George Kaiser Family Foundation

From groundbreaking music compositions to powerful visual art and immersive fashion showcases, March marks the final month of programming for this year's Artist Creative Fund (ACF) recipients. Launched in 2023 to provide Tulsa artists with funding, visibility and professional development to pursue bold and original projects that enrich the city's cultural landscape, you can find more about the program on our site at https://ow.ly/qwJ250V7nA7.

At a recent meeting, the Tulsa Global District Property and Business Owner Association invited Chief Larsen to speak with the east Tulsa community. Local business owners used this opportunity to get to know Chief Larsen and ask questions about the Tulsa Police Department. This meeting brought community members together to work toward a brighter future for the most diverse neighborhood in Tulsa. Learn more about how Elevate East is uplifting east Tulsa residents and business owners at https://ow.ly/4rJ850UYcRZ.

InvestNorth leaders Brandon Oldham and Tangela Ekhoff were recently featured in a new Tulsa World series amplifying Black voices. In their editorials, Oldham and Ekhoff offer a shared vision of the north side as a vital component of Tulsa’s vibrant community. “Improving the quality of life for all Tulsans, especially our neighbors on the north side, is the only way Tulsa can be a competitive, world class city.” InvestNorth Initiative is a collaborative, community-led effort to drive transformational opportunities for families and children in north Tulsa neighborhoods. Read about Ekhoff and Oldham's editorials and learn more about InvestNorth at https://ow.ly/7aAI50V1s0H.

Congratulations to Loren Waters, whose short documentary "Tiger" premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and won the Short Film Jury Award for Directing. Waters, a recipient of GKFF's Artists Creative Fund, brings a unique and compassionate eye to the history of internationally acclaimed Indigenous artist and elder Dana Tiger and her family's iconic T-shirt company. The Artists Creative Fund provides funding, visibility, and professional development to artists and creatives living in Tulsa. Learn more about Loren Waters, "Tiger" and the Artists Creative Fund at https://ow.ly/8AHq50UWVQR.

Don’t miss your chance to gain real-world experience doing work that makes an impact. Applications for GKFF’s Summer Impact Program are due next week. Submit your application before Friday, February 14 at https://lnkd.in/gNTbcyws.

Launched by the InvestNorth initiative, Northside Neighbors is evolving into a new nonprofit dedicated to creating thriving neighborhoods in partnership with the north Tulsa community. This resident-focused initiative aims to uplift the legacy and support the people who have long called north Tulsa home. Northside Neighbors is proud to announce a new Executive Director, Reggie Ivey. Bringing with him more than 30 years of public health leadership, including nearly three decades with the Tulsa Health Department (THD), Reggie Ivey spearheaded the creation of the North Regional Health and Wellness Center, Be Well Community Development Corporation and established the THD Office of Health Equity. Under his leadership, Northside Neighbors strives to develop affordable, high-quality mixed-income housing, exceptional schools that prioritize student success in and out of the classroom, inclusive spaces that promote physical and mental well-being and a thriving commercial core that sustains economic vitality. Learn more about Northside Neighbors at the 🔗 in our bio.

Tulsa Artist Fellowshiphas announced their 2025-2027 awardees. We are thrilled to welcome these talented artists and change makers to Tulsa. From sculptors to scientists, these awardees represent the diversity and vibrancy of our growing arts community. Learn more at https://ow.ly/e5gS50USxq0.

The City of Tulsa’s Asian Affairs Commission is ringing in the Year of the Snake with Tulsa’s inaugural Lunar New Year festival. Enjoy folk dancing, lantern painting, red envelopes, a lion dance and other family-friendly activities. This free festival will also feature work from local AAPI, Artists Creative Fund and Tulsa Artist Fellowship artists, free food, live music, crafts and more. This event is free to the public and will take place on Sat, Feb. 1 from 6-9 p.m. at 101 E Archer St. Learn more at https://ow.ly/qKFU50UPEoT.

Oklahoma First Lady Sarah Stitt recently welcomed the Council on Criminal Justice Women's Justice Commission to Tulsa. The commission, chaired by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and comprising a diverse group of leaders from across the nation dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by justice-involved women, convened to explore policy solutions and reforms. During their visit, they toured Women in Recovery (WIR), an intensive outpatient program offering a comprehensive alternative to incarceration for women battling addiction, and Still She Rises, Tulsa, a defense office dedicated to representing mothers in both criminal and civil legal systems. This visit underscores Tulsa’s leadership in advancing national justice reform. Learn more about the Commission’s work and Tulsa’s role in shaping justice reform in this KJRH story: https://ow.ly/Eof450UNTV5.

Tulsa is rapidly becoming a leader in tech workforce development, fueled by advancements in AI, automation and federal investments in emerging industries like autonomous technologies. Programs like the Atlas School Full-Stack Development course and local partners such as Spartan Aeronautics, Tulsa Tech and Tulsa Community College are equipping workers with in-demand skills for a changing economy. With strong support from organizations like Tulsa Innovation Labs the city is building a skilled talent pipeline to support high-tech industries and create new opportunities. Read more about how Tulsa is shaping the future of work in a Business Viewpoint by Atlas CEO, Libby Ediger: https://ow.ly/S5Jg50UKvb1.