HOUSTON, July 1, 2020 — Nearly 100 Texas artists will soon get relief from the impacts of the COVID-19 economic downturn by selling their art work  to one of  the states’ largest public art collections – the Houston Airports. In coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA), Houston Airports is looking to purchase $3M in new art for George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) Airports.  

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

The $3M 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 to become a part of the collection.

“This is a challenging time for all people including artists – many of which are either self-employed or small business owners,” Houston Airports Curator of Public Art Alton DuLaney said. “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 honored 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. 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. 

This call represents a $3 million investment from the Houston Airports and is in partnership with an additional call for work for the Sunnyside Multi-Service and Health Center.  

 For details on the Open Call for artists and on how to submit work for consideration visit: www.HoustonArtsAlliance.com . 

About Houston Airport System  
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 nearly 60 million passengers in 2019.  Houston Airports form one of North America's largest public airport systems and position Houston as the international passenger and cargo gateway to the South Central United States and a primary gateway to Latin America.  Houston is proud to be the only city in the Western Hemisphere with two Skytrax rated 4-star airports.  Learn more at  fly2houston.com.