The Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) has released five separate requests for qualifications (RFQs) on behalf of the Houston Airport System (HAS) to commission artworks for the new international terminal at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The public artworks have a combined budget of $3 million.
Earlier this year, the organization announced that Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee’s design was chosen for the 240-foot tunnel to the international terminal. Since the new RFQs are slated for various spaces throughout the terminal, MOCA is encouraging submissions by international artists living in the Americas with U.S. representation.
In the press release announcing the commissions, Mayor Sylvester Turner stated, “As a global city, Houston is also the nation’s most diverse city. One in four Houston residents was born abroad, and more than 145 languages are spoken here. It is fitting that we open this opportunity to artists from across the Americas whose talents can articulate the kaleidoscope of people that make our city special.”
He continued, “These artworks will not only leave a profound impression on travelers passing through our international airport but will also strengthen our standing as a premier international city.”
The locations, as described by MOCA, are:
Departures Hall entrance at the new International Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Departures Façade (Passenger Drop-Off Area), a heavily trafficked area, where three artworks will be a major focal point with views throughout the hall and the exterior passenger drop off level. The RFQ calls for a “Panorama of Houston” that celebrates and reflects the rich and diverse local fabric that makes the city unique, such as Houston’s ecology, economy, recreation, diversity, food culture, and robust art culture.
Budget: $857,000
Completion deadline: December 2023
Departure Level Garage Wall Installation, a drop-off area where artwork will be a major focal point with views from the exterior drop-off area and the Departures Hall. The intent is for a large wall installation that reflects the inspiration and innovation of Houston, reflecting the “Panorama of Houston” theme.
Budget: $600,000
Completion deadline: December 2023
Arrivals Level Garage Wall Installation, a location where passengers wait for their transportation. The intent is for a large wall installation. The RFQ calls for a “Welcome to Houston” theme that celebrates and evokes the rich and diverse local fabric that makes Houston inspiring for residents and visitors alike.
Budget: $600,000
Completion deadline: December 2023
Arrivals Pet Area Sculpture, a place where passengers await their transportation in the outdoor lounge area or pet relief area. The intent is for a large-scale free standing sculpture commission that reflects the “Welcome to Houston” theme.
Budget: $334,000
Completion deadline: December 2023
Arrivals Lobby Artwork (Elevator Bank), a spot where arriving passengers will view the Arrivals Lobby artwork as they make their way through to the passenger pick up area. The intent is for a large two-dimensional wall-mounted artwork commission, also inspired by the “Welcome to Houston” theme.
Budget: $157,000
Completion deadline: December 2023
Submissions are due by Monday, April 11, 2022 at 11:59 pm. To learn more about the guidelines and to submit your work, visit Submittable.
Applicants are encouraged to send questions to [email protected] by Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
