Business Strategy: Placemaking through the arts

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We are lucky to live in a community dotted with murals, sculptures, and other varieties of public art, but it was certainly no accident. The City of Oklahoma City has made a strong commitment to fostering a vibrant, creative environment through investments in public art. This focus has helped shape our city’s unique culture while beautifying our community.

A key driver of this progress is the “1% for Art” ordinance, enacted by the City Council in 2009. It requires that 1% of the budgeted construction cost of any new building or park development or major renovation be allocated to public art installations. This policy has elevated the role of art in civic spaces, helping to foster something truly special in OKC.

Here, the arts are more than a luxury—they’re a cornerstone of how we shape place and build community. Through strategic investments in public art and cultural programming, we’re seeing firsthand how creative spaces drive economic development, social connection, and a deeper sense of belonging.

Leading the way is Allied Arts—a 50-year-old nonprofit that enriches lives through the arts. Currently in the midst of its 2025 fundraising campaign, Allied Arts continues to be a key player in sustaining the city’s arts infrastructure. With their support, more than 40 local organizations—from youth theater programs to Indigenous cultural centers—offer programming that reaches every corner of our community. These aren’t just performances and exhibitions; they’re experiences that shape how people interact with the spaces around them.

The investment has proven to be well worth it. Public art has been shown to increase foot traffic, which in turn drives economic activity. Even something as simple as the visual appeal of a space can make a meaningful difference in how people are drawn to an area—and how likely they are to support nearby businesses.

That difference is visible across the city. Placemaking isn’t just about design; it’s about culture, activation, and creating opportunities for deeper engagement with our built environment. Public art draws us in, gives us pause, and creates the kind of memorable, people-centered places that make cities thrive.

As we envision the future of Oklahoma City, arts and culture must remain at the core. Take a moment to be part of the growth of arts education, programming, and public installations by learning more about Allied Arts, their upcoming community events, and consider making a gift.

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