TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (Tulsa FMAC) is launching Play Tulsa Music, a music recovery program to help Tulsa County venues hire local musicians for live performances.
On Thursday, the film commission said "the goal is to provide an economic boost to the music ecosystem and support these small, creative businesses."
Fifty percent of the funds must be used exclusively to offset local musicians’ fees between Sept. 3 and Dec. 30, 2020, according to Tulsa FMAC officials.
The $150,000 recovery program was funded through the Tulsa County CARES Act.
We must protect our cultural entities, and not lose musicians to other cities and states. Providing job opportunities for musicians is a key factor in guiding the Tulsa music scene through recovery. Venues aren’t able to operate at normal capacities with social distancing guidelines in place, which limits the amount of revenue available to both the venue and the hired musician. Our goal is to help drive business back to the venues, safely.
The program's funds are available for smaller Tulsa County venues with a capacity of less than 1,000 throughout the year, according to Tulsa FMAC officials.
"Tulsa County, prior to the pandemic, has been blessed with a nationally renowned music scene made up of non-traditional small businesses, which includes both venues and musicians," Tulsa County Commissioner Ron Peters said. "The Tulsa County Music Recovery Program is a great opportunity for Tulsa County CARES to support these small businesses and artistic entrepreneurs as they struggle to cope with the consequences of COVID-19."
READ MORE: Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture launches film recovery program
Tulsa FMAC officials said eligible venues for the program include:
- dedicated music venues
- restaurants
- bars
- hotel restaurants/bars
“The legendary music scene has always enticed visitors to Tulsa,” said Ray Hoyt, president of Tulsa Regional Tourism. “Tulsa Regional Tourism pivoted early to recovery efforts and identified ways to assist the various industries we work with. Helping local musicians and our beloved local venues is a part of ensuring their survival. We’re grateful to our County Commissioners for supporting this critical program.”
To learn more about Play Tulsa Music, click here.
For more information on Tulsa County CARES Act Funding and Programs, click here.
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