Tulsa Route 66 Art Project Seeks Local Artists

Tulsa Route 66 Art Project Seeks Local Artists For Centennial Celebration

The City of Tulsa is inviting artists from across Oklahoma to participate in a new Tulsa Route 66 art project designed to transform dozens of traffic control boxes into public art displays ahead of the historic Route 66 Centennial celebration.

City officials have launched an open call for artists to create original designs that will wrap around 34 traffic control boxes located along Tulsa's 28-mile stretch of the Mother Road.

The initiative is part of Tulsa's broader effort to celebrate its designation as the Capital of Route 66 while beautifying public infrastructure throughout the city.

Officials say the project will showcase local creativity, create new attractions for visitors, and help prepare Tulsa for increased tourism surrounding the Route 66 Centennial.

Tulsa Route 66 Art Project Open To Professional And Student Artists

According to city officials, the Tulsa Route 66 art project is open to professional artists, amateur creators, and students.

Priority consideration will be given to artists from Tulsa and Oklahoma, though submissions are open to a wide range of participants.

Artists may submit up to four original digital designs for consideration.

Selected artwork will be used to create full vinyl wraps covering all sides of traffic control boxes, creating a 360-degree visual experience for residents and visitors.

The submission deadline is July 1.

Artists selected for the project will receive $500 for each approved design.

According to the City of Tulsa Official Website, the project is intended to highlight local talent while enhancing the appearance of highly visible public spaces along the Route 66 corridor.

Route 66 Themes Encouraged But Not Required

The Tulsa Route 66 art project encourages artists to draw inspiration from the rich history of America's most famous highway.

City officials say traditional Route 66 imagery, historic themes, vintage signage, and classic typography are all welcome.

However, organizers are also encouraging artists to think creatively.

Modern interpretations, abstract concepts, and contemporary artistic styles will also be considered during the selection process.

Each completed traffic box will feature a unified "Capital of Route 66" graphic along with a QR code that visitors can scan.

The code will connect users to the city's digital Route 66 Art StoryMaps experience, allowing tourists to learn more about the artwork and surrounding attractions.

According to the Route 66 Centennial Commission Information, communities across the country are developing projects to celebrate the highway's 100th anniversary in 2026.

Project Designed To Beautify Infrastructure And Reduce Graffiti

Beyond celebrating local artists, city leaders say the Tulsa Route 66 art project serves a practical purpose.

Officials note that high-quality vinyl wraps can help deter graffiti while improving the appearance of public infrastructure.

Funding for the project comes through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), allowing the city to invest in both public art and community beautification efforts.

Artists interested in participating can review proposal requirements and submission guidelines through the city's procurement process.

Questions regarding applications may be directed to city project buyer Donny Tiemann, who is coordinating the effort.

According to the Visit Tulsa Route 66 Resources, Tulsa contains more drivable miles of historic Route 66 than any other city in Oklahoma, making the corridor a focal point of upcoming centennial celebrations.

City leaders say the project represents another step toward making Tulsa a premier destination for Route 66 travelers from around the world.

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