Individual Artists of Oklahoma was founded in 1979 by three poets as a grass-roots alternative arts organization. IAO is committed to sustaining and encouraging emerging and established artists in all media who are intellectually and aesthetically provocative or experimental in subject matter or technique.

IAO creates opportunities for Oklahoma artists by curating and developing socially relevant exhibitions in one of the finest gallery spaces in region. The IAO Gallery features works and exhibitions that display innovative and thought-provoking concepts and approaches that broaden the dialogue with the community and enhance the public's understanding of the role of contemporary art and the artist.

IAO develops an appreciation of contemporary art by providing support for artists in all media through audience development, community participation, and publicity.