Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Project Background:
The W 5th 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 and promotes walkability throughout Downtown Tulsa.
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 Foot Traffic & Tourism: Create a destination or attraction that drives visitation.
Design Goals:
- The installation must include permanent, weather-resistant lighting or illuminated elements as a primary feature.
- The installation may include additional physical, visual, or performative art components but must prioritize lighting or include lighting as a distinctive feature.
- The design should consider sustainability, low maintenance, and durability.
- The design should allow for continued access to the alleyway for commercial loading, utility and refuse collection.
- The design needs to be considerate of the surrounding property uses and needs, ensuring it does not disrupt nearby tenants with excessive light, noise, or other disturbances, while maintaining a balance between functionality and community impact.
- The design should be comfortable, enticing and accessible for pedestrians and ADA compliant.
Project Context:
The W 5th Street Alley is one of many alleys proposed for a Downtown-wide Alleyway Activation program designed to encourage walkability, increase visible public art and enhance the public realm with creative and unique lighting features that can promote safety and comfort in walkable alleyways. The Alleyway Activation program was developed through the creation of Downtown Tulsa Forward, Downtown Tulsa’s Strategic Investment Plan guiding Public Realm Tax Increment Finance revenues to enhance the public realm in Downtown. Overtime, the Alleyway Activation program seeks to create a network of inviting, creative, unique and interesting alleyways throughout Downtown to offer residents, visitors and employees improved walkability and expanded opportunities for artistic and cultural expression.
Project site is a publicly accessible alleyway located on the North side of 5th ST between Cheyenne and Boulder Avenues in Downtown Tulsa, OK. The alterations and additions are to be prioritized on the southern portion of the alleyway between The Mayo Hotel and 111 Lofts – an area roughly 110 feet long by 15 feet wide, but the entirety of the alleyway can also be proposed. The surrounding properties include hotel, hospitality, dining, residential and office. Alleyway Location at roughly 115 W 5th ST Tulsa, OK 74103.
Project Overview:
- January – July 2025: Planning, CPC formation, RFQ issuance
- July – August 2025: RFP release, Artist selection, design development, permits
- August – September 2025: Infrastructure and site prep, material procurement, design finalization, permitting and structural and electrical engineering finalization.
- October – January 2025: Installation, testing, project launch
- Post-January 2025: Ongoing maintenance, alley programming
Project Examples:
77 Steps: Downtown Fort Wayne, ID
Garrison Canal: Pittsburgh, PA
Downtown Alleys: Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the goal of the W 5th Street Alley Project?
The project aims to transform an underutilized alley in Downtown Tulsa into a vibrant, illuminated pedestrian-friendly space using permanent public art. The focus is on safety, placemaking, and celebrating Tulsa’s culture through artistic lighting.
2. Who can apply to the RFQ?
Professional artists or artist teams with experience in large-scale public art—especially involving lighting—are eligible. Local and regional artists are encouraged to apply, but national applicants will be considered. Proof of liability insurance or ability to obtain is required.
3. What is the budget and what does it cover?
The total artist budget is $110,000, inclusive of materials, equipment, design, labor, and artist fees. DTP will separately fund electrical infrastructure and structural engineering support in coordination with the artist.
4. What are the artistic requirements and restrictions?
The artwork must feature permanent lighting or illumination and be built for long-term durability (10+ years). Paint on building façades is not allowed, but mounted, suspended, or freestanding elements are acceptable. Lighting should be downcast or ambient, not directed at upper residential windows.
5. What is the project timeline?
- RFQ Deadline: August 18, 2025
- RFP Phase for Shortlisted Artists: September–October 2025
- Final Artist Selection: October 2025
- Installation Period: October 2025 – March 2026
- Public Unveiling: Spring 2026
6. How do I submit my qualifications?
Email a single PDF (artist statement, resume, portfolio, and references) to Emily Scott at emily@downtowntulsa.com by midnight on August 18, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.