Tampa International Airport Opens Artist Submissions for $5.82M Airside D Art Project

Tampa International Airport starts accepting artist submissions Feb. 5 for eight new art commissions valued at $5.82 million. Six pieces will go into the new Airside D terminal. Two more will appear at expanded security checkpoints serving Airsides A and E.

Submissions close March 19. Artists submit through CaFÉ, an online platform that handles art calls.

Selection happens in two phases. First, reviewers examine all applications and build a short list of qualified artists. Then shortlisted candidates receive invitations to submit proposals.

Shortlisted artists get a $4,000 stipend to develop 3-D views, a maquette, and a representation showing their concept and design intent. Each artist must confirm they've completed a commission or sold one artwork for at least $15,000.

The budget allocates $5 million for Airside D installations. Another $820,000 goes to checkpoint locations. Airside D is part of a $1.5 billion expansion project that opens in 2028.

The new 16-gate terminal will handle international and domestic flights. Security checkpoint installations will sit in areas that opened in 2025.

TPA has installed 16 public artworks around the terminal in recent years. Phoebe stands out — a 21-foot pink flamingo positioned in the Main Terminal.

This expansion continues the airport's dedication to public art throughout its buildings. The commission marks one of the largest single art investments the airport has made to date.