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Request for Qualifcations (RFQ)

Request for Qualifications

The Downtown Tulsa Partnership (DTP) is seeking qualifications from experienced artists or artist teams for a large-scale, semi-permanent (10 years) public art installation in the E 4th Street Alley. The installation must incorporate lighting or illumination as a core component and contribute to the transformation of this underutilized alleyway into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space connecting the hotels and offices of the Deco District with the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Williams Green, and Blue Dome District.

This project is part of a broader initiative to activate Downtown Tulsa alleyways through art and placemaking. Qualified artists will be selected based on their experience, artistic vision, and ability to execute projects of similar scale and complexity. Shortlisted artists will be invited to submit detailed proposals during a subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) phase in September 2026.

This RFQ is open to professional artists and groups of artists with experience in large-scale public art installations involving lighting. Local and regional artists are encouraged to apply, though all qualified applicants will be considered.

Project Overview

The E 4th Street Alley project embodies a commitment to community identity, public safety, and creative expression. By integrating artistic lighting and engaging elements, the project seeks to convert an underutilized urban space into a welcoming, interactive environment that fosters a sense of place.

Project Site

Project site is a publicly accessible alleyway running southeast to northwest, located between 4th and 3rd, Boston and Cincinnati Avenues, encompassing a roughly 16 FT by 163 FT wide area.

Directly south of the alley are many of Tulsa’s most historic Art Deco buildings, including several hotels. Directly north are the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and Williams Green.

Project Goals

  • Enhance Safety: Use lighting to improve perceptions of safety and comfort for pedestrians. 
  • Celebrate Tulsa’s Culture: Reflect the city’s unique identity through artistic storytelling. 
  • Foster Engagement: Create a space that invites public interaction and exploration. 
  • Drive Tourism: Establish an attraction that draws visitors to Downtown Tulsa. 
  • Direct Pedestrian Traffic: Serve as a connection between the hotels and Deco District and the Performing Arts Center and Blue Dome Districts to the north.

Artist Responsibilities

  • Develop creative concepts that align with project goals and engage the community.
  • Work in active coordination with the engineering firm to ensure the artwork design is compatible with structural, electrical, and facade-mounted requirements.
  • Oversee and coordinate closely with contractors and staff on all aspects of production and installation
  • Provide a materials list and maintenance plan and manual to DTP for long-term- at least 10 years- care and functionality of the installation.
  • Include any additional site preparation needs in their final scope of work or design.
  • Collaborate with Project Committee and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Understand and navigate public right-of-way and permitting procedures in collaboration with DTP.
  • Be available for coordination and communication with electrical, engineering and City of Tulsa staff and consultants as needed for electrical infrastructure installation and final approvals.

Project Budget  

Budget: $110,000 

Budget for Artist(s) is inclusive of all materials, equipment, design, labor, contract terms and artist fee(s) associated with the unique, finalized artistic installation on site.  

DTP will fund the following elements separately: 

  • Electrical infrastructure including control boxes, weather heads, power feeds, risers, brackets, compression connectors, mounting, labor and electrical construction document development and commercial permitting through the City of Tulsa.  
  • Structural engineering construction drawings, review, and permitting. 
  • The design and installation of a site sign containing the artist(s) name, information and description of work.

Project Timeline

• RFQ Issuance: May 27, 2026
• Submission Deadline: June 29, 2026
• Request for Proposals (RFP) Issued to Shortlisted Artists: July 20. 2026
• Proposal Submission Deadline: August 28, 2026
• Final Artist Selection: September 18, 2026
• Installation & Project Completion (estimated): Summer 2027

Project Committee

Final, approved designs will be developed in close coordination and approval by the Project Committee which includes:

  • Chris Bumgarner - Adjacent Property Owner (Kennedy Building, 4th St Parking)
  • Nolan McDonald - Adjacent Property Owner Representative (Tulsa Performing Arts Center)
  • Jameson Shaffer - Adjacent Property Owner Representative (314 Building)
  • Lydia Duncan - Adjacent Property Tenant (Coracle Coffee)
  • Carolyn Sickles - Tulsa Artist Fellowship
  • Kate Green - Urban Core Art Project
  • Amber Litwack - Tulsa Girls Art School
  • Jamie Pierson - Downtown Tulsa Partnership Staff
  • Emily Scott - Downtown Tulsa Partnership Staff

How to Submit

See RFQ for information on how to submit. Reach out to Public Realm and Placemaking Manager, Jamie Pierson at jamie@downtowntulsa.com with any questions.