Artist or Artist Team Experience:

This opportunity is open to professional artists of all skill-levels (emerging to established). A professional artist is someone who has developed skills through education, training or practice, is recognized as an artist by their peers (other artists working in the same artistic practice), has a history of public presentation or publication, seeks payment for their work, and actively practices their art (breaks in artist work history are acceptable).

Locality:

Artists or artist teams can be based anywhere in the United States of America. This opportunity encourages artists based in North Texas to apply.

Artwork Objectives:

DFW Airport seeks to exhibit multiple digital artworks in animated or video format across multiple baggage claim screens in Terminal C. While the preference for artworks is to select existing artwork*, there is also an opportunity to propose a commissioned artwork.

The artworks are intended to appear intermittently between advertisements, ensuring unobstructed viewing of the artwork. The digital artworks will be seen by passengers exiting the terminal, waiting for their baggage, or by those waiting to pick up arriving passengers.

*Existing Artwork: Artwork that is pre-existing or completed prior to this call. Qualifying artworks must be eligible for exclusive use by DFW Airport for up to two years (i.e., no other public or private party may purchase or display the artwork(s) during this period).

The goals of the artwork include:

• Enhance the baggage claim area with visually engaging content that integrates seamlessly into the space while providing a moment of artistic discovery for travelers.
• Contribute to a more welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, providing calming and visually engaging content to reduce travelers' stress levels during their wait.
• Curate contemplative artworks that engage viewers without requiring active participation, allowing travelers to experience the artwork at their own pace.

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 baggage claim, with the artwork area located on the straight length of the ‘halo’ shaped screen located above the conveyor belt.

Preliminary Considerations:

• Artwork Area: Approximate screen size is 50’w x 3’4” h screen size is an estimation at this time and is subject to change. Artworks will be displayed across multiple screens.
• Artwork Type: Digital artworks that are dynamic and in motion, such as video or animation. The piece must be audio-free, with a duration between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, and must be designed for looping or repeating. Static pieces will not be accepted. There are two options for how artist want to proceed:
  • Option 1: Submit an existing artwork that can be retrofitted for DFW’s use.
  • Option 2: Developing a commissioned (new) video artwork for DFW.
• Artwork Layout: Artwork must be displayed in landscape format.
• Artwork Style: Artwork should not be text-based or resemble a commercial or advertisement. All content must be suitable for all ages.
• Digital Specs & Format: Artist should be able to create CGI scene building, texturing, lighting, rendering and reformat the digital work to fit the required screen size, matrix size, pixel pitch, and final file format requirements. The screen’s specifications: Pixel Pitch (mm) = 2.500, Module Resolution (W x H) 120 x 135; Module Dimension (W X H, mm) = 300 x 337.5; Physical Pixel Density (pixels/m2) = 160,000. Please note this is the info for one Module, not the whole area. The area is made up of several modules to cover the desired total area.

Recommended Qualifications:

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

• Experience: Artist or artist teams can be emerging to established, and must be professional artist, meaning someone who has developed skills through education, training or practice, is recognized as an artist by their peers (other artists working in the same artistic practice), has a history of public presentation or publication, seeks payment for their work, and actively practices their art (breaks in artist work history are acceptable).
• Number of similar past projects: The artist or artist team is not required to have completed a similar project in terms of budget, scale, complexity, and/or application.
• Experience with large-scale digital art: The artist or artist team should have proven experience working with large-format digital video art.
• Artistic Recognition: The artist or artist team must have recognition within the local arts community. This can include being a recipient of awards, grants, or have participated in solo or group exhibitions (exhibits in educational settings are accepted).

Artwork Budget:

Artwork budget to be provided by applicant.

The budget should be inclusive of artist fees, technical programming, artwork reformatting and optimization, an exclusive license for a 2-year term and for DFW to keep the artwork as part of their permanent collection.

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.
• 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.

Option One – Existing Artwork Selection Process: Two-Stage Artist Call

Artists who select this option will be sharing up to three existing artwork. Selected artists will then have the opportunity to retrofit the artwork to suit the site conditions.

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. In the approach, please outline the tech requirements for your artwork (i.e., minimums specs for screens, data, power, etc.)
• 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.
• Existing Artwork (2-page limit per artwork) – Include up to three existing artworks that can be retrofitted to be displayed at DFW Airport Terminal C Baggage Claim areas. Eligible artworks must be fully completed and can be used exclusively by DFW Airport for up to two years (i.e., no other public or private entity may purchase or display the artwork during this period).
• Rough Budget Estimate: A template will be provided for artists to submit high-level estimates for the retrofitting and exhibition of the digital video art.
• References – Provide the name, email address, and phone number of two professional or educational references.

Stage Two: Artwork Selection

Artists will be notified if their existing artwork is selected to be retrofitted and exhibited at DFW.

Option 2 –Commissioned Artwork Selection Process: Three-Stage Artist Call

Artists who do not have suitable existing artwork can propose to create a commissioned artwork for DFW. This will follow a three-phase process, where artists will be paid to develop a concept, and selected concepts will be refined through a design process with DFW.

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)
• 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, 30 second to 1-minute video sample, up to three images/photographs of the artwork in situ, and a short description. Values must be provided in USD.
• 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. In the approach, please outline the tech requirements for your artwork (i.e., minimums specs for screens, data, power, etc.)
• Rough Budget Estimate: A template will be provided for artists to submit high-level estimates for commissioning digital video art.
• 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 applicants to develop an artwork 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 Artwork Concept Proposals, which will include the following elements:

• Preliminary Concept: A description of the artist/team’s preliminary approach and ideas for the project, including artwork statement, color palette, intended audience experience, duration, technical specifications (resolution, format, display requirements), production 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.
• Storyboard & Visual Preview:
  • A storyboard outlining the structure, scenes, and transitions.
  • One to three draft stills or style frames demonstrating the visual aesthetic.
  • 15–30-second test sequence or animatic that previews the artwork’s visual and motion style.
• Workback Schedule: Define the timeline and a workback schedule needed to deliver your artwork.
• Budget Breakdown: A detailed budget breakdown. An optional template with be provided.

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, Concept Proposal(s) 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: Existing artwork selection OR artist shortlisting and preliminary concept development
• October 2025 – November 2025: Stage 3: Winning Artist selection and contracting
• November 2025 – February 2026: Artwork Retrofitting OR Design development (Schematic, Detailed, and Final Design & approvals)
• March 2026 – May 2026: Fabrication
• Q3 2026: 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:

• Allowing the client to change the presentation and placement of the artwork (within DFW property) over time or choose not to exhibit the artwork;
• Engaging in maintenance and the conservation or restoration of 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/clips 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.

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.