Flying Solo 2025/2026

Arts at the Airport (AaA) announces the 2025/20256 Flying Solo Call for Artists at Nashville International Airport (BNA). We are excited to invite amazing new artists to this popular rotating exhibition series that will engage and enrich all passengers, guests, and employees of the Airport. NOTE ABOUT ELIGIBILITY: This opportunity is only open to Tennessee residents or artists who can demonstrate a strong connection to Tennessee either through prior residency or their artwork.

Established in 1988, the Arts at the Airport Foundation is an ever-growing, ever-changing showcase of Tennessee’s cultural heritage and creative talents. The terminal and surrounding facilities at Nashville International Airport were designed to incorporate rotating public art exhibitions and permanent acquisitions for the enjoyment and enrichment of its passengers, visitors, and employees.

The Flying Solo Exhibition Series is supported by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). Each exhibit will be four months long. Artwork is expected to be framed and ready to display. The artist is responsible for delivering and picking up artwork from BNA. An honorarium is awarded to exhibiting artists ranging from $750 to $1,500. Arts related community groups as well as schools are eligible to apply in addition to individual artists.

FLYING SOLO

Part of the Arts at the Airport program, the Flying Solo Exhibition Series was developed in 1996. The 29-year-old series provides a highly visible venue for Tennessee artists, acts as an advocate for artists, and offers visitors a taste of the rich art and craft culture of our region.

EXHIBITION SPACES

There are several new exhibition spaces due to the recent BNA Vision construction/renovation projects at the Airport. There are six spaces that will accommodate two-dimensional artwork and one that will exhibit three-dimensional work. Please note on your application which you will be exhibiting.

Artists working in three-dimensional media.

Concourse D – 1 case, 10 ft. wide x 7 ft. high x 21 inches deep

Located on Concourse D near Gate D2. It has a sliding glass door making it an excellent space for three-dimensional objects as well as two-dimensional artwork.

Art Exhibit Walls – Artists working in two-dimensional media including photography (artwork must be framed or able to be protected by plexiglass – profile less than 4 inches including frame and molding).

Concourse D – 2 Art Walls, 10 ft. wide x 7 ft. high each (1 artist)

Located on Concourse D near Gates D3 and D4. The spaces are for two-dimensional artwork only.

A/B Waiting Area – Curved wall, 35 ft. wide x 12 ft. high, in waiting area, two-dimensional work only.

Level 1 Waiting Area – 4 separate exhibit spaces, 30 ft. wide x 6 ft. high each

Located on the non-secure side of the terminal on Level 1 near the International Arrivals Waiting Area. Two-dimensional artwork only

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection criteria include the applicant’s professional qualifications, proven experience including a history and/or ability to undertake installations of a similar scope, and artistic merit as evidenced by submitted visual materials.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The Selection Committee is comprised of members from the Arts at the Airport Board of Directors and the MNAA’s Community Affairs division.

Complete proposal submissions must include:

1. 7 Digital Images – of representative work

2. Brief Artist Statement about proposed exhibit (1000 Character Limit)

3. Short Bio, 1 to 2 paragraphs

4. Résumé or Curriculum Vitae, not to exceed 2 pages

5. Short Answer Questions

Please tell us about your connection to Tennessee. (i.e. "I am currently a Tennessee resident", "I lived in Tennessee for 12 years while teaching at ____ College," etc.)

Deadline for proposals is Friday, August 8, 2025 at 12 Midnight, Mountain Standard Time / 1:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.

NOTE ABOUT ELIGIBILITY: This opportunity is only open to Tennessee residents or artists who can demonstrate a strong connection to Tennessee either through prior residency or their artwork.