Very few people in This Town have been so integral in the arts culture as Peter Dolese. Since the 1970s, he's been immersed in music, art, poetry, and food. He was in arts administration before he knew what that was, even showing obscure films for a while. Working with the CETA grant program, he made his way to volunteering with the Arts Council of Oklahoma City (1976-1989) before joining the staff and eventually retiring in 2022. During that time, Peter coordinated the Arts Commandoes and directed the Festival of the Arts before becoming the executive director. All along the way, he blew his harmonica with multiple bands. He's performed with the OKC Philharmonic and continues to play in area churches.

In this interview, Peter expresses why the arts are essential, and he tells of his current endeavors before addressing the challenges the ACOKC faced in the wake of the Murrah Building bombing in 1995 and the challenges of moving the Festival back to Bicentennial Park.

Post-production by Fred O. Bishop
Sponsored by Carpenter Square Theatre