C1: Suspended Artwork, Terminal C North Exit Canyon

Artist or Artist Team Experience:

Successful submissions will likely be from artists mid-career and above. The artist, or artist team, would have developed a consistent body of work and defining style, and has gained local, regional or national recognition. Artists may have a range of professional achievements (e.g., solo and group exhibitions, honors/awards, grants, etc.). While not strictly tied to years of experience, mid-career artists typically have 5–9 years of experience.

Locality:

Artists or artist teams can be based anywhere in the world.

Artwork Objectives:

DFW seeks to commission a suspended artwork above an escalator and elevator landing area used by arriving passengers exiting Terminal C through baggage claim on the level below. The artwork will be positioned between these two levels, suspended from the ceiling above the escalator. It will be visible from the check-in area for departures, the passenger walkway beyond security, as well as, baggage claim and passenger pickup.

The artwork goals include:

• Creating a “wow-worthy” feature in a high-traffic area, visible to both arriving and departing passengers.
• Propose a site-specific artwork that emerges from a nuanced understanding of DFW Airport and the broader North Texas context, reflecting a distinct sense of place through an original body of work developed specifically for this opportunity.
• Enhancing the visual experience of the arrivals and departures areas.
• Establishing a strong sense of place, serving as a visual anchor to aid in wayfinding and navigation.
• Enriching the travel experience by providing a calming presence for arriving travelers and inspiring a sense of anticipation for those departing.
• Adding vibrancy and engaging viewers of all demographics.
• Complementing the design intent of the surrounding architecture by maintaining clear sight lines across the arrivals and departures areas and incorporating elements that play with volume, transparency, or light.

Art Location Rendering:

The following image shows the location of the artwork. Site conditions and image are subject to change based on final architectural designs and operational needs.

View from arriving passengers heading towards baggage claim escalators. The art opportunity location is highlighted in orange; this outline is conceptual, representing an approximate footprint that will be refined during the design process.

Preliminary Considerations:

• Artwork Area: An irregular “S”-shaped artwork footprint with an approximate area of 650 sq. ft. and an overall length of approximately 61 ft. from end to end. The installation height will vary between approximately 6 ft. to 11 ft. above the escalator. Dimensions are approximate and subject to change.
• Artwork Type: Suspended sculpture anchored to the ceiling.
• Design Considerations: Detailed design considerations will be provided to shortlisted artists in Stage Two: Artwork Concept Proposal. Key Considerations include:
  • Maintaining views and sightlines.
  • Passengers should not be able to touch or reach the artwork.
  • Artwork must be durable for minimum of 25 years.
  • Materials must be resilient against dust accumulation and easy to clean and maintain.
  • Artwork must not compromise the security of the airport.
  • Artwork must be reviewed and stamped by a certified, licensed Texas engineer, and must comply with all applicable regulations and required drawing and report formats.
  • Selected Artists are responsible to design, engineering, procure and install all secondary structures that support the artwork from the building ceiling. The anchors will neither be designed nor provided by the airport. This ceiling area is capable of supporting a live load of 80–100 pounds per square foot (PSF) and a concentrated load of up to 2,000 pounds.

Recommended Qualifications:

The following are the minimum requirements that applicants must meet in order to be considered for the public art opportunity.

• Experience: Artists will most likely be considered mid-career and above. Meaning, the artist, or artist team, must have developed a consistent body of work and defining style, and has gained recognition. Artists may have a range of professional achievements (e.g., solo and group exhibitions, honors/awards, grants, etc.). While not strictly tied to years of experience, mid-career artists typically have 5–9 years of experience. The Artist must be ready to engage a qualified support team to handle all technical documentation, including architectural CAD, shop drawings, and engineering drawings and reports, as well as the design and implementation of the secondary structure, and ongoing coordination with multiple stakeholders.
• Number of similar past projects: The artist or artist team should have at least one similar project in terms of budget, scale, complexity, and/or application.
• Experience with large-scale sculptures: The artist or artist team should have proven experience working with sculptural or 3D artworks. Experience with suspended artworks is considered an asset.
• Experience in public art: While experience in public art is not required, preference will be given to artists or artist teams with experience working within the technical and logistical constraints of public artworks.
• Artistic Recognition: The artist or artist team must have recognition within the arts community (either locally, nationally, or internationally). This can include being a recipient of awards, grants, or have participated in solo or group exhibitions.

Artwork Budget: $625,000 - $725,000 USD

The budget is inclusive of artist fees, artist insurance, travel, artwork fabrication, prototype scale 1:1, design, engineering, material testing, shipping/duties/delivery, anchoring structure, design coordination and implementation of secondary structure, installation of secondary structure, installation of artwork, one-year maintenance, airport security badging, and contingency. Additional allocation, managed by DFW in coordination with the selected artist/artist team, will review additional costs on a case by case basis including site preparation (if needed), and/or additional engineering validation or site specific requirements (install equipment/etc). Successful artists will be required to have a minimum of $1 million USD in general liability insurance coverage during the design development, fabrication, and installation phases.

Please note that successful artists will be required to receive an Airport Badge for artwork installation. This requires detailed security checks and two site visits to obtain appropriate clearances. Associated costs and travel is to be included in the budget. Read more about DFW Badging.

Shortlisted artists are required to develop a concept proposal that includes a detailed budget breakdown, along with details on anticipated fabrication and production needs, approach, and potential suppliers or subcontractors.

Artwork Themes:

The following artistic themes are intended to inspire artists and provide initial direction, fostering a cohesive thematic unity across DFW Airport artworks.

