Request for Qualifications 

Civic Art Project for the United Airlines Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport 

Wall-Mounted Sculptural Artwork

Budget: $300,000.00

Deadline: Monday, December 8, 11:59 PM CST

Location: United Airlines Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport; 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032

Eligibility: Greater Houston Area 

Only applications sent via Submittable will be considered.

Summary

United Airlines and Houston Arts Alliance request the submission of qualifications from artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, and install a permanent work of public art for the newly renovated Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. One artist or artist team will be selected for this commission opportunity. The commissioned artwork will be on permanent display and will be accessioned into the City of Houston’s Art Collection.

Located in the Terminal B East Hub, this elevated artwork will be visible to passengers as they move through one of the terminal’s primary concourse intersections. Travelers arriving, departing, or connecting will encounter the piece from multiple vantage points — whether approaching from the central hub, walking toward gates in the east concourse, or viewing it from seating areas below. Its prominent placement ensures it serves as both a visual anchor and a moment of pause in the flow of travel, offering passengers an opportunity to connect with Houston’s story and environment before continuing their journey. The installation should embody the city’s welcoming spirit and distinctive sense of place, interpreted through the lens of Houston’s rich ecology and biodiversity.

The Terminal B Transformation is a groundbreaking initiative led by United Airlines in partnership with the City of Houston and Houston Airports. The project reimagines the passenger experience through thoughtful design and sustainability, incorporating innovative wayfinding and local design elements to ensure the terminal authentically represents Houston while providing an intuitive and welcoming experience for travelers.

Scope of Civic Art Project and Artwork Requirements 

The Terminal B East Hub commission calls for a large-scale, dimensional artwork that transforms a prominent elevated wall into a vibrant visual moment within the concourse. The piece should have sculptural depth and texture, designed for strong visual impact from afar. It should draw inspiration from Houston’s diverse ecological systems and biodiversity — from the bayous, wetlands, and coastal prairies to migratory bird pathways, native flora and fauna, and the seasonal transformations of the Gulf Coast environment. Artists may interpret these themes literally or abstractly, emphasizing the interconnectedness, movement, and vitality of the region’s natural life.

The designated site measures approximately 43’1” wide x 10’4” high, positioned 24’7 ½” inches above the concourse level. The weight is limited to a total of 2,000 lbs. or less. The work should be scaled for strong visual presence in the space and thoughtfully integrated with the site’s linear proportions and elevated placement

Commissioned artworks will be subject to the following requirements:

· Artwork must be designed for elevated installation and securely anchored to meet safety and building code requirements.

· Artwork should be family friendly and suitable for public display to diverse audiences.

· Artworks must be free of safety hazards and constructed of durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for a high-traffic airport environment.

· Artworks must meet or exceed City of Houston ADA requirements.

· Artwork should be resistant to graffiti and vandalism and require minimal maintenance.

· If significant maintenance or repairs are needed, the artist should be available to consult or assist as needed. Artwork must have an expected life span of at least 20 years.

· Artwork should make a significant artistic addition to the City of Houston Art Collection.

Eligibility

Open to all Houston area artists and artist teams over 18 years of age to work at the required scale and have availability to accomplish by the deadline. “Houston Area Artist” is defined by the following: 

Currently residing within the Greater Houston Area: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, or Waller counties 

FOR GALLERIES INTERESTED IN APPLYING ON BEHALF OF ARTISTS: 

· Galleries submitting applications for more than one artist must submit individual applications for each applicant.  

· If multiple artists are included on the same application, the submission will be marked as ineligible. 

Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria or application requirements will be withdrawn from consideration.

Location and Site

• United Airlines Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport; 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032
• Any additional lighting required for proper viewing of artwork shall be provided as part of the art installation and approved and coordinated with architectural design team and contractor.

See site plans and images for more information.

