Oklahoma City Seeking Artist for Route 66 Centennial Sculpture
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/departments/finance/bids-auctions-and-sales/bids.