• Connected Journeys: This theme emphasizes the concept of connectivity, both within the unique cultural blend of Dallas and Fort Worth and the airport's role as a gateway to the world. Artworks may highlight the connection between these two distinct cities, their global reach, and the rich aviation history that ties them together. Symbolizing DFW Airport as a nexus of travel and cultural exchange, artists are encouraged to explore ideas of movement, connection, and openness to diverse cultures, while also reflecting on the legacy of aviation that has made DFW Airport a critical hub for international and domestic journeys.
• Legacy & Innovation: North Texas boasts a rich heritage rooted in beloved Western traditions, yet the same entrepreneurial spirit that fueled the oil and transportation industries now leads to a growing hub of innovation, earning the nickname "Silicon Prairie." Artworks can reflect this dynamic duality by celebrating the region's historical roots while embracing its forward-looking spirit. Pieces may highlight DFW's evolution as the fourth-largest metro area in the country, showcasing its blend of tradition and technological advancement.
• Cultural Tapestry: Reflecting the diverse communities of the Dallas Fort Worth region, this theme highlights the rich and dynamic mosaic of cultures, histories, and identities in North Texas. Artworks may celebrate the region’s multiculturalism, showcasing the significant contributions and traditions of African American, Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, and other communities. They can also honor the area’s evolving history and heritage, from Indigenous roots to the present day. These pieces can foster unity and mutual respect, illustrating the inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape that defines DFW.

While these themes provide a framework, other themes can be explored as long as they align with the overarching vision and reflect the cultural, historical, social/political, and environmental identities of the Dallas Fort Worth region and the airport’s identity.

Selection Process: Three-Stage Artist Call

Stage One: Expression of Interest & Qualifications

Submit the following materials through this form. All items must be received for the application to be considered.

• Artistic Statement and Biography (Combined 500-word limit)
• Letter of Interest (500-word limit) – Describe the artist or team’s interest in this opportunity, relevant experience, plan to meet the project’s goals, and preliminary approach.
• Professional Resume or CV (2-page limit per team member) – Include current professional experience, past public art experience, and other information relevant to the call. Each CV must include the artist's name, address, email, webpage, and phone number on the first page.
• Portfolio – Include up to 6 past projects. For each project, include the title, medium, dimensions, project budget, year completed, location, up to three images/photographs, and a short description. Values must be provided in USD.
• References – Provide the name, email address, and phone number of two professional or educational references.

Stage Two: Artwork Concept Proposals

The Airport Art Advisory Committee, consisting of eight art experts from Dallas and Fort Worth, will review applications and make recommendations to DFW Airport of up to five (5) applicants per opportunity to develop an artwork concept proposal between September and October 2026. Shortlisted applicants, upon entering into an agreement with DFW Airport to prepare a Preliminary Concept, will receive a detailed design brief and participate in briefing meetings to guide the development of their Artwork Concept Proposals, which will include the following elements:

• Preliminary Concept Description: A description of the artist/team’s preliminary approach and ideas for the project, including artwork statement, color palette, material and equipment specifications, fabrication process, maintenance and durability considerations, and a financial estimate (template to be provided). Concept development must align with the technical requirements outlined in the design brief provided to shortlisted artists. Note: During concept development, concepts may be vetted by technical team members, including engineers and architects, to ensure compatibility with the surrounding environment and structure.
• Drawings and renders:
  • One to three 3D renders of artwork in-situ with color, texture, and finish
  • Three 2D CAD drawings in pdf format (plan, elevation, section) clearly defining its dimensions, form, volume, structure.
• Workback Schedule: Define the timeline and a workback schedule needed to deliver your artwork, while respecting the planned installation date. Also define equipment and staff needed during all phases.
• Budget Breakdown: A detailed budget breakdown.

Note: Additional tasks may include virtual presentations to decision makers.

Shortlisted artists or artist teams who submit a complete concept package containing the above information will be provided with a fee of $3,500 USD.

Stage Three: Artist Selection for Final Design and Commissioning

After review of the shortlisted applicant’s submission of Concept Proposals, one Concept Proposal will be awarded for final design and commissioning of the proposed artwork.

Key Dates:

A detailed schedule will be provided to successful candidates. The following dates are subject to change.

• June 15, 2026 – July 16, 2026: Stage 1: Expression of Interest & Qualifications application acceptance period
• July 2026 – October 2026: Stage 2: Artist shortlisting and preliminary concept development
• November 2026 – February 2027: Stage 3: Winning Artist selection and contracting
• February 2027 – June 2027: Design development (Detailed, and Final Design & approvals)
• June 2027 – March 2028: Fabrication
• Q3 2028: Estimated installation

Terms and Conditions:

The artists retain attribution (named author of the work) and integrity rights that they have or may have in the artworks created for the Project. The artist understands that the artwork will be part of the Client’s collection and will be associated with its activities. The artist therefore does not consider the following acts to constitute a violation of the artist’s moral rights:

• DFW Airport will retain Title Ownership and Copyright will become property of DFW Airport.
• Allowing the client to change the presentation and placement of the artwork over time or choose not to exhibit the artwork;
• Engaging in maintenance and the conservation or restoration of the artwork;
• Lending the artwork;
• Selling or donating the artwork;
• Deaccessioning or removal or disposal of the artwork from the collection;
• The artist will also grant the client an irrevocable right to make video recordings and/or take photographs of the artwork for the purposes of creating marketing and promotional material or small scale reproduction.

*Client will not distort or modify the design intent of the artwork unless required for maintenance, safety, or functionality within the Airport.

Applicant Support:

For any assistance with the application process, please email DFWart@MASSIVart.com.