Now, the finish line is in sight. With a transformational $500,000 gift bringing the campaign to 91% of its goal, OKPOP today launched its 50-Day to Make History, the final sprint to raise the remaining $1.6 million by November 15 and ensure that the doors of this one-of-a-kind museum will open.
“This has always been about more than a building,” said Jake Krumwiede, Executive Director of OKPOP. “It’s about honoring the people and the voices that shaped music, film, art, and culture around the world. It’s about telling our kids and grandkids: this is who we are. This is Oklahoma.”
When it opens, OKPOP won’t just be a museum; it will be a living, breathing celebration of Oklahoma’s creativity. Visitors will walk into galleries alive with sound and color, see artifacts from artists who changed the face of popular culture, and discover the stories of Oklahomans whose impact resonates far beyond state lines.
Among the voices already preserved in OKPOP’s archives are an interview from Joy Harjo, the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate, a member of the Mvskoke Nation and Tulsa native. Harjo’s words capture what this museum represents to generations past and those to come.
“In these times of great challenge, we need to return to the immense transformative creativity of the heart and soul of our community. Our cultural practices and arts inspire and also heal as they inspire,” said Harjo. “Oklahoma is smack in the heart of the country, and we are known for producing the artists, musicians, performers, culture bearers, thinkers, and dreamers who give shape to the heart and soul of the country. OKPOP Museum brings it all together in celebration of our community.”
The countdown campaign will carry its energy through to the finish line, beginning with October’s First Friday in the Tulsa Arts District, where live performances will celebrate Oklahoma’s creative spirit. Oklahomans are invited to OKPOP next Friday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 10 p.m. celebrating Oklahoma Hip-Hop – past, present, and future presented by BeLight Entertainment.
Over the next 50 days, new “Voices of OKPOP” letters from cultural champions will share why the museum matters, and the campaign will end with a wrap party to honor the supporters who brought this vision to life.
Another powerful voice supporting OKPOP is Teresa Knox owner of The Church Studio and author of “Sanctuary of Sound: The Church Studio Story.”
“I’m proud to stand behind OKPOP,” said Knox, “This isn’t just another museum; it’s a stage for the artists and storytellers who help Oklahoma dazzle on the global spotlight. From Leon Russell, The Gap Band, and JJ Cale, Chet Baker, David Gates, Steve Ripley, Dwight Twilley to Gayla Peevey, Will Sampson, Ron Howard, and John Wooley, Oklahoma has made remarkable contributions to music, film, and literature. With the planned infrastructure at the museum, OKPOP will inspire and uplift those pursuing creative professions while strengthening Oklahoma’s entertainment industry. OKPOP ensures these stories are preserved, celebrated, and exhibited so the world can finally see what we’ve always known…Oklahoma is legendary.”
Alongside these voices and celebrations, OKPOP invites donors at every level to become part of a striking public installation and wrap party. Names of supporters will be displayed across the museum, creating a vivid wall of recognition that shows, day by day, how Oklahomans came together to make history.
“With the goal in sight, this is the moment for everyone to step forward,” said Krumwiede. “Whether you give to our campaign, attend events, or share our story, you become part of Oklahoma’s cultural legacy. This milestone belongs to all of us, and we invite you to help us make history.”
