Paging all local artists! The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Art in the Airport program.
After a year long pause due to airport enhancements, the popular Art in the Airport program is returning for its seventh year. The program showcases the artistic talents of four artists from across the Midlands region. Each artist will have the opportunity to display their work in the busiest part of the airport for roughly three months.
Once a traveler lands at CAE, the art pieces through this program are the first creative and cultural touchpoints they see as a connection to the region. Not only does this program enhance the passengers’ experience while moving through the airport, it also creates an immediate sense of place to those visiting Columbia, SC.
Are you interested in having your art showcased through this prestigious program? Below are details on how an artist can submit artwork and the guidelines associated with the program.
Submission Requirements:
To apply for CAE’s Art in the Airport program, please email the following information to submissions@flycae.com by Friday, October 31, 2025 at 5 p.m.
- Name, address, phone, email, website (if applicable)
- Artist bio
- Artist statement
- At least five images representing the type of artwork are expected to be on display.
- *Note: Artists must reside in one of the following Midlands counties: Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Sumter, Lee, Clarendon, Newberry, and Aiken.
Selection Process:
Submissions will be reviewed by CAE’s selection committee. Artists selected for the rotating art exhibit will be notified on November 7 with a public announcement on November 10.
Exhibit Requirements:
The exhibition location will be in the connector of the terminal, the walkway between the security checkpoint and the departure/arrival gates. Selected exhibits must contain a minimum of twelve pieces as there are twelve wall columns in the location, six on each side of the walkway. (Multiple images/clustered pieces of work can be arranged on one column if desired/space allows).
CAE will provide labels for each piece in the exhibit to include artists’ name, contact information and the title, dimensions, type of medium and selling price of the piece. CAE will also provide signage for the exhibit to include the artist’s bio and/or statement.
Exhibitions must be physically suited for the space, allowing uninterrupted traffic flow. If selected, artists agree to suitably frame, wire and install their artwork at their own expense. Artists must be willing to sign CAE’s Artwork Loan and Hold Harmless Agreement.
Selected artists are welcome to preview the exhibit location by contacting Samantha Kingsmore, Marketing and Brand Manager, at S.Kingsmore@flycae.com, as a staff escort is required to access the location.
Insurance:
Art displayed at CAE is insured by the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while on site; however, the transportation to and from the airport is not covered. Prior to installation, the selected artists will provide CAE with a description of the exhibit pieces to include the title and value of each piece.
Things to Know:
CAE does not charge artists to exhibit their work but will require a 5% commission on all pieces sold. This commission will be reinvested into the CAE Art in the Airport program – enhancing display opportunities and required signage. All art transactions must be conducted between CAE, the artist, and the purchaser.