The OklahomaArts Council announced Wednesday that thirty-one Oklahomans representing communities from across the state will be convening in February as part of Leadership Arts XII.

Seminole Arts Council (SAC) President Jacqi Dill will be one of the individuals from 20 communities that has been selected to participate in the state agency’s nationally recognized flagship leadership development program. Leadership Arts is offered every two years.

This year’s program will include four two-day sessions that will take place throughout the spring. Class members will learn strategies for employing the arts as tools for boosting economic development, strengthening education, and enriching quality of life.

Seminole is one of six communities that will be represented for the first time in this year’s program, a positive step forward in the revival of the Seminole Arts Council.

“I’m honored to be selected and to have the opportunity to represent Seminole for the first time in this program,” Dill states.

Upon completion, Dill and this year’s other members will join more than 300 individuals from over 80 communities statewide who have participated since 2008, the announcement states.

“I helped revive the once-disbanded Seminole Arts Council in 2015,” Dill explains. “Over the last eight years, our organization has grown from a board of two members and a handful of helpers to seven board members and over 15 volunteers. We have learned that the arts have a powerful impact on our community’s economy and overall quality of life.”

“When people or businesses choose a community to reside in, they consider the impact that the arts have on that community,” Dill continues. “We’ve learned that public artwork in our Downtown District could potentially help turn that part of our city into a tourist destination. In addition to that, we’ve also learned that you can provide a sense of inclusion and belonging to our town’s citizens through arts and events, which improves the quality of life for residents in Seminole.

“We are still growing and learning, but we are pleased with the momentum,” Dill states.

Class sessions for Leadership Arts XII are scheduled to be held in: Sulphur on February 23-24; Guymon March 23-24; Ponca City April 27-28; and Tulsa May 25-26. Class members will graduate with a special ceremony during the fall Oklahoma Arts Conference in Lawton October 17-19. in Oklahoma’s arts sector is more important than ever as the sector works to recover from the pandemic,” said Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples. “Rebuilding the arts and generating long-term stability will take time and investment, and Leadership Arts is an important part of this. The program is also an important investment in addressing state priorities such as rural infrastructure needs and workforce development. The 31 individuals selected for Leadership Arts XII have demonstrated great vision and passion and a desire to discover how the arts fuel strong communities. We look forward to equipping them as we broaden this network of leaders.”

During the four two-day sessions, members will participate in panel discussions, group activities, hands-on learning, and tours of community art spaces.

The nationally recognized Leadership Arts program is sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council and funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Scholarships for the program have been provided by Mid-America Arts Alliance.

“The Oklahoma Arts Council is a staple for our state and has helped our group so much with guidance and insight,” Dill comments. “I am excited to continue my professional development in the arts and learn what other communities have done to provide a positive impact where they live.”