Loss of federal grants for the humanities have left Norman organizations worried for their future and the impact on the community. 

The humanities are the fields of learning surrounding human experiences including art, history, culture and philosophy. These fields are represented by Norman’s museums, art and educational exhibits, music programs and organizations.

The cuts come after President Donald Trump’s administration terminated over 1,000 grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, which includes funding for the Oklahoma Humanities Council.

Several Norman organizations receive support from Oklahoma Humanities, like the Norman Arts Council, which has promoted arts in the Norman community through outreach, education, cultural organizations and events since 1976.

Norman Arts Council Executive Director Leslie Nottingham said federal grants are often overlooked but necessary for humanities programs. 

“We’re on quite a tricky tightrope right now,” Nottingham said. “A lot of organizations in Norman and around aren’t sure how they’re going to keep the lights on.” 

The current arts and culture sector in Norman has a $36 million impact, a number expected to shrink after these cuts. 

“Without funding and grants, that $36 million will get smaller,” Nottingham said. “There’s this uncertainty nipping at our heels. It’s hard to know what to do next.”

Nottingham said that the Norman arts community is still looking toward the future despite the uncertainty. 

“We’re keeping our chins up and bolstering each other because the community needs us,” Nottingham said. “Our Mainsite gallery here is looking at ways of diversifying our contributions and fundraising to stay afloat.” 

Nottingham said Norman’s art organizations are continuing on not only for the art but also because of the economic impact on the city.  

“We will continue on because what we do impacts the joy and life outlook for our community,” Nottingham said. “Arts actually contribute to our whole ecosystem. We generate tax dollars to fill potholes and pay officers.”

Shari Jackson, executive director of the Norman Music Alliance, has been working in the Norman arts scene for years and works on the Norman Music Festival. Jackson said the funding cuts are confusing and uncalled for. 

“The cuts to the arts make me scratch my head because when we talk about wanting to do good things for our communities, the arts is the one place where we have so much research showing you such a great return investment,” Jackson said. “They’re just so important.” 

Norman Music Festival brings thousands of people to Main Street to enjoy a variety of performances over three days. Norman Music Festival has been a popular event for residents, and Jackson is uncertain for its future in the wake of these funding cuts. 

“I’m not lying when I say NMF 2026 season is uncertain; it’s not a given,” Jackson said. “Which is just so horribly sad as it means so much to this community.”

Another worry for Jackson following funding cuts is the loss of jobs within Norman arts and culture organizations.

“I’m concerned about my ability to stay employed,” Jackson said. “Everything is going to have to be more scaled-back, and people could lose jobs. Employees at the National Weather Service already got their two weeks’ notice.” 

Jackson and Nottingham both said the impact of arts is outside of just the resident involvement and happiness, and it is a part of the community’s success as a whole.

“Americans for the Arts found that in Norman, people spend almost $25 million when they’re out in arts events. Restaurants, shopping, gas, flowers for somebody in a show, things like that.” Jackson said. “This is spending outside of these arts events that benefits everyone.”

These cuts could affect educational programs like the annual Summer String Academy, a two week long music training camp supported by the Norman Arts Council at the School of Music.

First-year cello performance major David Keck plans to attend the academy for a third time this year. Keck said it’s their favorite part of summer.

“It’s training with top notch professors from around the world,” Keck said. “It’s extremely useful. It’s where I hone my craft before the school year starts.”

Keck said the possibility of the academy not happening in the future due to loss of funding would be a missed opportunity since students would lose out on useful training and chances to network.

The prospect of losing arts opportunities worries them for the future as someone hoping to go into music performance. 

“I’m scared that more and more federal funding will continue to be cut from arts programs,” Keck said. “It could have a huge impact on the arts and specifically music education and programs.” 

These cuts also affect  local museums such as Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and Sam Noble Museum, which have exhibits sponsored by Oklahoma Humanities. 

Freshman piano and economics student Aaric Gray has visited both these museums and said they are an escape from his busy school life, bringing him peace and tranquility. 

The potential loss of future history exhibits and experiences available at these museums worries Gray.

“I think it would be a loss to the prestige and quality of our school as a whole,” Gray said. “Arts represent our school’s tradition and commitment to being creative.”

The futures of these programs and organizations are uncertain, and events have already been canceled such as the 2025 Oklahoma Arts Conference. 

The Oklahoma Arts Conference has been happening every two years since 2007, bringing together arts enthusiasts in-state and nationwide to share ideas and grow their expertise. This decision was made by the Oklahoma Arts Council following federal funding cuts and uncertainty for the future.

Information on supporting Oklahoma Humanities is available online.

This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Ryan Little and Avery Avery copy edited this story.