Airports for Art Lovers

 

If you want to see some of the best contemporary art in U.S. cities these days, buy an airline ticket.

 

 

Airports have been spending heavily on public art over the past 10 years, thanks to a heavy focus on turning what historically have been nondescript atriums of stress into interesting rest stops catering to upscale clientele.

 

Many terminals have moved beyond posting grade-school drawings of airplanes. Now they incorporate huge installations into the layout of new buildings and house works from big-time artists. Some airports have opened museums and curate roving exhibits. Others proudly display works by Robert Rauschenberg, Frank Stella and Roy Lichtenstein. Atlanta's new international terminal spent $5 million on art. San Francisco International, considered a leader in airport art, has spent more than $15 million since the 1970s.

 

Cities say they know travelers aren't eager patrons and no one goes to the airport for the sculpture, but they can use art to make a good first impression when visitors arrive. "Public art can classy up your airport," said Jack Becker, executive director of Forecast Public Art, a Minnesota-based art consultancy, and publisher of Public Art Review.

 

Airport officials say changes in travel after the 2001 terrorist attacks brought more attention toward art in terminals. New security requirements leave travelers frazzled and force them to spend much more time at airports.

 

The American Association of Airport Executives has held an annual meeting of airport art program officials for the past 11 years. "Once 9/11 happened, airports were desperate to make the experience calmer and more enjoyable for passengers," said Greg Mamary, the AAAE's head of special projects. "And art has made a difference."

 

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