Budget

The budget of $300,000.00 is inclusive of all work including, but not limited to, design proposals, artists’ fees, design, engineering, permitting, insurance costs for each year of the project, software, studio and project administration, travel, fabrication, additional lighting if applicable, all materials, installation, and required documentation.

Application Requirements 

1. Artist(s) resume or CV, relevant information for any other key team members (2 pages maximum per artist or team member)

2. Artist Biography (250 words maximum or under 3 minutes)

3. Statement of Intent/Concept Brief (1,000 words maximum or under 5 minutes)

Statement of Intent is a declaration of your plans and your ideas for a specific project. A SOI is your chance to demonstrate your personality, professionalism, qualifications, enthusiasm for a project, and express why your work would be appropriate for this project.

4. Artist Statement (500 words maximum or under 3 minutes)

An artist statement is a written description of your work that helps the audience access or understand your artistic work. The purpose of the artist statement is to inform, add context, and present process and conceptual ideas to the viewer, which may include sources, ideas, and materials in your current practice.

 5. Digital images of completed artworks. 

Applicants should submit up to ten (10) images in JPEG format only with each image no larger than 2 MB. Each image should include information about artist, title, year completed, dimensions, material, commissioning entity, and budget or price (as applicable) for each image provided.
 

Selection Process 

Houston Arts Alliance’s Civic Art Department will review all qualified submissions and select a shortlist of up to three artists or artist teams to develop concept proposals for the commission.

Review of qualifications will be subject to the following criteria:

• The artist's work demonstrates a distinct and compelling artistic voice that aligns with the goals of the terminal design, emphasizing dimensionality, material presence, and visual impact.
• The artist's submission reflects the ability to create site-responsive artwork that engages Houston's unique ecological identity, including its bayous, wetlands, coastal prairies, and biodiversity, through either literal or abstract interpretation.
• The artist demonstrates an understanding of scale, form, and texture, with the capacity to transform an architectural surface into a vibrant and cohesive visual experience within a public concourse environment.
• The artist's aesthetic or cultural perspectives would expand and enrich the variety of artworks represented within the City of Houston Art Collection.

Contracting

United Airlines has engaged Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) to manage this project. The final commission will be issued through a single contract with HAA encompassing both design and fabrication. The selected artist must be able and willing to enter into this agreement with HAA.

Sample Contract:

Attachment A2 - Artist Services Agreement for Design and Construction

Selected artists will also be required to sign a Visual Artist Rights Act (VARA) Waiver with the City of Houston as the artwork will be accessioned in the City of Houston Art Collection. View a sample of the waiver here.

Timeline 

All dates are subject to change.

• RFQ released: Thursday, November 6, 2025
• Artist Info Session #1:** Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:00 AM CST
• Artist Info Session #2:** Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 6:00 PM CST
• Deadline for questions: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 5:00 PM CST
• RFQ submission deadline:  Monday, December 8, 11:59 PM CST
• RFQ notification: Friday, December 19, 2025 

The following section only applies to artists who advance to the RFP phase.

• RFP released to finalists: Friday, December 19, 2025 
• RFP deadline: Monday, January 25, 2026, 11:59 PM CST
• Artist proposal presentations: Week of February 2, 2026
• Selected artist notified by HAA: Monday, February 9, 2026
• Contract released to artist: Monday, February 9, 2026
• Project completion: September 2026

**HAA will host two (2) artist information sessions about this RFQ via Zoom. Click the links below to register for a session.**

Artist Info Session #1 – Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:00 AM CST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/llbIAOiDR8Wc8jpnNwXSzg

Artist Info Session #2 – Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 6:00 PM CST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9VxGp8vJTWmXoVtE4n1axQ

Contact

For questions and/or more information, direct all inquiries to: 

Houston Arts Alliance, Civic Art Division  

Subject Line: RFQ Inquiry – United Terminal B Wall Mounted Sculptural Artwork 

Civicart@haatx.com

Please submit all questions in writing via email no later than Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 5:00 PM CST to Civicart@haatx.com. Questions will be answered as they are received and no later than Friday, December 5, 2025. All answers to questions received by the question due date will be posted publicly.

