREATIVE INDUSTRY

catalog - communicate - collaborate
lift up & liberate

Lets use the term "CREATIVE INDUSTRY" to keep the following wording simple and to be effectively inclusive.  Originally I had thought of just using the word arts or artist, but I believe it would be very important to include others who are in the creative/tourism/entertainment industry as well. The term "CREATIVE INDUSTRY" combines Arts and Tourism. Arts and Tourism greatly overlap and compliment. A gallery owner may not be an artist, but they help artists and can be heavily in the tourism industry. They would be someone in the "Creative Industry" Mary Beth, with Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios is a creative who works with artists and is of course in the Tourism Industry. I am an artist, in the tourism industry. etc. The main focus should be on artists and tourism and how to lift those up, while realizing that they exist in a larger, supporting ecosystem. 

CATALOG

Lets create, a CREATIVE INDUSTRY SURVEY

Can be divided into different categories. 

Artists and types of artists (sculptors, dance, musicians, commercial artists, etc.)

Galleries & Studios

Entertainment Venues

Where are they located. In a Tourism area, main street area, downtown, etc. 

Describe their business, what do they specialize in.

How long have they been in business?

What are their goals and dreams?

How do they think the city can best help them in the Creative Industry?

COMMUNICATE

Here is where the survey is important. 

Creatives need a way to communicate their goals and dreams "up" to the city and the local non-profit/foundations and grant makers.

And the city and the larger non-profits/foundations and grant makers need to let the Creatives know of their goals. 

We keep "missing" each other and missing opportunities for collaboration and support.

Perhaps have a Creative Industry conference, where we utilize information gathered from the survey to have discussions and create plans of action.

COLLABORATE

The city has goals it wants to achieve.
"Creative Industry" businesses have goals.

The above communicaton can help us see where we can collaborate. 

The city may be wanting to create some large, Route 66 attractions for instance. There may be artists/creatives wanting to create a large, Route 66 attractions. Why not collaborate? But we have to communicate first, we have to know who wants and does what (the catalog/survey). In order to collaborate we have to do those other things first. 

LIFT UP

This is a big one.

I Often see a requests from the city for art projects, that don't take into account the talents/abilities of the local artists. So that project (and its money) goes to an out of town artist. 

This can be fixed by, again...

Communicating & Collaborating (knowing who your artists are and what they can do)

And very importantly LIFTING them UP

You want a large sculpture. Who is capable of doing that in the city? If you say you want a large bronze and there is nobody in the city who can do that. Perhaps a different type of large sculpture, that a local artist could make from different material could work? 

BUT if we see through our survey and communication that we are lacking an "artistic capability" in our city. We should see that as an opportunity to Lift Up some local artists. Perhaps there are artists who want to do larger scale bronze pieces. This is an opportunity to fill in a missing gap and expand our arts industry. Sometimes an artist HAS the skill and ability, but hasn't been given the chance, or the "big jobs" to afford the equipment.

EXAMPLE 1

I was with some friends at a restaurant. There was a mural on the wall. I paint murals and they were all saying "Oh, they should have had you paint this, you are so much better." 

I said "Wait a minute, you don't know how much money or time the artist was given to do that job. If the artist was given $500.00 (and thus only going to have been able to work for a short time on it) to do that job, then what they have done here is incredible. But if they were given say $20,000.00 and lots more time, then yes, this place got ripped off and I could have done better. But we can't judge the artists talent without having more information. 

EXAMPLE 2

I was working on a couple of projects at the same time. One a quick, simple project for a small sum at a Parade of Homes house. The second a bigger project with a good budget. Some artists from Califoria stopped in at the first house and started asking me for some information. They were saying they wanted to move into Tulsa and get into this business. They asked me if I would take a look at their portfolio and chat more. I said ok, I will not be here tomorrow, I will be on another project. They met me the following day at the other project which, because of the higher budget was really allowing me showing off my talent. They came in and then refused to let me see their portfolio. I finally talked them into it. Needless to say I did not have to worry about them "taking any work away from me" which is what they probably thought they could do when they saw the first, simpler, quicker project. 

They made the mistake a lot of people make. And they were artists who should know better. 

I see this in Tulsa as well when the city or others with the funding are looking for a project to be done. They look at what an artist has done in the past, but don't have the ability or skill sets to tell if that person has talent or not, and or whether that work simply reflects the artist not having the opportunity to shine. It takes time, aka money to do the "show off" work of art. And if, even the really talented artist has not gotten that chance to do that "show off" piece, the body of work you are judging them on is... not going to have that and you may be tempted to think "Well we don't have someone here who can do what we want." And that may not be true one iota. 

We need to LIFT UP our local artists and give the ones with the talent (and you need to have experience and knowledge to make that judgment)  the chance to shine and be wanted by other cities. 

EXAMPLE 3

Was at a local fundraising auction. There was an artists work up for bidding. I checked him out online, then met his representative. The representative for the artist was Native American and it was her job to LIFT UP this Native American artist. She had done a good job. This artist wasn't any more talented than dozens of others in Tulsa, but he was making millions. She had gotten him into Art Basel, into the right "crowds", galleries, museum exhibitions, etc. There are multiple ways that we could be LIFTING UP our local artists. You want our city to have great art by famous artists? The talent is here, the thoughtful, intentional "Lifting Up" is lacking.