Oklahoma Historical Society/OKPOP Museum

PROJECT PURPOSE

As an agency of the State of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Historical Society?s mission is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. As part of the OHS, OKPOP will give our state an internationally recognized attraction that showcases Oklahoma's musicians, storytellers, and artists while generating further economic development through tourism. Our groundbreaking approach to storytelling will be a dynamic immersive experience that engages guests of all ages and diverse backgrounds, our goal is to inspire new generations of Oklahomans to change the world through the powerful force of creative expression. OKPOP's 58,000 square foot facility will serve as a marquee addition to the growing collection of Tulsa's downtown attractions. OKPOP has raised nearly 60% of the total goal from public and private funds. As this "shovel-ready" project enters the home-stretch, continued timely investment from public and private sources will allow OKPOP to open to the public by early 2023. COVID-19 has greatly impacted our construction timeline and ability to raise the necessary funds to complete the project. ARPA funding would allow OKPOP to open the doors sooner and begin bringing in new tax revenue and supporting surrounding businesses and attractions.

EVIDENCE

Securing ARPA funding will allow OKPOP to: ? Collect, preserve, and catalog thousands of Oklahoma artifacts related to creativity and popular culture ? Support the design and construction of immersive, world-class interactive installations. ? Provide financial support for the organization?s next two years of operations ? Hosted camps, classes, and seminars for the young and young at heart ? After-school programming, to include skill-building opportunities in sound engineering, design, video game development, etc., for K-12 students ? Reliance on youth, teacher and diversity and inclusion advisory boards to develop programs ? ADA accessible and designed with those with special needs in mind

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

As a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society, OKPOP continues the long tradition of collecting, preserving and sharing Oklahoma history. OKPOP is located in North Tulsa situated on the border between the Cherokee Nation and the Creek Nation, and just blocks from both the Osage Nation and the historic Greenwood District. OKPOP will embrace the rich and multifaceted contributions people of color have made to Oklahoma, the nation, and the world. The OKPOP mission is to inspire new generations of artists, musicians, and storytellers to impact the world through the powerful force of creative expression, by showcasing the legacy of Oklahoma artists and their influence on popular culture. All voices are welcome and will be celebrated in the programming and experiences of OKPOP. Communities in downtown Tulsa neighborhoods were impacted by economic downturn, specifically as it relates to service and entertainment industries, that will be positively impacted when the OKPOP Museum opens.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The Oklahoma will award all contracts through the State's open bidding process. The OKPOP project will retain Nabholz Corporation as construction management firm and will follow the evaluation, selection, and spending policies through the auspices of the state Construction and Properties Office. Monthly reports to Tulsa County will be administered by the finance office of the Oklahoma Historical Society. This project will utilize local or regional contractors to perform the work and draw local, state and national visitation to the area thus boosting the local economy from construction activities and tourism for the area and state.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma