ARTini Tulsa returns with bold style and big impact for local arts

ARTini Tulsa returns August 9 with a bold mix of martinis, local art, fashion and food, raising funds for more than 40 nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists in the Tulsa area.

Thursday, July 31st 2025, 8:52 am

By: Brooke Cox

TULSA, Okla. -

ARTini Tulsa, the signature fundraising event for Arts Alliance Tulsa, returns August 9 at 101 Archer in the Tulsa Arts District.

Now in its second year, the event brings together bold fashion, handcrafted martinis, culinary tastings and a large-scale art auction—all to benefit more than 40 local nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists in the community.

The evening begins at 7 p.m. and will feature contributions from 13 local restaurants and bars, each offering their own spin on martinis and food pairings. Guests are encouraged to dress avant-garde, choosing outfits they wouldn’t dare wear to a typical black-tie affair.

The event promises a vibrant, European-inspired atmosphere complete with music, mingling and creative expression.

How ARTini Helps Tulsa’s Art Scene

ARTini is more than a party—it’s a platform. The art auction allows individual artists to set their own prices, with proceeds split evenly between the artist and Arts Alliance Tulsa. That model supports the broader mission of the organization: to unify and uplift the arts across northeast Oklahoma.

The funds raised go directly to local arts nonprofits as well as into the pockets of the artists themselves, reinforcing a cycle of creativity, opportunity and sustainability. Organizers describe the event as “artists helping arts,” making it both a celebration and a statement about the value of investing in culture.

A Decade of Building Community Through the Arts

Arts Alliance Tulsa is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, and ARTini reflects a shift in how the group engages the public. Previous fundraisers have included speaker-led brunches, golf tournaments, Fourth of July celebrations and franchised events like Wine, Women & Shoes.

While many were successful, the organization refined its focus to better reflect its mission: unity in the arts.

In addition to ARTini, the group also hosts Art in the Park Holiday Festival, a free event in its fourth year that emphasizes collaboration with other community-focused nonprofits.

Last year, the holiday festival partnered with groups like United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Trav’s Coats for Kids to distribute winter essentials to families in need.

Why Supporting the Arts Matters

Arts Alliance Tulsa advocates for the value of arts beyond galleries and stages. Leaders say supporting the arts is critical to economic development, education, quality of life and community identity.

Organizers say that without a thriving arts scene, cities struggle to attract businesses, retain talent or become destinations. Investing in the arts, they argue, is investing in the soul and future of a community.