Case Study: The Impact of the Musical Bikes in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The interactive artwork Musical Bikes, created by Atracktiv Studio, was presented in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66. For the occasion, the public took on a major challenge: cycling the full length of the legendary American highway!

A presentation adapted to its context

Presented as part of the Route 66 centennial celebrations, Musical Bikes benefited from a series of initiatives designed to anchor the artwork within its host territory. For the occasion, Atracktiv Studio developed an interactive Route 66 map, accessible through a QR code installed on site. Visitors could track, in real time, the cumulative distance cycled on the bikes and collectively contribute to a symbolic challenge: completing the equivalent distance of the famous American route. This simple yet effective mechanism created a strong sense of participation, giving visitors a reason to return, share their experience, and contribute to a common goal.

Beyond its interactive nature, one of the key strengths of Musical Bikes lies in its ability to adapt. The installation’s soundtrack can be fully customized to reflect the identity of the host location, the history of a territory, or the theme of an event. This flexibility allows the artwork to naturally integrate into a wide variety of contexts and create a stronger connection with the communities that experience it.

The ability to create a tailored version of the installation represents a powerful engagement tool for presenters. By embracing the identity of a territory rather than offering a standardized experience, Musical Bikes becomes a cultural mediation tool capable of fostering a sense of belonging and enhancing the impact of the events in which it is presented.

Partners Already Interested in Future Collaborations

The success of this presentation also relied on the strong commitment of local partners, who helped create real momentum around Musical Bikes. Activities involving the Urban Sketchers, Tulsa Girls Art School, a cycling club, the Tulsa Police Department’s Bike Unit, and the Tulsa Market District Association encouraged a wide range of audiences to engage with the installation. Concerts, family activities, and community events transformed Musical Bikes into a vibrant gathering place throughout its stay in Tulsa.

This presentation demonstrates that a public artwork can go far beyond its installation. By developing initiatives tailored to the local context, presenters can create more opportunities for public engagement while maximizing the cultural and community impact of the project.

According to Katy Hall, Chief Communications Officer at the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, Musical Bikes struck “the perfect balance of fun and engagement with every turn of the pedal.” The custom playlist developed for the occasion also brought the story of Route 66 to life in a playful and inclusive way.

Following this successful presentation, discussions have already begun with Tulsa partners about potential future collaborations, including the presentation of other works from the QDSinternational collection. This interest reflects the trust built through this first collaboration and the long-term value that interactive public art can bring to host communities.