Request for Qualifications

Civic Art Project for the United Airlines Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Welcome to Houston Baggage Claim Artwork

Budget: $350,000.00

Deadline: Monday, December 8, 11:59 PM CST

Location: United Airlines Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport; 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032

Eligibility: Greater Houston Area 

Only applications sent via Submittable will be considered.
 

Summary

United Airlines and Houston Arts Alliance requests the submission of qualifications from artists or artist-teams to design, fabricate, and install a permanent work of public art for the newly renovated Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. One artist or artist-team will be selected for this commission opportunity. The commissioned artwork will be on permanent display and will be accessioned into the City of Houston’s Art Collection.

Travelers arriving in Houston will encounter the Baggage Claim Installation as they exit the terminal and await their luggage. This opportunity calls for a large, freestanding artwork that embodies Houston’s welcoming spirit and distinctive sense of place. The installation should celebrate the city’s vibrant culture, creativity, and spirit of innovation, reflecting what makes Houston inspiring for residents and visitors alike. Themes may draw from the city’s ecology, history, industry, cuisine, and the vibrant character of its neighborhoods and arts scene.

The Terminal B Transformation is a groundbreaking initiative led by United Airlines in partnership with the City of Houston and Houston Airports. The project is focused on reimagining the passenger experience through thoughtful design and sustainability. It incorporates innovative wayfinding and local design elements to ensure the terminal authentically represents Houston while providing an intuitive, welcoming experience for travelers.

Scope of Civic Art Project and Artwork Requirements

The United Terminal B Arrivals Level Baggage Claim commission seeks a bold, freestanding artwork or sculpture that will serve as a visual landmark and symbol of arrival to Houston. The work should embody the city’s welcoming spirit and distinctive sense of place. While it may reference Houston by name, this is not required; instead, it should express the essence of the city through form, color, and concept. The piece should be iconic, engaging, and photogenic, encouraging passengers to interact with it and share their experience.

The maximum installation area measures approximately 30 feet wide by 4 feet deep by 9 feet high. The artwork should maintain clear sightlines within the baggage claim area and be visually light and elegant in form, avoiding bulk or obstruction. One artist or artist team will be selected for this commission.

 Commissioned artworks will be subject to the following requirements:

• Artwork must be freestanding, allow unimpeded access on all sides, and not create any dead-end conditions in circulation paths.
• Artwork must preserve clear sightlines to the baggage carousel and information display directly behind the installation area.
• Artwork should appear visually light and elegant, avoiding bulk or obstruction while maintaining a strong visual presence.
• Artwork should be family-friendly and suitable for display to diverse public audiences.
• Artwork must be free of safety hazards and meet or exceed City of Houston ADA requirements.
• Artwork should be resistant to graffiti and vandalism and require minimal maintenance.
• In the event that significant maintenance or repairs are needed, the artist should be available to consult or assist as needed.
• Artwork must have an expected lifespan of at least 20 years and make a significant artistic contribution to the City of Houston Art Collection.

Eligibility 

THE FOLLOWING ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

Eligibility is open to all artists and artist-teams living or working in the Greater Houston Area and over 18 years of age. Preference/priority will be given to artists not currently represented in the City of Houston Civic Art Collection. 

• Currently residing within in the Greater Houston Area: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, or Waller counties 
• Artist/Artist Team must be able to work at the required scale and have availability to accomplish by the deadline of September 2026. 

FOR REPRESENTATIVES INTERESTED IN APPLYING ON BEHALF OF ARTISTS:

• Galleries, agents, and representatives submitting applications for more than one artist must submit individual applications for each applicant.
• If multiple artists are included on the same application, the submission will be marked as ineligible. 

Applications not meeting all eligibility criteria or application requirements will be withdrawn from consideration.

