Signature Public Art Commission for the Aplin Center at Texas A&M University

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.

The commission site is a highly visible corner at John Kimbrough Boulevard and Olsen Boulevard, adjacent to Reed Arena and directly across from Kyle Field and the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center. The artwork will be experienced by prospective students and families, current students, graduates during commencement, alumni, visitors, and the broader Bryan–College Station community. The Aplin Center is a 211,724-square-foot, three-story facility—one of the largest mass timber university buildings in the U.S.—housing a campus Welcome Center, event venues, hospitality and food science labs, and student-operated retail and dining spaces.

Phase One is an open call for applicants to submit qualifications. Finalists advancing to Phase Two will receive a design stipend and be responsible for site-specific design development, detailed drawings, renderings, technical documentation, budget and timeline development, fabrication and installation oversight, coordination with architects and engineers, and maintenance documentation. Applicants must demonstrate artistic excellence, experience with complex public art projects, technical expertise in materials and fabrication, and ability to collaborate with institutional clients. Submit a single PDF (max 25 MB) including a letter of interest (max 2 pages), resume/CV, portfolio of 10–15 completed works, documentation of 3–5 public art projects with budgets and client contacts, three professional references, and team information if applicable. File should be named LastName_FirstName_AplinCenter_RFQ.pdf and submitted to [email protected] with subject line "Aplin Center RFQ Submission." U.S. National Deadline: October 31, 2026.