Artist or Artist Team Experience & Locality:

This opportunity is open to emerging and mid-career professional artists. 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 should be based in North Texas.

Artwork Objectives:

DFW Airport seeks to commission a visual artist to develop a digital design for the terrazzo floor in the Skylink Terminal. The selected artist will not be responsible for fabrication, DFW Airport will oversee the production and installation of the terrazzo flooring. The artwork is to complement the existing 5 artworks in each terminal at DFW Airport. To read more about the existing artworks, visit ‘Terrazzo Floors’ in DFW Airport’s Existing Art Collection: https://www.dfwairport.com/explore/art/existing-collection/

Artwork Goals:

• Integrate art into the Skylink platform floor for continuity with other terminals, enhancing airport-wide visual identity and cohesion.
• Reflect the identity and character of North Texas, embedding a sense of place into Terminal F’s arrival and departure experience.
• Introduce a fresh, contemporary take on terrazzo, using vibrant colors and modern aesthetics to push the medium’s artistic potential.
• Engage travelers with an eye-catching composition that enhances the experience of waiting for or exiting the Skylink train.

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. Image of Terminal F’s Skylink Platform, with the terrazzo floor that will be designed by highlighted in orange; this outline is conceptual, representing an approximate footprint that is subject to change and will be refined during the design process.

Image of Terminal F’s Skylink Platform, with the terrazzo floor that will be designed by highlighted in orange; this outline is conceptual, representing an approximate footprint that is subject to change and will be refined during the design process.

Preliminary Considerations:

• Artwork Area: 125’X40’, approx. area 4,960 sq ft
• Artwork Type: Digital design. DFW Airport Contractor will fabricate the design into terrazzo.
• Design Considerations: Detailed design considerations will be provided to shortlisted artists in Stage Two: Artwork Concept Proposal. Key Considerations include:
  • Designs should compliment existing artwork in Skylink terminals, including palette and imagery.
  • Designs should easily translate to the terrazzo medium.

Recommended Qualifications:

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

• Experience: Artists should be emerging or mid-career. Recent graduates are also encouraged to apply. All applicants must be considered a 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 (this could include graduate exhibitions or thesis work), 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.
• 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: $40,000 - $55,000

The budget is inclusive of artist fee for delivering high-resolution digital files (specifications will be provided by design/builder during second stage of the artist call). An additional budget, managed by DFW Airport in coordination with the selected artist/artist team, will cover site preparation, design engineering, fabrication, installation, artwork insurance, contingency, and maintenance. 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.

Applicants selected to develop a concept proposal will be required to submit a detailed breakdown of the artwork budget.

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.

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)
• Resume or CV (2-page limit per team member) – Include current professional 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.
• 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.
• 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 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, material specifications, 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
  • Two computer generated 2D drawings (plan, section) of the artwork clearly defining its dimensions, form, volume, structure, materials, inlay details, and colors.
• 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, 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.

• May 16, 2025 – June 13, 2025: Stage 1: Expression of Interest & Qualifications application acceptance period
• July 2025 – September 2025: Stage 2: Artist shortlisting and preliminary concept development
• October 2025 – November 2025: Stage 3: Winning Artist selection and contracting
• November 2025 – September 2026: Design development (Schematic, Detailed, and Final Design & approvals)
• August 2026 – March 2027: Fabrication
• Q2 2027: 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 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;
• Allow client to re-construct commissioned design within Terminal F expansion as required;
• 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.

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.