Mayor Mick Cornett and the Oklahoma City Arts Commission today honored Leadership Oklahoma City and the Plaza District Association with the Curtis A. Schwartz Cityscape Award for their contributions to improve the City’s aesthetic quality.

Leadership Oklahoma City was selected for their donation of a $400,000, 25-foot-tall steel and aluminum sculpture titled “Compass Rose.” The sculpture was created by artist Owen Morrel and islocated in the Boathouse District along the Oklahoma River.

The Plaza District Association was selected for their revival of the Plaza District, located on NW 16th Street between Classen and Penn Avenue. Over nearly 20 years, the district has transformed from a crime ridden area to vibrant district with a 96.4 percent occupancy rate.  Retail sales for 2013 reached $350,000 and many of the businesses experienced record sales during the 2013 Plaza District Festival.

“These projects have a true sense of place, cultural interest, community involvement and a vision for tomorrow,” Robbie Kienzle, Liaison, Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs said.  “They have animated both public and private spaces, rejuvenated districts and neighborhoods and brought diverse people together to celebrate local culture and accomplishments.

The Cityscape Award was created in 1983 by the Oklahoma City Arts Commission and was renamed the Curtis A. Schwartz Cityscape Award in 1985 in memory of Curtis A. Schwartz, an advocate for the arts in Oklahoma City.

The award is presented biennially to recognize contributions that improve the aesthetic quality of Oklahoma City by displaying art, or through the use of architecture or landscaping, which is accessible to the public. 

“Creative placemaking leverages the power of arts, culture and creativity in driving a city’s growth and transformation in a way that also builds character and quality of place,” Kienzle added.

Contact:  Kristy Yager
297-2550 / 863-2831
kristy.yager@okc.gov