Individual Artists of Oklahoma was founded in 1979 by three poets as a grass-roots alternative arts organization. IAO is committed to sustaining and encouraging emerging and established artists in all media who are intellectually and aesthetically provocative or experimental in subject matter or technique.
IAO creates opportunities for Oklahoma artists by curating and developing socially relevant exhibitions in one of the finest gallery spaces in region. The IAO Gallery features works and exhibitions that display innovative and thought-provoking concepts and approaches that broaden the dialogue with the community and enhance the public’s understanding of the role of contemporary art and the artist.
IAO develops an appreciation of contemporary art by providing support for artists in all media through audience development, community participation, and publicity.
IAO has a working volunteer board, half of whom are artists. Each board member contributes financially at some level, as well as giving generously of time on projects and to secure in-kind and cash donations.
IAO’s board members also chair committees, including those that oversee programming areas. All works and exhibitions presented at IAO are selected from applications submitted to the Visual Arts, Film and Video, Poetry, or Performance Committees. The programs cover a broad range of expression by artists of all ages, at various levels of professional recognition, and who are diverse in race, philosophy, culture and economics. Selected program applications effectively demonstrate original contemporary themes and the technical ability to successfully convey the artists’ intentions.