Two Oklahoma organizations are in the spotlight as nominees for the upcoming Music Cities Awards (MCAs) in Fayetteville, Ark. A global competition launched in 2020, the MCAs recognize and celebrate music in economic, social, environmental and cultural development across cities worldwide. The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture and the Red Dirt Relief Fund are nominated for Best Global Music City and Best Organization Supporting Music in their city.
The Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (TFMAC) has been a long-time champion of local music since its launch in 2013. Through a number of innovative programs and initiatives, TFMAC actively champions the local music industry in Tulsa with recent successes including the annual observation of Tulsa Music Month in July, which saw numerous activations throughout the city, including The All-American Rejects Surprise Show that raised funds for TFMAC’s Tulsa on Tour Program. Boasting iconic and award-winning venues like Cain Ballroom, the BOK Center, Church Studio and more, Tulsa is a major destination for music in Oklahoma, with a rich history that continues to be globally recognized for its contributions to the music industry.
“Tulsa is, has been and always will be a music city, and the nomination for Best Global Music City is the latest reflection of that,” says Meg Gould Executive Director of TFMAC. “Whether it is honoring the city’s history at places like Cain’s Ballroom, The Church Studio or Historic Big 10 Ballroom, or paving the way for the next generation of the Tulsa Sound through forward-thinking initiatives like Tulsa on Tour and Tulsa Music Month, Tulsa embodies what it means to be a true global music city.”
The Red Dirt Relief Fund founded in 2012 has been serving Oklahoma artists for over a decade. Created to fill a vital need in the community has grown into supporting over 850 Oklahoma artists with over $1 million. The Red Dirt Relief Fund exists to support artists through relief from medical needs, a global pandemic and natural disasters.
“We are honored to be nominated for supporting music in our city alongside our friends at Tulsa FMAC!” says Katie Dale Executive Director of the Red Dirt Relief Fund. “While the core of Red Dirt Relief Fund’s mission is delivering immediate financial help to all Oklahoma music people in an emergency, the safety net is more than that. It’s building a safer and more supported music industry by collaborating with partners statewide to connect the people we serve with all available resources.”
Longtime partners of both the Red Dirt Relief Fund and Tulsa FMAC, The Oklahoma Film + Music Office congratulates these nominees and their continued efforts in Oklahoma’s music industry and community.
Winners will be announced at the Music Cities Awards ceremony on September 16 in Fayetteville.
For more information, visit musiccitiesevents.com.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
