TPA Call for Artists - Public Art Commissions
Tampa International Airport seeks visual artists for 8 new public art installations across airport facilities with $5.82M total budget.
Tampa International Airport is expanding its award-winning Public Art Program by issuing a Call for Artists to create eight new commissions across various airport locations. The airport is allocating nearly $6 million for these installations, marking a significant expansion of its diverse and innovative public art initiatives.
The eight commission opportunities are distributed across three locations: six installations in the forthcoming Airside D (a new 16-gate international and domestic airside currently under construction), and one installation each in the newly expanded security screening checkpoints in Airsides A and E, which opened in 2025.
The Call for Artists is open to visual artists and artist teams working in any medium who have experience executing projects from concept to installation completion, managing specified budgets and timeframes, and collaborating with public agencies in the public realm. Artists must have previously completed a commission or sold a piece of artwork for a minimum of $15,000 to be eligible.
The submission process begins February 5, 2026, and closes March 19, 2026. Artists should submit their work samples through the CaFÉ artist platform. The two-phase selection process includes a Technical Evaluation Committee review to develop a shortlist of qualified artists, followed by the Airport Public Art Committee inviting selected artists to submit detailed proposals. Each invited artist or team receives a $4,000 stipend to develop 3-D renderings, maquettes, and model photographs. Final selections are presented to the board for approval and contract award.
Budget allocations include $5 million for Airside D commissions and $820,000 combined for the security checkpoint installations. Commissions cover design fees, materials, fabrication, artist travel, and installation costs. A diverse range of artistic forms will be considered, including freestanding sculptures, wall-mounted art, ceiling-hung installations, technology-based art, and potentially functional elements.