By Bailey Coyle, Fox23 News
TULSA, Okla. — A new public art project in Tulsa’s Global District is turning everyday traffic control boxes into vibrant works of art inspired by local music.
The Beat Boxes Project combines visual art and sound, showcasing Tulsa talent while also highlighting the diverse culture that defines the district.
Global District Tulsa Executive Director Alejandro Garcia said the project is part of a broader effort to revitalize the area and celebrate its multicultural identity.
The Global District is one of four designated Main Street districts in Tulsa, alongside Kendall Whittier, Greenwood and Route 66.
Garcia said his organization focuses on supporting entrepreneurs while improving the look and feel of the district through beautification projects, cultural events and placemaking efforts.
“This project is about using public areas to reflect the multicultural aspect of the community.”
The Beat Boxes Project started as a way to make public spaces more engaging.
Originally, Garcia envisioned music-inspired murals, but limited wall space led to a new idea: transforming traffic control boxes into art installations.
The district launched an open call for local musicians, receiving 102 original songs from Tulsa artists across multiple genres.
From those submissions, six songs were selected—one for each traffic control box.
Artists were then paired with the selected songs. Each artist listened to the lyrics and sound of their assigned piece before designing artwork inspired by the music.
The finished designs will wrap around the boxes, many styled to resemble classic boom boxes.
Once installed, each box will include a QR code allowing visitors to scan and listen to the song that inspired the artwork, creating an interactive experience.
Garcia said the goal is to make people feel connected to what they see.
“When you scan the code, you’ll be able to listen to the song that inspired the graphic. In that moment, you’re listening to what you’re watching. It creates an immersive experience.”
Garcia said the area includes businesses and residents representing many Latin American and Asian communities, including Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cultures.
Projects like Beat Boxes are designed to reflect that diversity in visible ways.
“What we’re trying to do is make every opportunity in public spaces reflect the cultural diversity of the city. It also helps boost the mood of people when they see their daily interactions reflected in the environment around them.”
The Beat Boxes Project is just one of several beautification efforts planned for the district.
Garcia said the organization is also working on gateway markers and signage to help visitors recognize when they’ve entered the Global District.
Those projects are funded in part through grants from national Main Street programs and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Funding for the Beat Boxes Project came through a partnership with local sponsors, including WeStreet Credit Union, which helped support the artistic initiative.
Applications for the project opened in March and artists have already completed their designs.
Garcia said the district is waiting on final city approvals before installation begins.
If all goes as planned, the six Beat Boxes could be installed within the next two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Organizers are also planning a future event featuring live performances from the musicians whose songs inspired the artwork.
Garcia said he’s excited to see how the community responds once the installations are in place.
“I can’t wait to see people walking or driving by and wondering what the song looks like or sounds like. Some of these songs talk about Tulsa, things people connect to. That’s what makes this project special.”
