Oklahoma City has launched a call-to-artist, inviting artists to create a quintessential sculpture commemorating the 100th anniversary of historic U.S. Route 66. The artwork will be installed on or near North Classen Boulevard, part of the original 1926 route.
Artists and multi-disciplinary teams are invited to imagine, design, fabricate, coordinate and install a work of art incorporating the following elements:
- The lyrics “Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty” graphically spelled out.
- Musical notes graphically depicted.
- Significant public participation in the work's fabrication and/or installation.
- A public event to occur during or immediately after the art is installed.
“The sculpture will be a permanent fixture on Route 66 that will be a destination for travelers for decades,” Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs Program Planner Randy Marks said. “It should communicate the historic spirit of the highway and complement nearby OKC landmarks such as the Milk Bottle, Gold Dome and Tower Theater sign.”
The $875,000 award is funded through MAPS 4 as part of the beautification project. Investments in beautification will elevate experiences for Oklahoma City residents and visitors.
The sculpture should be installed by summer 2026. The deadline for responses is June 25, 2025. Artists can read the request for qualifications at okc.gov.
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About MAPS 4
MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $1.07 billion over eight years. Oklahoma City voters approved the sales tax to fund MAPS 4 in a special election on Dec. 10, 2019, moving forward with a unique and ambitious plan to transform our community. The temporary penny sales tax funding MAPS 4 began April 1, 2020, and ends in 2028. More than 70 percent of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs. The rest is for quality of life and job-creating initiatives. The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board and its six subcommittees will guide MAPS 4 planning and implementation, making recommendations to the City Council. The Council has final authority on MAPS 4. The MAPS Investment and Operating Trust developed a strategic investment plan to support long-term sustainable funding for MAPS 4 projects' operational expenses and maintenance. Visit okc.gov/maps4 for more.
About 1% for the Arts
The 1% for Arts ordinance requires 1% of the construction budget for City of OKC buildings, parks and trails to be set aside for public art. The art selection process in OKC is resident-driven from beginning to end. From the first selection committee meetings to final approval by the City Council, at least thirty residents are directly involved in the choice, plus another 10-20 advisors and City Staff. Artists interested in learning how to be considered for art selection should email okcarts@okc.gov. Visit okc.gov/arts to learn more about the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and the 1% for Arts Ordinance.
Media Contact: Kristy Yager, (405) 297-2550, kristy.yager@okc.gov