Budget: $1,000,000

Activated: 08/14/2026 Deadline: 10/31/2026

Call Summary https://uart.tamu.edu/aplin/ Texas A&M University seeks an exceptional professional artist or artist-led team to create a monumental, site-specific public artwork for the Aplin Center, a landmark hospitality and experiential learning facility opening in spring 2028. This high-profile commission offers the opportunity to create an iconic cultural landmark at one of the nation’s largest public universities. The selected artwork will anchor a new front door to campus and serve as a powerful symbol of welcome, community and the Aggie spirit. Phase One will be an open call for applicants to submit their qualifications to be considered. Finalists advancing to Phase Two will be provided with more information and instructions.

Budget Description This amount is the approximate amount allocated to the signature piece being requested.

Artwork Goals The university seeks a work of exceptional scale, aesthetic distinction and conceptual depth that: Embodies themes of welcome, hospitality, home, belonging and shared experience Commands attention and functions as a campus landmark and gathering place Demonstrates mastery of materials and site integration Reflects innovation while honoring Texas A&M traditions Meets all durability, safety and accessibility standards for Central Texas climate All media will be considered, including monumental sculpture, environmental work, architectural intervention, light-based installation, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Artwork Location Description Site-specific public artwork for the Aplin Center, a landmark hospitality and experiential learning facility opening in spring 2028. https://aplincenter.tamu.edu/index.html

Site History https://aplincenter.tamu.edu/index.html

Eligibility Open to professional artists and artist-led teams with demonstrated experience in large-scale public art commissions. Applicants must demonstrate: Artistic excellence Experience with complex public art projects Technical expertise in materials and fabrication Ability to collaborate with institutional clients and project teams Submit a single PDF (max 25 MB) including: Letter of Interest (max 2 pages) Resume/CV Portfolio: 10–15 completed works Documentation of 3–5 Public Art Projects (include budgets, site context, and client contacts) Three Professional References Team Information (if applicable) File Name: LastName_FirstName_AplinCenter_RFQ.pdf Submit to: campusart@tamu.edu Subject Line: Aplin Center RFQ Submission

Application Requirements

Biography Resume: 4 page(s) maximum Work examples: 10 - 15

Artists are allowed to apply in teams. Artists applying as a team must split the allotted number of work examples between themselves.

Selection Information

Selection Process A review team including the public art committee at Texas A&M University will select artists to be invited to submit an RFP.

Selection Criteria As described

Timeline RFQs due Oct 31 2026 invitations for RFP by late November 2026. Target date for installation of piece Spring 2028.

Additional Resources

https://uart.tamu.edu/aplin/

Contact Information

Scott Shafer Exec. Dir. Campus & Community Enrichment MS 1245 College Station TX 77843 United States scott.shafer@ag.tamu.edu 9792299111

Submission Instructions

Email Address campusart@tamu.edu

Emailing Submission Instructions Submit a single PDF (max 25 MB) File Name: LastName_FirstName_AplinCenter_RFQ.pdf Submit to: campusart@tamu.edu Subject Line: Aplin Center RFQ Submission