C3. Existing Digital Artwork, Terminal C, Baggage Claim Screens

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.

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 Type:

Short-format existing video artwork for display on LED screens. Artworks must be pre-produced and available for licensing.

Artwork Objectives:

DFW Airport seeks to exhibit multiple digital artworks in animated or video format across multiple baggage claim screens in Terminal C. Multiple artworks will be selected and rotate display on the screen. Each artwork will be a maximum of 1 minute in length, with looping capabilities.

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.

Preliminary Considerations:

• Artwork Area: The screen is 30’ w x 3’4” h Artworks will be displayed across x7 baggage claim devices exclusive to Terminal C. Dimensions are subject to change.
• Artwork Type: Digital artworks that are dynamic and in motion, such as video or animation. The piece must be audio-free. Static pieces will not be accepted.
• Artwork Length: Artworks may be up to 1 minute in length. Artworks should seamless loop (e.g., there is no distinct beginning or end)
• Artwork Layout: Artwork must be displayed in landscape format. If the artwork is less than 30’ in length, it should be have capabilities to be reformatted or stitched together to create one 30’ artwork.
• Artwork Style: Artwork should not be text-based or resemble a commercial or advertisement. All content must be suitable for all ages.
• Artwork Content: Artwork should align with DFW Airports Artwork Themes. Artwork should not be aggressive, stressful, or overly stimulating and avoid rapid flashing, intense motion, or high-contrast patterns that could trigger discomfort for people with sensitivities or photosensitive epilepsy.
• Digital Specs & Format: Screen is LSCC018-GZ, Pixel pitch is 1.875 mm, Resolution 14240 px x 540 px, size 30’w x 3’4”H

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.
• Artistic Recognition: The artist or artist team must have recognition within the 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: $15,000 – $50,000

The budget should be inclusive of artist fees, technical programming, artwork reformatting and optimization and licensing.

The budget also includes a 10-year exclusive Airport license, followed by an indefinite non-exclusive license, allowing the airport to retain and present the artwork within its collection long term.

The budget range is intended to support a diversity of artistic practices, career levels, and technical approaches. Artists are encouraged to propose a fee that reflects their practice and the scope, complexity, and production requirements of their work. A detailed budget and rationale must be provided to support the proposed fee.

Artwork Themes:

The following artistic themes are intended to inspire artists and foster 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.

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, and how the artwork aligns with the project goals.
• 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 – Submit up to three existing video artworks that can be adapted for display within the DFW Airport Terminal C Baggage Claim areas. Preference will be given to works that can be edited or formatted to accommodate multiple durations (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 seconds).
• Budget Estimate - A template will be provided for artists to submit their proposed fee for the artwork.
• 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.

Key Dates:

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

• August 17, 2026 – September 16, 2026: Stage 1: Expression of Interest & Qualifications application acceptance period
• September 2026 – November 2026 2026: Stage 2: Artwork Selection
• November 2026 – February 2027: Winning artists notified and contracting
• February 2027 – June 2027: Artwork Retrofitting and High-Resolution Files provided to DFW Airport and DFW Approval
• 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:

• Allowing the client over time or choose not to exhibit the artwork.
• The artist will also grant the client an irrevocable right to make video recordings/clips and/or take photographs of the artwork.
• Artist will grant the client a license to use the 1 minute video excerpt of the work in two portions: a. Exclusive License Period for a period of 10 years, and b. And non exclusive license for an indefinite period after the 10 years. During the exclusive period, Artist shall not license the licensed clip to any other airport or aviation facility.
• The client will have the right to play this video in Terminal C and over the x7 baggage claim screens only.

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

Applicant Support:

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