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Oklahoma Art in Public Places

Managed by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma Art in Public Places program brings together state government agencies, artists, and local residents in the commissioning or acquisition of artwork that represents the history and values of the people of Oklahoma. The program was created to administer the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Act, which requires 1.5 percent of eligible state capital improvement budgets be invested in public art. The program advances state economic development goals and enhances public spaces for the benefit of residents.

View the Collection

View select works in the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Collection

"Walls that Work: A Practical Guide to Commissioning Murals"
In its role leading the arts in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Arts Council offers this free downloadable publication as a resource for Oklahoma communities, organizations, and property owners interested in commissioning murals. Murals are one of the most visible and accessible forms of public art. When thoughtfully planned and executed, they can strengthen community pride, support local artists, and activate public spaces.

Project: Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)
Deadline: July 12, 2026
Status: Closed

Project: Route 66 Public Art Trail (Catoosa)
Deadline: July 19, 2026
Status: Closed 

Project: Allen Wright Memorial Library (Oklahoma Department of Libraries)
Deadline: January 13, 2026
Status: Contracted (Artist: Matt Goad) 

Project: Honey Springs Visitor Center (Oklahoma Historical Society)
Deadline: December 15, 2025 
Status: Contracted (Artists: Jerome Haferd and Abigail DeVille) 

Receive calls for artists

In the program's establishing legislation, the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Oversight Committee was created to administer and oversee the development and management of the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Act. By law, the committee is comprised of directors or designees from specified state agencies and appointed artists, architects, engineers, and museum directors or curators.

Meetings of the Oklahoma Art in Public Places Oversight Committee will be posted below.

  • May 22, 2026
  • September 18, 2026

The Oklahoma Art in Public Places program is designed to ensure state public art projects reflect the history and values of the people of Oklahoma. Through public art committees assembled for individual projects, the Oklahoma Art in Public Places program places significant value on community input in shaping projects and bringing them to fruition. Community members wishing to participate on an Oklahoma Art in Public Places selection committee can apply using the link below. Submission of a form does not guarantee an invitation to participate.

Apply to participate on a selection committee

The Oklahoma Art in Public Places program augments the state's economic development goals and enhances public spaces for Oklahomans within their respective communities. Benefits of the program include:

  • Fosters local and state pride
  • Invests in the state's infrastructure
  • Strengthens Oklahoma’s image
  • Appeals to businesses and families
  • Conveys community vibrancy
  • Supports cultural tourism
  • Enhances property values

Public Art Locations

Locations that may benefit from state public art projects include:

  • Airports
  • Bridges
  • Highways
  • Libraries
  • Parks
  • State buildings
  • Colleges and Universities

Visitors are permitted to photograph the artwork, however all works are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced.

Request an Image

Requests to reproduce images of state-owned artwork managed by the Oklahoma Arts Council may be submitted using the Artwork Image Request Form below.

Questions?

Director of Art in Public Places
Erin Latham, PhD
(405) 574-2402
erin.latham@arts.ok.gov

Questions?

Public Art Manager
Cara Alizadeh-Fard
(405) 317-3297
cara.alizadeh-fard@arts.ok.gov

Questions?

Art in Public Places Program Assistant
Sarah Pugh
(405) 892-8680 
sarah.pugh@arts.ok.gov

Last Modified on Aug 07, 2026