Curator Experience:

Successful submissions will come from professional curators that have a demonstrated track record of organizing exhibitions or site-specific installations. Professional achievements may include organizing solo or group exhibitions, securing grants or awards, publishing written work, or collaborating with cultural institutions.

Locality:

Curators and exhibited artists should be based in North Texas.

Exhibit Objectives:

DFW Airport seeks to work with a local curator to activate the glass case exhibition space in the Terminal C South Baggage Claim Meeter-Greeter space. The curator will present one or more emerging artists from their local community in a 1-2 year exhibition.

*Note: Curators should feature emerging artists from their own community (e.g., a Fort Worth-based curator should showcase Fort Worth artists).

The goals of the exhibition include:

• Curate a compelling exhibition featuring one or a few impactful artworks that transform the glass case into a striking visual experience.
• Maximize the spatial impact of the glass case, ensuring the artwork(s) fully activate and engage the space.
• Display art that reflects the cultural richness and vibrancy of North Texas, celebrating local identity and unique artistic communities.
• Offer travelers a moment of reflection and engagement, turning the baggage claim area into a welcoming and enriching space.

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 of Terminal C South Baggage Claim Meeter-Greeter Space glass exhibition case. 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: 27’wX2’dX10’h
• Artwork Type: Open-medium.
• Design Considerations: Detailed design considerations will be provided to shortlisted artists in Stage Two: Artwork Concept Proposal. Key Considerations include:
  • Exhibit term is 12-24 months.
  • Anticipate impact from glare of windows, sunlight, and potentially nearby LED screens.
  • Case access is from the front via glass openings.
  • The cases will have integrated lighting, power, and data points.
  • Consider one to a few captivating artworks to ensure the artwork(s) fully activate and engage with the glass case space, rather than many smaller or disconnected artifacts.
  • Curators must work with artist(s) that are based in the curators same location (e.g., a Fort Worth-based curator should showcase Fort Worth artists)
  • Consider annual maintenance needs and efficient install and dismantle during airport operations

Recommended Qualifications:

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

• Experience: Professional curators should have a demonstrated track record of organizing exhibitions or site-specific installations. Professional achievements may include organizing solo or group exhibitions, securing grants or awards, publishing written work, or collaborating with cultural institutions. Experience working with emerging artist is not required, but preference will be given to artist who have worked with emerging artists.
• Number of similar past projects: The curator should have organized at least one exhibition or site-specific installation of comparable scale, budget, complexity, and/or visibility.
• Exhibition & Curation Expertise: Applicants should have experience developing and managing exhibitions, considering factors such as spatial composition, audience engagement, and storytelling within a defined space.
• Curator Recognition: The curator must have recognition within the arts community (either locally, nationally, or internationally). Recognition may include awards, grants, publications, or experience organizing solo or group exhibitions for art organizations and institutions.

Artwork Budget: $110,000 - $160,000

The budget is inclusive of curatorial fees, subcontracted artist fees, fabrication and/or artwork loan agreements, 1 year maintenance, and installation. Additional allocation, managed by DFW in coordination with the selected curator, 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 curators will be required to have a minimum of $1 million USD in general liability insurance coverage during the full exhibition term; including design development, fabrication, and installation phases.

Applicants selected to develop a concept proposal will be required to submit a detailed breakdown of the artwork budget, along with details on anticipated fabrication and production needs, approach, and potential suppliers or subcontractors.

Artwork / Exhibit 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.
• Landscape Tales: This theme invites artists to explore and depict the unique geographical and natural allure of North Texas. Artworks can convey a deep sense of place, connecting travelers to the diverse landscapes that shape the region. From the sweeping prairies and the Trinity River to the distinctive climate, flora, and fauna, these artworks may celebrate the natural beauty and environmental richness that characterize 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.

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

Stage Two: Curatorial Exhibit 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 (5) applicants per opportunity to develop a curatorial exhibition concept proposal between July and August 2025. In July, 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 curatorial exhibition concept proposal, which will include the following elements:

• Preliminary Concept – A description of the curator’s preliminary approach and ideas for the project, including number of artworks and potential artists involved, subject and theme of the exhibition, title, curatorial 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 curators. 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 –
  • 1 - 2 renders of the exhibit design and layout.
  • One elevation drawing with dimensions of the artwork clearly defining form, volume, structure, materials, and colors.
• Workback Schedule: Define the timeline and a workback schedule needed to deliver your artwork. Define also equipment and staff needed during all phases.
• Budget Breakdown: A detailed budget breakdown. An optional template with be provided.

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

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

Stage Three: Curator Selection for Final Design

After review of the shortlisted applicant’s submission of curatorial exhibit concept proposal, one 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.

• April 22, 2025 – May 20, 2025: Stage 1: Expression of Interest & Qualifications application acceptance period
• June 2025 – August 2025: Stage 2: Artist shortlisting and preliminary concept development
• October 2025 – November 2025: Stage 3: Winning Artist selection and contracting
• November 2025 – February 2026: Design development (Schematic, Detailed, and Final Design & approvals)
• March 2026 – May 2026: Fabrication
• Q3 2026: Estimated installation

Terms and Conditions:

The curator and artist(s) will retain attribution (named author/curator of the work/exhibition) and integrity rights that they have or may have in the artworks created for the Project. The curator and artist understands that the artwork will be on loan to 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:

• 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;
• 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.
**Curator and Artist(s) will be responsible for both installing, maintaining, and dismantling the exhibition at the end of 12–24 month exhibit term.

Applicant Support:

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is committed to equity and equal opportunity in all aspects of its work and actively welcomes proposals from all interested parties. For any assistance with the application process, please email DFWart@MASSIVart.com