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Commission recommends Cloud Embrace gift and commission agreement for Bricktown plaza
Summary
The Arts Commission recommended that the City Council approve a gift acceptance and public art commission agreement for Cloud Embrace, an interactive sculpture by Creative Machines to be installed at 400 East Reno Avenue in Bricktown; funding reported as $500,000 total and a $10,000 maintenance fund from Visit OKC.
The Oklahoma City Arts Commission on Feb. 17 recommended City Council approval of a gift acceptance and public art commission agreement for Cloud Embrace, a large interactive sculpture by Creative Machines planned for the United Way Plaza in Bricktown at 400 East Reno Avenue (Ward 7).
Robbie Jones, Special Project Manager for Arts and Cultural Affairs, said Visit OKC approached the city in early 2024 seeking an “photo‑worthy iconic sculpture” to anchor the plaza after the site’s fountain was removed for maintenance reasons. Jones said Visit OKC provided an original budget of $250,000 and subsequently received a matching grant from the in so much in as much foundation, creating a $500,000 budget for the project. A request for qualifications was released Sept. 3, 2024; four finalists produced conceptual designs and Creative Machines was selected by the committee.
Jones described the work as fabricated from perforated heavy‑gauge steel with a durable painted finish and multicolored panels; he listed approximate dimensions of 24 feet high by 40 feet wide by 9 feet deep. The piece is designed to accommodate groups of people inside it, to create photo opportunities, and to include color‑changing LED lighting for nighttime illumination.
Basic terms reported in the presentation: Visit OKC will provide all funding and payments to the artist; Arts and Cultural Affairs will provide guidance; the artist will install an art identification marker and sign a VERA waiver; Parks will provide general maintenance. Jones reported Visit OKC will donate a $10,000 maintenance fund to the city for the work.
Commission discussion included praise for the selection process; Commissioner Salyer served on the selection committee, Jones said. Commissioner Ackman asked about the maintenance fund and the commission recorded an answer of “$10,000” during the meeting. The commission voted to recommend the gift acceptance and commission agreements to City Council; the motion was announced as passed. The transcript does not record a roll‑call tally or the motion maker and seconder by name.
If approved by City Council, Arts and Cultural Affairs and Parks staff will coordinate installation, maintenance and lighting plans with Visit OKC and the artist.
