As the Boise Airport prepares for a significant era of expansion, the City of Boise is turning to the creative community to ensure its physical growth is matched by cultural depth. The city has officially released the first wave of artist calls for the new Concourse A, seeking installations that will transform the traveler’s experience from a mere transit point into a reflection of the region’s identity.
The initiative is a cornerstone of the “BOI Upgrade,” a multi-year capital improvement program designed to modernize airport infrastructure in response to rapid regional growth. Central to this expansion is the development of Concourse A, which will introduce up to 10 new gates to accommodate an increasing volume of passengers. To ensure the facility remains inclusive and visually cohesive, the city is integrating public art directly into the architectural blueprint.
Funding for these projects is mandated by the city’s Percent for Art Ordinance, which allocates 1.2% of capital funds toward public art. Over the next five years, this will result in an investment of between $3 million and $5 million. The Boise Airport and the city’s Department of Arts &. History have already identified up to eight strategic locations within the facility for these installations, aiming to create a “sense of place” for the more than 5 million passengers who move through the airport annually.
Defining the First Wave: Mosaics and Suspensions
The current call for artists focuses on two distinct types of installations, each with differing scales, budgets, and artistic requirements. These opportunities are designed to attract a range of talent, from specialized mosaicists to large-scale sculptural artists.
The first opportunity involves the Concourse A Glass Mosaic Walls. This project seeks original artwork to be fabricated and installed within the new concourse. Selected artists will be awarded a $20,000 contract. The selection process is competitive: up to 10 finalists may be chosen and paid a $500 stipend to submit concept proposals and interview with a selection panel. From that group, up to two artists or teams will be selected to implement their final designs.
The second, and more expansive, opportunity is for Concourse A Suspension Installations. These will be high-impact pieces located at the east and west ends of the new concourse. Due to the scale and complexity of these works, each selected artist will be awarded a $350,000 contract. This budget covers the design, fabrication, and transport of the work, as well as mandatory collaboration with project stakeholders and the local community. Similar to the mosaic call, up to six finalists will receive $3,000 to develop concept proposals before a final two are selected.
| Project Type | Contract Value | Application Deadline | Finalist Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Mosaic Walls | $20,000 | June 18, 2026 | $500 |
| Suspension Installations | $350,000 | June 17, 2026 | $3,000 |
A Framework for Public Art and Governance
The selection of these works is not arbitrary but is guided by the Boise Airport Arts Master Plan, adopted in 2023. This document serves as the strategic roadmap for how art is integrated into the airport campus, ensuring that new additions complement existing works and adhere to a long-term vision of inclusivity and accessibility.
The procurement process is designed to be transparent and community-driven. Rather than a closed-door appointment, artists are selected by a community-based panel. This ensures that the art reflecting the city of Boise is vetted by those who live and work within the community, rather than solely by airport administrators.
The Department of Arts & History, as the city’s local cultural agency, oversees these efforts. Their mission focuses on fostering a sense of belonging through “place-based” arts and history, which in the context of an airport, means creating a visual narrative that welcomes visitors with the unique natural setting and diverse heritage of the Treasure Valley.
Connecting a Century of History to Future Growth
The push for modernization comes at a poignant time for the facility. The Boise Airport has served as the city’s primary gateway for exactly 100 years. Established in 1926 on a rocky gravel bed next to the Boise River, the airport was operational in just two months, initially serving the national airmail system.
A century later, the scale of operations has shifted dramatically. The airport now hosts eight airlines flying to 28 nonstop destinations. The “BOI Upgrade” is a recognition that the infrastructure of the past century cannot sustain the demands of the next. By integrating multi-million dollar art projects into the expansion, the city is signaling that the airport is more than a utility—it is a civic landmark.
For artists interested in these opportunities, the city is hosting virtual information sessions to clarify the scope and eligibility requirements. The Glass Mosaic Walls session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at 12 p.m. Via Zoom, while the Suspension Installations pre-application meeting will take place Thursday, May 21, at 12 p.m. Via Zoom.
Full details, including eligibility requirements and application links, are available through the Boise Arts & History “Open Calls” page and the City of Boise Public Bid Site.
As the first wave of applications closes in June 2026, the City of Boise will continue to release subsequent public art opportunities in alignment with the ongoing capital improvement timeline. The next phase of calls will likely coincide with the completion of additional infrastructure milestones within the BOI Upgrade program.
Do you believe public art improves the travel experience, or should airport funding focus strictly on utility? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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