Cloud Embrace Public Art Installation
International call for artists for a monumental public art installation in Bricktown Entertainment District, Oklahoma City.
Cloud Embrace is an exciting public art installation that was recently installed in the Bricktown Entertainment District in Oklahoma City. This innovative project represents a collaborative effort between Visit OKC, the City of OKC, and the Inasmoch Foundation to create a unique placemaking art installation.
The artwork is crafted from perforated, heavy-gauge steel with a white painted finish. Its multi-colored panels cast colorful shadows during the day, while color-changing LEDs create a dynamic, immersive experience at night. The installation is monumental in scale, measuring 24 feet high by 40 feet wide and 9 feet deep, allowing groups of people to experience the art from inside the structure.
This project began nearly three years ago when the Visit OKC team recognized the power of creating unique photo-worthy destinations that blend art with city branding. The concept evolved through conversations with the City of OKC, which needed to replace an aging fountain in United Way Plaza in Lower Bricktown. The Visit OKC team successfully applied for and received an Inasmach Foundation grant to scale the placemaking art installation.
The project featured an international call for artists and implemented a community-driven selection committee process. This collaborative approach demonstrates how multiple stakeholders can bring unique expertise to solve urban design challenges while creating meaningful cultural experiences. The partnership model emphasizes purposeful stakeholder engagement and community input to guide the creative process.
The Cloud Embrace installation exemplifies how public art transforms ordinary urban spaces into dynamic cultural hubs that foster connection and reflect a city's creative spirit. The project showcases Oklahoma City's commitment to innovative problem-solving and community-centered development.