Albany International Airport has transformed its small photography exhibit into one of the most prestigious airport art programs in the country and the world. According to TripSavvy’s November ranking, the airport’s art program is at the forefront. The program now includes satellite exhibits from renowned institutions such as the Tang, New York State Writers Institute, and Iroquois Museum. Concourse A is adorned with various exhibits, including “Souvenirs” curated by Kathy Greenwood, the director of the art and culture program, in collaboration with the latest issue of art and collage magazine, Cut It Up. The airport showcases vibrant floral mandalas on black banners in the baggage claim area, while a giant white button-down shirt waves “Bon voyage” to passengers in Concourse B.
This year commemorates the 25th anniversary of the program, which has become a national model for similar initiatives. The airport is currently undergoing a two-year, $100 million expansion that will bring noticeable changes to the exhibitions. As Greenwood explains, airports are constantly evolving to accommodate the increasing number of travelers and changes in air travel. Therefore, the art program needs to adapt to these changes quickly and efficiently.
John C. Egan, the former CEO of the airport authority, believed in the importance of having art in public buildings. When constructing the terminal in 1998, Egan established an advisory committee and hired Sharon Bates as a consultant to develop the program. Bates, the founding director of the art and culture program, remained in her role until retirement in 2016. Initially, Albany International Airport was one of the smallest regional airports to have such a significant art program. However, over time, the program expanded organically, incorporating a gallery in the observation deck and various exhibition spaces throughout the concourses and lounges. Regional artists and arts organizations have always been central to the program’s mission.
The art program aims to provide travelers with a sense of place, even if they are only passing through the airport. It showcases the unique artistic offerings of the region and distinguishes it from others. However, the changing nature of airports has affected the layout of the program. Former lounge-gallery spaces have been transformed into commercial spaces, and some satellite areas have been lost due to construction. The program’s largest exhibition space, the sunlit third-floor gallery in the observation deck, is temporarily closed during the construction period, but it will reopen once the project is completed in early 2025.
CEO Phillip Calderone emphasizes that the art and culture program showcases the region as a cultural hub and recognizes the value of the arts in driving economic development and enhancing quality of life. The airport expansion project will provide more space for the program to grow. Greenwood has submitted a grant application for additional display cases to expand art into the new wing. While most airport art programs rely on state or city percent art programs for funding, Albany International Airport directly funds its program through its operating budget. This unique funding approach allows for a higher volume of rotating artists and exhibits. The program can readily adapt to construction changes without needing to store displaced art.
With travel returning to pre-pandemic levels, the airport’s art program now has a captive audience of 3 million travelers per year. Regional artists benefit from this exposure, and Bates and Greenwood’s backgrounds as artists ensure the exhibits are engaging and resonate with both artists and audiences. The airport provides a unique experience where travelers can momentarily escape the hustle and bustle of their journeys to appreciate art and stimulate their senses.
In conclusion, Albany International Airport’s art and culture program has evolved into a world-renowned initiative. With its expansion plans, the program will continue to flourish and contribute to the airport’s status as a cultural hub.
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