The application period runs from Feb. 5 to March 19, 2026

Please email questions to HCAA Senior Procurement Agent Rayesha Cotton at [email protected]

Responses must be submitted via CaFÈ, an online administrative platform that handles submissions for calls for entries and artists.   

During the first phase of the Call for Artists, a Technical Evaluation Committee will conduct a review of all CaFÈ-submitted applications and will develop a short list of Qualified Artists.

During the second phase, after the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board’s approval, the Airport Public Art Committee will invite artists from the group of Qualified Artists to submit a proposal. The invitation will include a $4,000 stipend to each artist or artist team that will be used to develop 3-D views, a maquette, photographs of a model, or other representation to clearly communicate the proposed concept and design intent. A location will be assigned for this step of the process. We anticipate this step will occur in June 2026.
 

Citizenship and/or residency in the U.S. is not a pre-requisite to submit an application. Local, state, national and international artists will be considered.

Yes, artist reps may submit a response to this Call for Artists on behalf of the artists they represent.  A separate application must be submitted for each Artist. 

No, artists should apply either as an individual or as part of a team, not both.  

Yes. Please refer to the Call for Artists. Artist or artist teams may submit up to 10 images and should carefully consider images provided. Submissions should articulate to the Public Art Committee the artist’s or artist teams’ ability to execute a project from concept to installation.

No.

At this stage in the process, artists or artist teams shouldn’t propose anything new. Submissions should reflect the artist’s or artist teams’ existing body of work. 

Yes. Please refer to the Call for Artists. Artist or artist teams may submit up to 10 images and should carefully consider images provided. Submissions should articulate to the Public Art Committee the artist’s or artist teams’ ability to execute a project from concept to installation.

Site visits will be available in the second phase of the artist selection process

Durability and long-term maintenance will be considered during the second phase of the artist selection process.

Yes

The Public Art Committee may consider purchasing existing artwork

No.

Artwork description will be included with the file upload. The Artist Statement is the same as the letter of interest on the application. 

Yes

For projects of this magnitude the Authority requires artists or artist teams to have familiarity with the process and the ability to quickly begin coordination with the design and construction teams. 

A wide range of forms and media for the artwork will be considered for commissions including freestanding sculpture, wall-mounted or ceiling hung art, technology-based art and possibly functional elements.

The total budget is $5.28 million. Commissions will range from $200,000 to $1.2 million. Additional information will be provided during the second phase of the artist selection process.

This information will be provided in the second phase of the artist selection process.

The goal of the public art program is to provide a variety of opportunities for the traveling public to experience and engage in artistic excellence. The Public Art Program enhances the Airport environment while providing cultural awareness and support for the arts. The Airport’s art collection reflects the abundant natural resources and rich cultural heritage of the region and celebrates the legacy of Tampa Bay as the birthplace of commercial aviation.

In evaluating artist or artist team submissions, the Public Art Committee will review all elements. The Public Art Committee is looking for examples of the artist’s or artist team’s ability to execute ideas from concept to installation, meeting a specified budget and timeframe, and working in the public realm with public agencies.

No.

At this point in the process, proposed concepts will not be reviewed. The letter of interest should express a desire to participate.

No.

No.

Contact Café by calling (+1) 303-629-1166 , or via e-mail at [email protected].

The Artist Statement is the same as the letter of interest on the application. Artwork description will be included with the file upload.

In either case, a resume (CV) should be no longer than 4 pages.

The artist or artist team may include installation details with the 10 images that fairly represent the body of work. These images will include artwork title, medium, size, commissioning, organization, budget, date and brief design statement. The budget information will be what the artist or artist team is paid to create and install the artwork.  

Refer to the Call for Artists for Eligibility and Required Submission Materials. Eligibility of each artist or artist team will be determined by the Public Art Committee after the Entry Deadline.