A New Network for Tulsa Art Enthusiasts

Part of our mission at Kindred is to partner with other non-profits that offer resources to the restaurant workforce beyond the scope of our in-house programs. One such organization, which will be of particular interest to culinary artists, and anyone with creative ambitions, is Create Tulsa. We interviewed Nolan MacDonald, the Development & Engagement Coordinator at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, about the Create project, which he helped to spearhead. Its mission is to cultivate community among Tulsa creatives with an emphasis on networking opportunities, educational resources, and bridging the divide between arts facilitators, investors, curators, collectors, and anyone who appreciates art. The initiative launches officially this Tuesday at WOMPA, and welcomes anyone with a desire to connect.

Q: Can you tell us about the vision behind Create Tulsa and the need for a networking opportunity like this?

Nolan:
Our goal is to be an umbrella organization for anyone pursuing artistic endeavors, including arts facilitators of all kinds. It’s a tall order, but bringing wide ranging creative voices together fosters collaboration. When different art forms connect it can lead to exciting, cross-disciplinary projects, and open doors to funding opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

Q: Create Tulsa is a Tulsa PAC project, but is not at all limited to the performing arts. What drove this strategy and inclusivity?

Nolan:
Yes, we noticed a gap in Tulsa. There is a lack of a central, accessible hub where people could turn for answers. Whether someone needs space for an exhibit, is looking for an artist, needs a culinary  or events team, or simply wants to understand the arts funding process.There wasn't a single place offering transparency or reliable guidance. Artists often shy away from self-promotion and fundraising, so they rely on others who specialize in those areas. Create Tulsa is about bridging that gap by connecting artists, funders, and art enthusiasts who might otherwise operate in separate circles.

Q: For those interested in getting involved, whether by attending the launch event in February, or further events down the line, what’s the best way to access  information about Create Tulsa?

Nolan:
Visit the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s website ( https://tulsapac.com/create-tulsa) for an overview of our mission and details about how to RSVP for our events. They are filling up, but even if you can’t attend the kickoff, we have many more events planned throughout the year to help everyone connect and support one another.

Q: A core element of your programming is networking events, but you’re also planning educational workshops. Can you tell us more about that?

Nolan:
Absolutely. Our first workshop, “How the Makers Made It,” is scheduled for the end of March. In it, successful Tulsa artists from various mediums will share their journeys, detailing the behind-the-scenes work, challenges, and steps they took to build their careers. We aim to showcase the paths available, whether someone is working independently or as part of a collective. By discussing these real-world processes, we hope to pull the veil back on success in the arts, and reveal practical resources, and strategies for everyone involved. We’re gathering community feedback, ensuring that our programming remains community-focused and responsive to local needs. We are planning for around four this year, including one focusing on the senses, and sensory experience, which might be of particular interest to anyone working with food.

Q: I’ll keep an eye out for that! Can you share a bit about your personal background before joining the Tulsa PAC and your connection to Tulsa’s art scene?

Nolan:
I’m a transplant—I moved to Tulsa in 2018 from Charleston, South Carolina and started working at the Gathering Place on its opening day. I immediately set out to explore everything Tulsa had to offer.  I really hit the ground running when I got here. I lived near 19th in Boston, right in the shadow of Mercury Lounge, and I ran around and tried to experience as much as I could. 
I didn't know anything about Tulsa, really, so I tried to go everywhere, especially places that would show live music, like Sound Pony, and I attended festivals where I heard people like Branjae with Count Tutu. 
I wound up falling in love with the city. I would go to the Starlight Bar and see so many different artists, and there'd be someone doing a tarot card reading in the corner, and a dance party in the back room. Tulsa’s energy really captivated me. 

After working in operations at Gathering Place until about 2022, I transitioned into programming. I booked movie nights, live painting sessions, and worked closely with event production crews to facilitate other creative events. Eventually, I moved to the Performing Arts Center, where I spent most of my time in operations before joining the development and community engagement team. I’m not a native Tulsan, so my work with Create Tulsa is deeply informed by listening to the community’s needs. If you’re passionate about art, whether it be dance, theater, culinary, visual, recording, or otherwise in Tulsa, we’d love for you to join us.

Q: What do you think makes Tulsa such a unique art city?

Nolan:
Tulsa stands out because its artists aren’t overly influenced by trends. They’re free to develop their own unique styles because they aren't confined in one direction. The style and method is baked into the individual artist. This independence makes Tulsa’s creative community really vibrant.

Q: Who are some of your favorite art events or local talents currently working  in Tulsa?

Nolan:
In comedy, Evan Hughes is doing fantastic work connecting comedians across Tulsa. Musically, the Johnny Mullenax band hosts the Bluegrass Brunch at Mercury Lounge –it’s delightful. It's such a cool thing because on Sundays, it really brings a lot of people out. You'll be sitting next to a grizzled rancher, and then on the other side is a sorority girl, and then a group of emerging artists. I also enjoy a lot of shows at Thema’s Peach. Tom Skinner’s Science Project hosts a free, donation-based event there on Wednesday nights with their friends that turns into what feels like a dance party in someone's living room. Another favorite is Jackalope Theater; they blend sketch comedy with improv in creative shows like “Whistle Bridge”. It's an improvised, Bridgerton-inspired performance that’s strange, funny and wildly entertaining.

Q: Which local creatives or venues do you enjoy following on social media?

Nolan:
I love following visual artist Dan Rocky who not only creates stunning work but also organizes events with an interesting aesthetic. Muralist Jamie Pierson is another favorite; she’s both incredibly talented, and a genuinely great person. On the culinary side, check out the pop-up group El Camino who have an upcoming event at Heirloom. I really like Heirloom Rustic Ales generally, for their vendor markets and community events. Also, Prism Cafe is locally owned with amazing food. Chef Aimee makes the best sandwich I have ever had. Venue wise, Bellafonte stands out as a creative space that hosts innovative community engagement in the growing Riverbend neighborhood.

Q: Before we wrap up, are there any upcoming projects you’d like to mention?

Nolan:
Yes, I’m excited to announce our upcoming podcast, Missed Connections, hosted by the creative and witty Chaz Stephens (aka Thunderwolf) and produced by Will Rutherford of Citizens of Sound; the first episode will premiere on March 3rd everywhere podcasts are available. Those guys are both just such great talents for the city, and we are lucky to be able to work with them. A last reminder that our kickoff event is on Tuesday, February 25th from 6pm to 9pm at WOMPA. We’re looking forward to meeting, and bringing a spotlight to great local talent soon.

By forging a space where artists, funders, and enthusiasts can converge, collaborate, and share their journeys, Create Tulsa is set to grow Tulsa’s art scene by amplifying the voices in the community. With an exciting slate of events, from dynamic workshops to the debut of the Missed Connections podcast, this initiative promises to build a more connected, innovative, and vibrant community for all who love art. We are excited to learn more, and to collaborate with them at their launch event this Tuesday. We will have small bites catered by Kindred Scratch Kitchen, and we look forward to seeing many of you there!