Coronavirus Closure & Cancelation FAQ
Ahha will begin a phased reopening as of July 1, 2020. We will keep watch and make any adjustments as needed for public health reasons. Ahha closed to the public as of March 16, 2020. We made this decision in conjunction with other major cultural attractions in Tulsa.
CREATE, ahha’s largest annual fundraiser, has been postponed to September 26, 2020. The Patron Party’s future date is to be decided. Details will be posted to www.creategala.org.
THE EXPERIENCE: IMAGINE will open to the public August 7, 2020.
We are evaluating school and community programs on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with partners (i.e. school districts). Please contact us at learn@ahhatulsa.org with your specific question and we’ll do our best to help.
We will address private events on a case-by-case basis. If you need to contact someone about your event, please email hello@ahhatulsa.org and we will direct you to the appropriate contact.
There are several ways to support us at this time.
- Memberships purchased or renewed while we’re closed will automatically have 2 months added on for free as a thank-you. Click here for more about memberships.
- Online tickets purchased for any date anytime during our closure may be redeemed through December 2021. Click here to purchase online tickets.
- Donations of any amount will help us weather this unexpected storm. Click here to donate online.
- Liking and sharing our posts on social media help us spread our mission. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ahhaTulsa.
All ahha Updates
Ahha Tulsa begins phased reopening July 1
Friday, June 26, 2020
After a temporary closure due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ahha Tulsa is ready to welcome the public back to the facility beginning Wednesday, July 1. Upon reopening, key changes will be in place to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19. These changes include limiting the number of guests in the facility, minimizing touch points, increased cleaning and sanitization, and physical distancing reminders. Face masks or coverings will be required. Ahha will supply masks to guests who do not bring their own.
Executive Director Holly Becker believes that the arts can help with the healing process. “In such unprecedented times, it’s important to have an outlet. We hope that by safely reopening our doors, we can serve Tulsans by giving them a place to reconnect and make art together,” she explained. “To give back in a small way, we’re also offering free admission to any frontline or essential worker through July and August.”
On July 1, the third floor will reopen, including maker space THE STUDIO as well as a COVID-19 relief exhibition. Proceeds from artwork sales in this exhibition will directly benefit local artists who lost income and opportunities due to the pandemic.
THE GALLERY will reopen Friday, July 3 with a new exhibition. Re/Convening: Native Arts of Oklahoma, will spotlight contemporary Native American art and is curated by heather ahtone, PhD (Choctaw/Chickasaw). This exhibition is funded in part by a grant from Oklahoma Humanities (OH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of OH or NEH.
Ahha will offer reduced admission prices ($10 for adults and free for children 12 and under) during the monthly First Friday Art Walk, and the total number of guests will be limited due to public health concerns.
Phase two of the reopening process will begin on Friday, August 7 with the premiere of THE EXPERIENCE: IMAGINE, Tulsa’s largest immersive art installation. This new version of the popular immersive art exhibition features six Tulsa-based lead artists and encompasses the facility’s entire second floor. Additional details for this opening will be announced in July.
Ahha Tulsa will remain closed through at least July 1
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Dear Tulsans,
We’re here together. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has stayed home, supported local artists, and worked on the front lines during this unprecedented time. Since we announced a prolonged closure on March 16, ahha has sought to share joy and creativity in the ways we could in this new normal. I’m proud to say that we’ve been able to continue to support working artists (although in a diminished capacity) and that none of our full-time or part-time staff have faced furloughs.
Back in March, we announced a closure through mid-May. That time is now here, and reopening as originally planned is not something we see as safe for our staff, guests, or artists. We want to be here keeping Tulsa creative for the long term. As a result, ahha will remain closed through at least July 1. In the meantime, our staff is working hard to ensure ahha will be safe and sanitary for everyone. This means increased cleaning, new ticketing procedures, and new ways to use art supplies once we reopen. We’ll be wearing masks in all public areas of the building, and we ask that if you visit, you do the same. Each one of our supporters and staff is important to us and our community. By wearing masks, we’ll help them feel safer to visit and do their jobs.
We also understand and respect the decision not to visit large public places in the near future. The decision to close was a wrenching one for many organizations Tulsans hold dear, and it’s one that was made with public health in mind. Cultural attractions need public support now more than ever. Daily admission financially supports our staff, artists, and the programs we organize in the community; however, so do memberships and small donations. If you want to help ahha during this tough time and are able to do so, you can make a donation or become a member.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation. As things evolve, so may our plans. Tulsa is strong, and ahha is proud to be part of its cultural fabric. Stay safe and well, and we’ll see you soon.
Sincerely,
Holly Becker
Executive Director
Ahha Tulsa to close temporarily amid Coronavirus concerns
Monday, March 16, 2020
In an effort to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, ahha Tulsa will be closed as of March 16. In accordance with the latest CDC guidelines limiting gatherings to 50 people or fewer, we will close the ahha Hardesty Center and cancel or postpone all programs and events. This decision is made in the best interest of public health and we believe it is the right thing to do for our staff, guests, artists, and the community. Ahha will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves.
We encourage our friends and followers to stay in touch with us via social media. You can find ahha on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @ahhatulsa.
Should you have any questions, please email us at the addresses below. We’ll do our best to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
Camps and classes: learn@ahhatulsa.org
Tulsa Mayfest: comments@tulsamayfest.org
General questions: hello@ahhatulsa.org
One final word: it is our hope that during this extreme time, you’ll find a chance to remember small businesses and nonprofits. Prolonged closure will have a negative impact on the arts community and cultural attractions. Now is a great time to renew your membership or donate to a cause important to you. If you’d like to support ahha, you can do so on our website: ahhatulsa.org/donate.
Thanks for your continued support as we all do our best to keep Tulsa creative. Stay safe and healthy out there!
-Team ahha
Spring Break Camps Canceled
Sunday, march 15, 2020
The ahha team has been continuously monitoring and assessing the COVID-19 risk over the course of the weekend. The health of staff, visitors, artists, and the community remains a top priority for the organization, which is following guidance from authorities regarding public health measures. To that end, ahha has canceled the Spring Break camps scheduled for March 16-20. Parents and caregivers will be issued a full refund or be offered tax deductibility for the cost of camp.
In response to COVID-19
Friday, march 13, 2020
Friends and supporters,
Ahha Tulsa is actively monitoring the COVID-19 risk as circumstances in Tulsa evolve. The health of our staff, visitors, artists, and community remains a top priority and we are following guidance from authorities regarding public health measures. At this time, the ahha Tulsa Hardesty Center will remain open with regular public hours. Our Spring Break camps slated for March 16-20 will proceed as planned. Rest assured, our team is taking extra precautions to keep ahha a safe place for all guests.
At this time, Tulsa Mayfest is planned to proceed as usual and is scheduled to take place May 8-10 in the Tulsa Arts District and Historic Greenwood.
As you know, information is changing by the hour in this environment. Ahha will continue to monitor the situation and assess the need for cancellations or closures on a day-by-day basis. Please know it’s important to us that our guests, staff, and volunteers take care of themselves and their families. We encourage you to stay home if you feel ill or have a compromised immune system.
Should you have any questions, please email us at the addresses below. We’ll do our best to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
Camps and classes: learn@ahhatulsa.org
Tulsa Mayfest: comments@tulsamayfest.org
General questions: hello@ahhatulsa.org
Helpful Resources
- Tulsa Health Department’s COVID-19 Updates
- Oklahoma State Department of Health COVID-19 Updates
- Oklahoma State Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center: 877-215-8336
Stay safe and healthy out there, and thanks for your patience during this time.
-Team ahha