Boise Airport Concourse A Glass Mosaic Walls

Applications Open Now

Application Opens: May 6, 2026
Application Closes: June 18, 2026 | 1 p.m. (MT)
Information Session:  May 20, 12–1 p.m. via Zoom | Register for Information Session
Contact: Savannah Shaon, email for questions or clarifications by June 16, 2026 | sshaon@cityofboise.org


Boise Airport Concourse A Glass Mosaic Walls: - APPY NOW

Opportunity

The Boise Airport’s Public Art Program is seeking artists and artist teams to submit
qualifications for a glass mosaic design. Each selected artist will be awarded a $20,000 dollar contract to create original artwork to be fabricated and installed in the Boise Airport. The exact size of the fabricated work has not been determined. Up to ten (10) finalists may be selected and compensated $500 to submit concept proposals and interview with the selection panel. Up to two (2) artists or artist teams may be selected to implement their design concept. Each selected artist will design work for a different location; artists do not apply for specific locations and will be assigned a location by the project team.

Each selected artist or artist team will be awarded a $20,000 contract to collaborate
with project stakeholders and the community to develop a final proposal. The selected artists will reflect on the research and resources provided by the project team, develop and formalize artwork design, respond to feedback, and submit a final design. This is design only; purchase of materials, fabrication, and installation will be arranged and paid for separately by the Boise Airport.

The City intends to award the contract to two artists or artist teams; however, the City reserves the right to award to more than two applicants, less than two applicants, or no applicants, if none of the applicants are deemed acceptable.

 

Rendering of proposed placement of mosaics on wall on either side of the bathroom entrance.
This rendering shows potential installation sites but does not promise that both sites will be available. Exact location and dimensions will be shared with the selected artists. Rendering provided courtesy of Fentress Studios.

 

Documents

Request for Qualifications

PDF
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Eligibility

This opportunity is open to Idaho artists at least 18 years of age. Strong preference will be given to artists or teams not currently on contract with Arts & History or represented in the Public Art Collection.

The City of Boise does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or disability.

Applicants must disclose any use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creation of artwork and/or application. If AI was used, please describe the nature, extent, and specific use. The use of AI will not disqualify applicants but will be shared with the selection panel.

Project Background

As the City of Boise has expanded over the years, the Boise Airport is taking strides to meet growing demand with new Concourse A and upgrades to the Main Terminal, reinforcing the Boise Airport’s position as a gateway for travels to the city and state. Accordingly, the Boise Airport’s Public Art Program will install multiple signature works of public art as part of this expansion.

The airport will expand physically and provide an elevated passenger experience. The building’s design is inspired by the natural landscape of Boise’s high desert environment, specifically the Boise Foothills. This expansion plus multiple new works of art will create a dynamic and inclusive facility that better meets the community’s needs.

Project Information

Artwork Logistics

  • Specific final dimensions will be shared with the selected artists.
  • Installation locations will be provided to artists once they are on contract. Artists do not select or apply for specific locations.

Project Concept and Goals

  • Create a visually exciting marker that acts as intuitive wayfinding. Create a strong sense of visual vibrancy that reflects the city of Boise and surrounding area.
  • Artists selected for this opportunity will be required to work together in a cohort to collectively build an atmosphere in a shared space.

Anticipated Schedule & Timeline

(All times listed in Mountain Time.)

  • Invitation Delivered: May 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. 
  • Info-Session: May 20, 12–1 p.m. via Zoom | Register for Information Session
  • Questions & Clarifications Due via Email: June 16, 2026, at 5 p.m.
  • Proposal Deadline: June 18, 2026, at 1 p.m.
  • Finalists Selection: Summer 2026
  • Finalists Prepare Proposals: Summer 2026
  • Finalist Interviews: Fall 2026
  • Artist Selected and Contract Awarded: Fall 2026
  • Contract Executed: Fall – Winter 2026
  • Design Period: 2027 – 2028
  • Design Substantially Complete: 2028 – 2029
  • Artwork Installation: 2029
  • Project Closeout: 2030

This timeline is intended to provide applicants a loose framework for project phase expectations. The This timeline is intended to provide applicants a loose framework for project phase expectations. The timeline is subject to change based on the approval process and needs of the overall project.

Application Requirements

Online applications shall be submitted through “Submittable” which allows uniform review and easy access to information by the selection panel, a group that may consist of project stakeholders, an Arts & History Commissioner, an Airport Commissioner, project stakeholders, and a local artist. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If preferred for accessibility reasons, applicants are invited to submit answers to the following questions in video format using ASL or any language other than English. These will be interpreted and transcribed for the selection panel.

The online application form requires the following information:

  1. Initial Application Questions
    Complete the online initial application questions. If applying as a team include information for all team members.
  2. Statement of Interest (500 words maximum)
    Describe your interest in this project and include any relevant experience, skills, or qualifications that demonstrate your ability to develop the project concept (create visual vibrancy). This is your argument for why you are a good fit for this project.
  3. Concept Description (500 words maximum)
    Describe the design you would like to see fabricated into a glass mosaic. Write a statement answering the following questions:

    - Is this design representational or abstract, and why?
    - What color palette are you using?
    - What is your inspiration for your color palette and visual layout?
    - How does your unique design appeal to the entire public and enhance the space?
  4. Previous Work Examples (upload)
    Provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) images of past and/or current work-in-progress that demonstrate your ability to meet the defined project opportunity. At least one past work example must be a mosaic or collage design.
  5. Artist Resume (upload)
    Upload a current artist resume. Include any websites or social media accounts relevant to your work as an artist.
  6. Optional
    Please describe how you identify (this can include race, gender, cultural background, sexuality, ethnicity, disability, etc.)

 

Access the Submittable application here: https://boiseartsandhistory.submittable.com/submit/5dfa73ad-12d7-4211-ae47-2a274ff4b7a6/boise-airport-glass-mosaic-wall 

 

Selection Criteria & Process

We encourage innovative ideas and designs. Applications will be screened for Idaho residency and detail and completeness of applications materials, which are a pass/fail criteria point. Criteria for scoring applications may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Eligibility and detail and completeness of application materials (Pass/Fail)
  2. Aesthetic considerations: To receive maximum points: Artwork would be exceptionally aesthetically pleasing, appropriate for all ages, and activates the space in a visually exciting way.
  3. Quality of concept description: To receive maximum points: Concept describes a vision for the space that is unique, develops upon the project concept and goals, and will create a meaningful experience.
  4. Ability to follow through: To receive maximum points: Artist has provided ample evidence of their ability to follow through and has considerable experience designing mosaics or collages. Is comfortable collaborating with a large project team.

Artists will be selected by a selection panel that may consist of community members, an Arts & History commissioner, an Airport Commissioner, project experts, and an artist. Selection panelists may give preference to artists that are not currently represented in the Public Art Collection.

Questions & clarifications must be submitted to Savannah Shaon (mailto:sshaon@cityofoboise.org), by June 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Applications are due by June 18, 2026, at 1:00 pm MT.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

The City of Boise is proud to be a welcoming community striving to ensure a safe, equitable, and inclusive city that celebrates the diversity of people who live, work, and play in our community and recognizes the fundamental human dignity of all. In our commitment to engaging everyone, the City of Boise is actively removing barriers to participation, including for our residents with disabilities and those who prefer a language other than English. If you need an accommodation to access City of Boise’s services, programs, or activities, please contact us at artsandhistory@cityofboise.org or 208-972-8500 (TTY: 711).