Location and Site

• United Airlines Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport; 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032
• Any additional lighting required for proper viewing of artwork shall be provided as part of the art installation and approved and coordinated with architectural design team and contractor.

See linked site plans and images or more information.

 
Budget

The budget of $350,000.00 is inclusive of all work including, but not limited to, design proposals, artists’ fees, design, engineering, permitting, insurance costs for each year of the project, software, studio and project administration, travel, fabrication, all materials, installation, and required documentation.

Application Requirements 

1. Artist(s) resume or CV, relevant information for any other key team members (2 pages maximum per artist or team member)

2. Artist Biography (250 words maximum or under 3 minutes)

3. Statement of Intent/Concept Brief (1,000 words maximum or under 5 minutes)

Statement of Intent is a declaration of your plans and your ideas for a specific project. A SOI is your chance to demonstrate your personality, professionalism, qualifications, enthusiasm for a project, and express why your work would be appropriate for this project.

4. Artist Statement (500 words maximum or under 3 minutes)

An artist statement is a written description of your work that helps the audience access or understand your artistic work. The purpose of the artist statement is to inform, add context, and present process and conceptual ideas to the viewer, which may include sources, ideas, and materials in your current practice.

5. Digital images of completed artworks. 

Applicants should submit up to ten (10) images in JPEG format only with each image no larger than 2 MB. Each image should include information about artist, title, year completed, dimensions, material, commissioning entity, and budget or price (as applicable) for each image provided.

Selection Process 

Houston Arts Alliance’s Civic Art Division will review all qualified submissions and select a shortlist of up to three artists or artist teams to develop concept proposals for the commission.

Artist qualifications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to create distinctive, site-specific artworks that respond to the location, purpose, and public context of the commission.
• A strong artistic voice that reflects creativity, originality, and a clear conceptual approach aligned with the spirit and identity of Houston.
• Experience producing visually compelling, durable works appropriate for high-traffic public environments.
• Aesthetic or cultural perspectives that expand and enrich the variety of artworks represented within the City of Houston Art Collection.

Contracting

United Airlines has engaged Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) to manage this project. The final commission will be issued through a single contract with HAA encompassing both design and fabrication. The selected artist must be able and willing to enter into this agreement with HAA.

Sample Contract: Attachment A2 - Artist Services Agreement for Design and Construction

Selected artists will also be required to sign a Visual Artist Rights Act (VARA) Waiver with the City of Houston as the artwork will be accessioned in the City of Houston Art Collection. View a sample of the waiver here.

Timeline 

All dates are subject to change.

• RFQ released:  Thursday, November 6, 2025
• Artist Info Session #1:** Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:00 AM CST
• Artist Info Session #2:** Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 6:00 PM CST
• Deadline for questions: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
• RFQ submission deadline: Monday, December 8, 11:59 PM CST
• RFQ notification: Friday, December 19, 2025 

The following section only applies to artists who advance to the RFP phase.

• RFP released to finalists: Friday, December 19, 2025 
• RFP deadline: Monday, January 25, 2026, 11:59 PM CST
• Artist proposal presentations: Week of February 2, 2026
• Selected artist notified by HAA: Monday, February 9, 2026
• Contract released to artist: Monday, February 9, 2026
• Project completion: September 2026

**HAA will host two (2) artist information sessions about this RFQ via Zoom. Click the links below to register for a session.**

Artist Info Session #1 – Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:00 AM CST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/llbIAOiDR8Wc8jpnNwXSzg

Artist Info Session #2 – Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 6:00 PM CST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9VxGp8vJTWmXoVtE4n1axQ

Contact

For questions and/or more information, direct all inquiries to: 

Houston Arts Alliance, Civic Art Division  

Subject Line: RFQ Inquiry – United Terminal B Houston Baggage Claim Artwork 

Civicart@haatx.com

Please submit all questions in writing via email no later than Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 5:00 PM CST to Civicart@haatx.com. Questions will be answered as they are received and no later than Friday, December 5, 2025. All answers to questions received by the question due date will be posted publicly.

