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Ada and the surrounding area support a growing arts community comprised of a diverse cultural population and a growing interest in cultural history. Arts and arts-related interests include artists of any medium, creators, crafts, manufacturers, architects, hobby shops, collectibles, printers, music stores, recording studios, culinary, beauty, stores that support artists, graphic art dealers, software design, bookstores, and more

Based on a unique proposal, the US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development simultaneously awarded East Central University with two different grants for grassroots planning and business development.

Totaling more than $600,000, these grants give the community of Ada a voice in shaping and creating its future. The grants are to help launch a cultural arts district encompassing East Main Street in Ada which is expected to stimulate new business, jobs and arts-related events.

The grants provide the opportunity to assist businesses and enrich the community by enabling us to:

Identify business opportunities that will utilize local arts-based resources;
Identify, train and provide technical assistance to arts-based businesses;
Establish a support center for arts-oriented businesses;
Create training and learning opportunities by linking businesses with the university’s service learning program;
To support the growing community interest in culture and arts.

Organizations such as the Tri-County Indian Nations Community Development Corporation, the Chickasaw Nation, the City of Ada, the Ada Jobs Foundation, Ada Area Chamber of Commerce, Ada Main Street, and East Central University have committed themselves to supporting the growing regional interest in culture and the arts.

Representatives from area businesses, organizations, and the community are providing leadership for the planning phase of the arts district. The City of Ada plans to enhance and widen Main Street. OG&E plans to install period lighting the length of Main Street. The Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center will be an anchor for the district, providing much-needed space for the fine arts. A business incubator will provide resources and direction for arts-related businesses throughout the region.