Houston’s airports to buy nearly USD 3 million worth of new artworks

Houston Airports is looking to purchase USD 3 million in new art for George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) Airports.

The airport operator already boasts one of Texas’ largest public art collections and its decision to boost its collection, in co-ordination with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA), will be welcomed by nearly 100 local artists who could potentially submit works of art.

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Indeed, Houston Airports is now accepting art submission through the Houston Arts Alliance.

The USD 3 million investment by Houston Airports is made possible by the City of Houston Civic Art Program. The funds are allocated by a City of Houston ordinance that mandates that 1.75% of qualified Capital Improvement Project dollars be set aside for civic art.

This represents the largest investment the Houston Airports has made, outside of major construction projects, and provides an incredible opportunity for Texas artists that are not already in the collection.

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“This is a challenging time for all people including artists – many of which are either self-employed or small business owners,” explains Houston Airports curator of public art, Alton DuLaney.

“It’s unfortunate that many galleries are closed and many artists are out of work. We hope this will be some stimulus for many of them. We are honoured to be in a position to support our Texas artists in this way while enriching Houston Airports’ public art collection.”

Houston Airports will partner with MOCA and the Houston Arts Alliance to facilitate the call for new art from the Texas-wide art community, many of whom have lost wages and opportunities due to this global health crisis.

According the airport authority, this call for art initiative will add 97 new Texas artists with 100 new art pieces to the collection that will enhance the terminals of Houston Airports.