Request for Qualifications - Civic Art Project for Houston Airports in partnership with Southwest Airlines 

William P. Hobby West Concourse Expansion Suspended Artwork

Budget: $710,000.00

Deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025, 11:59 PM CST

Location: William P. Hobby Airport, 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061 

Eligibility: United States 

Only applications sent via Submittable will be considered.
 

Summary

On behalf of Southwest Airlines, Houston Arts Alliance invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications to design, fabricate, and install one major suspended work of public art for the Houston Airports West Concourse Expansion Project at William P. Hobby Airport. 

This opportunity calls for a significant artistic addition, commissioned by Houston Airports in partnership with Southwest Airlines, to be included in the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection.  The suspended artwork will be highly visible to millions of annual travelers, creating a memorable impression of Houston as a dynamic and creative city. The inspiration for this commission is the dappled light filtering through the canopy of old-growth live oak trees. Artists are encouraged to explore concepts that engage with natural light, shifting perspectives and the passage of time as sunlight streams through the concourse’s full-height glass wall.

The Hobby Airport West Concourse Expansion will include seven new gates, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, additional baggage claim carousels and a protective canopy connecting the terminal to the parking garage.

Houston Airports is the City of Houston’s Department of Aviation. Comprised of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) / Houston Spaceport, Houston Airports served 63 million passengers in 2024. Houston Airports form one of the largest airport systems in North America and serves as a primary gateway to Latin America and the South-Central region of the United States. Houston Airports is the winner of the World’s Best Airport Art Program, awarded by Skytrax in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Civic Art at Houston Airports enhances the passenger experience by building and presenting a world-class collection of regional, national and international artworks.
 

Scope of Civic Art Project and Artwork Requirements
The West Concourse Suspended Artwork commission is for a large-scale installation located above the westernmost gate areas in the upcoming expansion of William P. Hobby Airport. The designated artwork area lies between the last three structural trusses and spans approximately 118 feet by 49 feet (5,700 square feet). The space is defined by a full-height glass wall to the west and an origami-like ceiling that fills the concourse with natural light throughout the day.

Connection points are provided on a five-foot by five-foot grid. The total weight of the artwork shall not exceed 3,000 pounds, with a maximum load of 400 pounds per roof joist and 1,000 pounds per roof truss. The artwork must remain at least fifty percent open to ensure proper operation of the fire sprinkler system above and must comply with all load, attachment, and safety requirements outlined in the architectural documentation. Power is available in the ceiling plenum through a 120-volt connection, and the artist is responsible for providing any required lighting, control systems, or other integrated components necessary to support the installation.

Artworks should meet the following requirements: 

• Artworks should be family-friendly and suitable for public display to a diverse and international audience.
• Artworks must be free of safety hazards.
• Artworks must meet or exceed City of Houston ADA requirements. 
• Artworks should be resistant to graffiti and vandalism and require minimal maintenance. 
• Artwork must have an expected life span of at least 20 years.
• Artwork should make a significant artistic addition to the City of Houston Art Collection. 

Eligibility 

THE FOLLOWING ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

This opportunity is open to all professional artists and artist teams residing in the United States, age 18 and older. Artists working in all media and artistic approaches are encouraged to apply.

FOR REPRESENTATIVES INTERESTED IN APPLYING ON BEHALF OF ARTISTS 

• Galleries, agents, and representatives submitting applications for more than one artist must submit individual applications for each applicant.
• If multiple artists are included on the same application, the submission will be marked as ineligible. 

THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

• Artists currently under contract for a City of Houston Civic Art project. 
• City of Houston employees. 
• Elected City Officials, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Staff, and their immediate family.
• Houston Arts Alliance employees, Board members, Advisory Board members, and their immediate family.

