Art  powered by Rhythm

Beat Boxes

Creating East Tulsa’s Soundtrack

What Are Beat Boxes?

Beat Boxes is an immersive placemaking project that transforms six traffic control boxes in the Global District into interactive cultural art pieces.

Each Beat Box is created through a unique artistic collaboration:

  1. A local musician submits an original song.

  2. A visual artist listens deeply—melodies, lyrics, rhythm—and interprets the song into artwork.

  3. The artwork is wrapped around a street-side traffic box.

  4. A QR code invites the public to scan and listen to the exact song that inspired the design.

The result is a fusion of disciplines where:

  • Sound shapes color

  • Rhythm becomes pattern

  • Emotion transforms into public art

Instead of a gallery, the streets themselves become the exhibit. Instead of silence, the city becomes the soundtrack.

This project turns everyday infrastructure into a walkable journey through the artistic spirit of the Global District.

Call for Musicians & Vocal Artists

Tulsa Global District, with support from WeStreet Credit Union, invites local musicians, vocalists, and producers to submit their original songs for consideration in the next phase of Beat Boxes.

These songs must already be released and publicly accessible on platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, etc.

Selected musicians will receive a one-time stipend of $500 for participating in the project.

To protect artists and ensure transparency:

What the stipend means

  • It is compensation for your participation in the Beat Boxes installation.

  • It acknowledges your artistic contribution to the community.

What the stipend does NOT mean

  • Your song is NOT being purchased.

  • You do NOT give up copyright ownership.

  • No royalties or licensing rights are transferred.

  • Tulsa Global District will NOT monetize, sell, or commercially distribute your music.

Participants agree to:

  • Your song being used strictly for:

    • Non-commercial

    • Cultural

    • Promotional purposes

  • Your music remaining linked to the artwork for as long as the installation is active.

  • Tulsa Global District having the right to remove or replace songs if needed.

Your music remains wholly yours—and this project is designed to highlight your work, give you visibility, and connect you with new audiences. WeStreet will also support by promoting selected songs and participating artists.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, songs must:

  • Already be released and accessible publicly

  • Be original and legally owned by the submitting artist

  • Be appropriate for general audiences

    • No profanity

    • No discriminatory content

    • No glamorization of violence or illegal substances

  • Be in any language (all cultural expressions welcome)

How to Apply

Submit your application using the button below:

Apply here