Workshop draws artists from Tampa Bay and around the world

(August 17, 2015) - Artists from Germany, England, Africa, Israel, Peru and points in between joined local artists to participate in a workshop August 14 to learn about Tampa International’s upcoming procurement for public art. 

With a budget of $3.5 million to place art in 12 locations, it’s the largest call to artists in airport history.  The airport officially launched the call on August 17 to begin the selection of artwork as part of the airport’s $953 million expansion.

“We haven’t commissioned a new piece of art since we opened the south end of the Economy Parking Garage in 2008. I think it’s well past time to celebrate art in our community once again,” Chris Minner, the airport’s Vice President of Marketing told workshop participants.

Over 250 artists and artist representatives participated in the outreach event.  Some 112 attended in person, while another 140 participated from points across the globe through a web-sharing connection. In all, over 800 artists have signed up to stay informed and express their interest in the public art procurement.

Minner gave the audience an overview of Tampa International Airport, including the rich history of the airport, insight into its values, brand and accomplishments. He continued with an overview of the airport’s Public Art Program along with its 30 collections valued at over $11 million.

The Public Art Program dates back to 1998, but works in the Airport’s collection date back to 1939 with the George Snow Hill WPA murals on display in Airside E.

Assistant Vice President of Planning and Design Jeff Siddle took the attendees on a virtual tour of the expansion to illustrate the scope of the project and James Hanney of the Airport’s Procurement Department explained in great detail the rules for eligibility, required submission materials, and the selection schedule.

Minner concluded the outreach event by answering all questions, both from the attendees in the room and questions submitted online or over the phone.

Already in the first days of the open Call to Artists, some 36 entries have been submitted.  The artists have until September 14 to submit their entries. 

Interested artists can still get involved.  Visit the Airport’s Public Art website for more information.