Business Strategy: Spring brings new art installations to OKC

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Public art is often described as a finishing touch, something added after the “real work” of building a city is done. From an economic development perspective, that idea misses the point. In Oklahoma City, art is not simply decoration. It is infrastructure for growth.

Over the past two decades, our community has made intentional choices to invest in public spaces that reflect creativity and identity. Policies like the City’s 1% for Art program ensured that as we built parks, streetscapes, and civic projects, we also built culture alongside them. The result is a city that feels distinctive, welcoming, and increasingly competitive when attracting visitors, employers, and talent.

That momentum continues this spring with two new public art installations that demonstrate why creative investment matters to economic development.

In Midtown, construction is underway on Light and Airy, an illuminated sculpture at the 10th and Walker roundabout inspired by hospitality, Oklahoma sunsets, and the shared experience of gathering around food. Intended to look like a glowing slice of cake, it represents something much bigger. Memorable places drive foot traffic. Foot traffic supports restaurants, retail, and local entrepreneurs. When a neighborhood develops recognizable landmarks, it strengthens its brand and encourages people to stay longer and return often.

Public art also signals confidence. Companies considering relocation or expansion look closely at quality of life. They want to know whether employees will feel inspired by where they live and work. Vibrant public spaces communicate that a city values creativity, collaboration, and community experience. Those qualities increasingly influence economic decisions.

A few miles away in Bricktown, another installation called Cloud Embrace will soon rise in United Way Plaza. Designed at a scale large enough for visitors to walk inside, the sculpture uses light, shadow, and color to create an immersive environment both day and night. Pieces like this do more than create photo opportunities. They activate public space, making plazas safer, busier, and more inviting. When people gather, businesses benefit.

Research consistently shows that public art contributes to increased visitation and stronger local spending. But beyond measurable impacts, there is a human element that matters just as much. People invest emotionally in places that feel cared for. Art tells residents that their city is worth celebrating.

Economic development is ultimately about people. Jobs and buildings matter, but so do experiences, identity, and pride of place. Public art helps create the kind of environment where innovation thrives and communities grow stronger together.

As these new installations debut, they serve as reminders that Oklahoma City’s progress has never been accidental. By investing in creativity, we are not just beautifying our streets. We are building an economy rooted in connection, vibrancy, and the confidence to imagine what comes next.

Kenton Tsoodle is president of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.