Applications not meeting all eligibility criteria or application requirements will be withdrawn from consideration. 

Location and Site

William P. Hobby West Concourse Expansion, 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061 

• See linked site plans and images for more information.

Budget

The budget of $710,000.00 is inclusive of all work, including, but not limited to, design proposals, artists’ fees, design, engineering, permitting, insurance costs for each year of the project, lighting, software, studio and project administration, travel, fabrication, all materials, installation, and required documentation.

Application Requirements 

1. Artist(s) resume or CV, relevant information for any other key team members (3 pages maximum per artist or team member)
2.  Artist Biography (250 words maximum or under 2 minutes)
3. Statement of Intent/Concept Brief (1,000 words maximum or under 5 minutes)  - A Statement of Intent is a declaration of your plans and your ideas for a specific project. A SOI is your chance to demonstrate your personality, professionalism, qualifications, and enthusiasm for a project.
4.  Artist Statement (500 words maximum or under 3 minutes)  - An artist statement is a written description of your work that helps the audience access or understand your artistic work. The purpose of the artist statement is to inform, add context, and present process and conceptual ideas to the viewer, which may include sources, ideas, and materials in your current practice. 
5. Images
   Digital images of completed artworks. Applicants should submit up to ten (10) images in JPEG format only with each image no larger than 2 MB. Each image should include information about artist, title, year completed, dimensions, material, commissioning entity, and budget or price (as applicable) for each image provided 

Selection Process 

A panel of three art professionals and project stakeholders will review qualified submissions and select a short list of up to three artists or artist teams who will develop concept proposals for the opportunity. Panelists will consider the following: 

• Artistic quality: a unique voice, perspective, or aesthetic.
• Ability to create site-specific artwork responsive to the site’s architecture, light, and community context.
• Contribution of new artistic voices and perspectives to the City of Houston Art Collection.

Contracting

The final commission for this project will be broken out into two separate contracts with HAA, one for design and one for construction (i.e. “commission”). The selected artist must be able and willing to sign contracts for design and commission.

Sample Contracts:

• Attachment A2 - Artist Services Agreement for Design
• Attachment A3 - Artist Services Agreement for Commission

Selected artists will also be required to sign a Visual Artist Rights Act (VARA) Waiver with the City of Houston. View a sample of the waiver here.

Timeline - All dates are subject to change.

• RFQ released: Friday, October 24, 2025
• Artist Info Session # 1** Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 11am
• Artist Info Session # 2** Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 6pm
• Deadline for questions: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• RFQ submission deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025 11:59pm 
• RFQ notification: Monday, December 15, 2025

The following section only applies to artists who advance to the RFP phase.

• RFP released to finalists: Monday, December 15, 2025
• RFP deadline: Monday, January 19, 2026
• Artist proposal presentations: Week of February 1, 2026
• Selected artist notified by HAA: Monday, February 16, 2026
• Contract released to artist: Monday, February 16, 2026
• Project completion: January 2027

**HAA will host two (2) artist information sessions about this RFQ via Zoom. Click the links below to register for a session.**

• Artist Info Session #1 – Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 11 AM CST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tWewGUsZQLKPLI-HIs9kxw 
• Artist Info Session #2 – Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 6 PM CST:
   https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ROldJwkwTO2zuQm8FgR9pA

Contact

For questions and/or more information, direct all inquiries to: 

Houston Arts Alliance - Civic Art Division - Civicart@haatx.com

Subject Line: RFQ for Hobby Airport Southwest Airlines Expansion Suspended Artwork 

Please submit all questions in writing via email no later than Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 5 PM CST to civicart@haatx.com. 

Questions will be answered as they are received and no later than Thursday, November 20.  All answers to questions received by the question due date will be posted publicly to the Houston Arts Alliance FAQ Page for this project here. 

