Venu Arts & Culture Foundation Launches in Oklahoma
The VENU Arts & Culture Foundation exists to enrich creative ecosystems, promote vitality within communities, and unite neighbors over shared experiences. Since its founding, the Foundation has done that through grants to local artists, musicians, cultural programs, and community-focused programming — work built on the belief that communities deserve to celebrate local culture, creativity, and connection.
Now that mission is expanding into Oklahoma.
"Broken Arrow and the Greater Tulsa Area are growing fast, and the arts scene is thriving right along with it. The Foundation wants to be part of that growth."
Chloe Polhamus · President, Venu Arts & Culture Foundation
In that spirit, the Foundation launched its first Oklahoma initiative in June: a mural competition presented in partnership with Regent Bank Amphitheater, Venu Holding Corporation (VENU), and ARTSOK, a nonprofit dedicated to making the arts accessible across the Tulsa metro. The open call invited artists from across the state to submit original artwork for installation inside the new Regent Bank Amphitheater, set to open fall 2026. Selected designs will be transformed into large-scale murals, creating a vibrant visual experience for the thousands of fans who will visit the venue each concert season.
Artists were encouraged to create original works inspired by the energy of live performance, the spirit of Oklahoma, the pride of the Broken Arrow community, and the shared experience of gathering with friends, family, and fellow music fans. Three artists received a total of $5,000 in prize money, including a $3,000 grand prize and the opportunity to have their artwork prominently featured as a permanent mural installation within the venue.
Submissions opened June 16 and remained open through September 7, 2026.
Regent Bank Amphitheater Mural Competition - Winning Entries Pending Announcement
Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $51,000 in grants and donations to over 18 recipients across its headquartered community of Colorado — funding work like new instruments for a K-8 charter school, community garden sculpture installations, and community programs serving hundreds of students each year through music and poetry education. The Foundation has also hosted multiple community concerts drawing thousands of people together under one mission and completed two public mural installations at Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs.
Oklahoma is just the beginning of that same commitment, applied to a new community. Wherever the Foundation goes next, the goal stays the same: put real dollars behind real arts and culture initiatives and make sure the places we call home look and feel like the people who live there.