Tampa International Airport will invest nearly $6M in new public art as part of its ongoing terminal expansion, issuing a Call for Artists tied to construction already underway.
The Airport will begin accepting submissions on Feb. 5 for eight commissioned installations across its facilities. Six of the works will be located in the new Airside D.
Two additional installations will be placed inside expanded security screening checkpoints in Airsides A and E, which opened in 2025.
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The commissions are part of the Airport’s Public Art Program, which has grown alongside Tampa’s broader infrastructure investment.
“Tampa International Airport is growing its award-winning art collection by seeking the participation of local, state, national and international artists,” Chief Commercial Officer Chris Minner said. “The new works of art will be original, creative and help us welcome the tens of millions of travelers TPA hosts each year.”
Budget and timeline
The Airport has allocated $5M for public art in Airside D as part of Phase 3 of its Master Plan.
A separate $820,000 has been budgeted for artwork inside the security checkpoints in Airsides A and E.
Those amounts include artist design fees, materials, fabrication, travel and final installation, along with any required subcontracted costs.
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Submissions will be accepted through the CaFÉ artist platform. The Call for Artists opens Feb. 5 and closes March 19.
Artists or teams working in any visual medium may apply.
Applicants must have experience completing public art projects and must confirm they have completed a commission or sold an artwork valued at $15,000 or more.
Selection process
The selection process will take place in two phases.
During the first phase, a Technical Evaluation Committee will review all submissions and develop a shortlist of qualified artists.
In the second phase, the Airport Public Art Committee will invite artists from that group to submit proposals.
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Each invited artist or team will receive a $4,000 stipend to develop three-dimensional views, models or other materials that communicate design intent.
One finalist will be selected for each location. Finalists will be presented to the board for final approval and contract award.
Recent public art investments
In recent years, the Airport has completed 16 new public art installations, including the 21-foot pink flamingo sculpture in the Main Terminal known as Phoebe.
For the new commissions, the Airport will consider freestanding sculpture, wall-mounted or ceiling-hung works, technology-based installations and artwork that may include functional elements.
Additional details, including submission requirements and an FAQ, are available through the Airport’s Call for Artists page. Artists with questions may contact Senior Procurement Agent Rayesha Cotton.
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