Request for Qualifications

Civic Art Project for Houston Airports in partnership with Southwest Airlines

William P. Hobby Airport West Concourse Expansion 

Gate Portal Artworks

Budget: $60,000.00 for each of the six (6) gates 

Deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025, 11:59 PM CST

Location: William P. Hobby Airport, 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061 

Eligibility: Greater Houston Area

Only applications sent via Submittable will be considered.
 

Summary

On behalf of Southwest Airlines, Houston Arts Alliance invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications to design, fabricate, and install Gate Portal Artworks for the Houston Airports West Concourse Expansion Project at William P. Hobby Airport. 

This opportunity calls for a series of six significant artwork additions, commissioned by Houston Airports in partnership with Southwest Airlines, to be included in the City of Houston’s Civic Art Collection. The Gate Portal Artworks will be highly visible to millions of annual travelers, creating a memorable and lasting impression of Houston as a vibrant, dynamic, and creative city. Envisioned as defining visual moments for passengers departing Houston, the artworks will be installed atop large tile walls at six locations along the north and south gate seating areas. Each commission offers a distinct opportunity for artists to express Houston’s variety of people, cultures, environments, and events through original, locally inspired works. Collectively, these artworks will form a powerful and multifaceted portrait of the city’s identity and creative energy.

The Hobby Airport West Concourse Expansion will include seven new gates, a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, additional baggage claim carousels and a protective canopy connecting the terminal to the parking garage. 

Houston Airports is the City of Houston’s Department of Aviation. Comprised of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) / Houston Spaceport, Houston Airports served 63 million passengers in 2024. Houston Airports form one of the largest airport systems in North America and serves as a primary gateway to Latin America and the South-Central region of the United States. Houston Airports is the winner of the World’s Best Airport Art Program, awarded by Skytrax in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Civic Art at Houston Airports enhances the passenger experience by building and presenting a world-class collection of regional, national and international artworks.
 

Scope of Civic Art Project and Artwork Requirements

The Gate Portal Artworks commission will consist of six individual wall-mounted two-dimensional artworks located above the gate seating areas in the new West Concourse expansion of William P. Hobby Airport. Each artwork will occupy a defined section of wall along the north and south concourse, positioned to be prominently visible to departing passengers.

Each artwork area measures approximately 16 feet 9 inches wide by 6 feet 6 inches high. The works will be mounted above tiled wall surfaces and should be designed to complement the architectural character of the concourse while creating a cohesive series of distinct, locally inspired compositions. All artworks must meet Houston Airports’ safety, material, and maintenance standards, including requirements for durability, fire code compliance, and ease of cleaning within a high-traffic public environment. Integration with existing wall systems, lighting, and signage will be coordinated with the project design team.

Artworks should meet the following requirements: 

• Artworks should be family-friendly and suitable for public display to a diverse and international audience.
• Artworks must be free of safety hazards.
• Artworks must meet or exceed City of Houston ADA requirements. 
• Artworks should be resistant to graffiti and vandalism and require minimal maintenance. 
• Artwork must have an expected life span of at least 20 years.
• Artwork should make a significant artistic addition to the City of Houston Art Collection. 

Eligibility 

THE FOLLOWING ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

Eligibility is open to all artists and artist-teams living or working in the Greater Houston Area and over 18 years of age. Preference/priority will be given to artists not currently represented in the City of Houston Civic Art Collection. 

• Currently residing within in the Greater Houston Area: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, or Waller counties 
• Artist/Artist Team must be able to work at the required scale and have availability to accomplish by the deadline of January 2027. 

FOR REPRESENTATIVES INTERESTED IN APPLYING ON BEHALF OF ARTISTS:

• Galleries, agents, and representatives submitting applications for more than one artist must submit individual applications for each applicant.
• If multiple artists are included on the same application, the submission will be marked as ineligible. 

THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

• Artists currently under contract for a City of Houston Civic Art project. 
• City of Houston employees. 
• Elected City Officials, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Staff, and their immediate family.
• Houston Arts Alliance employees, Board members, Advisory Board members, and their immediate family.

