Call for Artists: Suspended Artwork Installation – The Tulsa Airports

Airport Art and Culture Program

The Mission of the Airport Art and Culture Program is to enhance the aesthetic experience of visitors to Tulsa International Airport.

Tulsa International Airport is the gateway to a region that enjoys heavy employment in the aviation, healthcare, and oil and gas industries.  Tulsa citizens enjoy an array of world-class cultural venues that offer a variety of visual and performing art displays. The Airport Art and Culture Program creates a signature identity for the Airport, and thus for the city of Tulsa, that reflects our diverse and thriving community.

A unified program of art utilizing multiple media and venues showcases the innovation, sophistication and energy which define Tulsa. Through the resources and talents cultivated in this region, public art provides a portal to the community, highlighting its lifestyle and culture.

The Airport Public Art and Culture Program is the result of a community wide effort that involves members of Tulsa’s arts district and corporate citizens who value the impact of these assets in the community. These volunteers make up the airport’s Cultural Advisory Group and are charged with crafting a program that reflects the unique characteristics and outstanding talents of the local community.

The Airport has identified two different locations at the airport for suspended artwork. The artist will have the opportunity to choose which location out of the two available that they would like to utilize for their suspended artwork installation. 

A budget of $250,000 has been designated for this installation. The selected artwork budget must be inclusive of all costs including but not limited to artists fees, studio overhead, consultant fees, purchase of materials, artwork fabrication, permits if required, site preparation, transportation, installation of work, construction and installation of any necessary bases and lighting, general public liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, and contingency. The selected artist will be responsible for the appropriate allocation of the funds to the artist’s project components.

Additionally, the Tulsa Airports Improvements Trust (TAIT) reserves the right to relocate the piece in the case of security measures and/or unforeseen construction. Upon such an event, the artist would be responsible for finding an alternate location and reinstalling the artwork. Costs of artist travel, relocation, and reinstallation would be covered by TAIT.

The airport will select up to five (5) applicants and provide a $2,000 stipend for travel to Tulsa, OK to present their final concept to the Selection Committee. The stipend is to be used for travel expenses, presentation materials, and concept production.