The global airline industry has been hit hard by COVID-19. What is the state of airport art programs during our global pandemic? Are airport art programs staying on course? Are they grounded? Or, are they heading on new trajectories?

Ben Owen, Director of Arts @ MSP at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and a member of the Public Art Network Advisory Council, says: “A lot has changed and has either caused us to ramp up in some places and ramp down in others. But, a lot has stayed the same.” 

The aviation industry is experiencing a huge recession during COVID due to banned and restricted travel. Even the busiest airports have reduced operations, closed runways and consolidated terminals to cut costs. Despite the challenges faced, airport art programs are finding ways to stay true to their missions.

The mission of many airport art programs is to provide a positive airport experience to travelers and to share and promote the local arts community. The airport is like a gateway—it welcomes visitors to the local region and offers a glimpse of the local culture to those stopping through on layovers.

In these stressful traveling times, it is even more important to offer art experiences. Art can comfort and distract those anxious about traveling. It also creates a welcoming environment to the essential workers on the floor.

Challenges bring innovative solutions, and airports around the country have changed tack to provide new types of safe art experiences for their audiences.

Image courtesy of Salt Lake City International Airport.