Applications not meeting all eligibility criteria or application requirements will be withdrawn from consideration.

Location and Site

William P. Hobby West Concourse Expansion, 7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061 

See linked site plans and images for more information.

Budget

The budget of $60,000.00 per artwork is inclusive of all work including, but not limited to, design proposals, artists’ fees, design, engineering, permitting, insurance costs for each year of the project, lighting, software, studio and project administration, travel, fabrication, all materials, installation, and required documentation.

Application Requirements 

1. Artist(s) resume or CV, relevant information for any other key team members (3 pages maximum per artist or team member)
2.  Artist Biography (250 words maximum or under 2 minutes)
3. Statement of Intent/Concept Brief (1,000 words maximum or under 5 minutes)  - A Statement of Intent is a declaration of your plans and your ideas for a specific project. A SOI is your chance to demonstrate your personality, professionalism, qualifications, and enthusiasm for a project.
4.  Artist Statement (500 words maximum or under 3 minutes)  - An artist statement is a written description of your work that helps the audience access or understand your artistic work. The purpose of the artist statement is to inform, add context, and present process and conceptual ideas to the viewer, which may include sources, ideas, and materials in your current practice. 
5. Images  Digital images of completed artworks. Applicants should submit up to ten (10) images in JPEG format only with each image no larger than 2 MB. Each image should include information about artist, title, year completed, dimensions, material, commissioning entity, and budget or price (as applicable) for each image provided 

Selection Process 

A panel of three art professionals and project stakeholders will review qualified submissions and select a short list of up to three artist or artist teams who will develop concept proposals for the opportunity. Panelists will consider the following: 

• Artistic quality: a unique voice, perspective, or aesthetic.
• Ability to create site-specific artwork responsive to the site’s architecture, light, and community context.
• Contribution of new artistic voices and perspectives to the City of Houston Art Collection.

Contracting

The final commission for this project will be broken out into two separate contracts with HAA, one for design and one for construction (i.e. “commission”). The selected artist must be able and willing to sign contracts for design and commission.

Sample Contracts:

• Attachment A2 - Artist Services Agreement for Design
• Attachment A3 - Artist Services Agreement for Commission

Selected artists will also be required to sign a Visual Artist Rights Act (VARA) Waiver with the City of Houston. View a sample of the waiver here.

Timeline 

All dates are subject to change.

• RFQ released: Friday, October 24, 2025
• Artist Info Session # 1**: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 10 AM CST
• Artist Info Session # 2**: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6 PM CST
• Deadline for questions: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• RFQ submission deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025 11:59pm 
• RFQ notification: Monday, December 15, 2025

The following section only applies to artists who advance to the RFP phase.

• RFP released to finalists: Monday, December 15, 2025
• RFP deadline: Monday, January 19, 2026
• Artist proposal presentations: Week of February 1, 2026
• Selected artist notified by HAA: Monday, February 16, 2026
• Contract released to artist: Monday, February 16, 2026
• Project completion: January 2027

**HAA will host two (2) artist information sessions about this RFQ via Zoom. Click the links below to register for a session.**

• Artist Info Session #1 – Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 10 AM CST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XsEM7jkaT76m_Gm-2Q5tCg
• Artist Info Session #2 – Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6 PM CST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xFkyq0srRM2k0jkGrL62Mg

Contact

For questions and/or more information, direct all inquiries to: 

Houston Arts Alliance - Civic Art Division - Civicart@haatx.com

Subject Line: RFQ for Hobby Airport Southwest Airlines Expansion Gate Portal Artworks

Please submit all questions in writing via email no later than Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 5 PM CST to civicart@haatx.com. 

Questions will be answered as they are received and no later than Thursday, November 20.  All answers to questions received by the question due date will be posted publicly to the Houston Arts Alliance FAQ Page for this project here.