---
title: >-
  RFP/Q's Signature Public Art Commission for the Aplin Center at Texas A&M
  University
description: >-
  Public art commission for a monumental, site-specific artwork at the Aplin
  Center, Texas A&M University; RFQ open to U.S. artists until October 31, 2026.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/9e63746f-4418-4a3c-8fa2-096da152e89c'
type: program
status: open
createdAt: '2026-09-29'
updatedAt: '2026-10-06'
programType: Public art
organization: Texas A&M University
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/texas-am-university'
deadline: '2026-10-31'
location: 'Aplin Center, College Station, TX, United States'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: >-
  Design stipend for finalists advancing to Phase Two (amount provided upon
  invitation)
careerStages:
  - Established
---

# RFP/Q's Signature Public Art Commission for the Aplin Center at Texas A&M University

**Hosted by:** Texas A&M University

**Type:** Public art | **Location:** Aplin Center, College Station, TX, United States | **Deadline:** October 31, 2026

## About This Program

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.

### 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

### Site Location

The commission site is a highly visible corner at John Kimbrough Boulevard and Olsen Boulevard, adjacent to Reed Arena (site of university commencement ceremonies) 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 and visitors
- 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.

### Budget & Scope

Applicants selected to advance to Phase Two will be responsible for:

- Site-specific design development
- Detailed drawings, renderings, and technical documentation
- Budget and timeline development
- Fabrication and installation oversight
- Coordination with architects, engineers, and university stakeholders
- Maintenance documentation and public presentations
- Finalists advancing to Phase Two will receive a design stipend (amount provided upon invitation).

### Submission Requirements (RFQ – Phase 1)

Submit a single PDF (max 25 MB) including:

1. Letter of Interest (max 2 pages)
2. Resume/CV
3. Portfolio: 10–15 completed works
4. Documentation of 3–5 Public Art Projects (include budgets, site context, and client contacts)
5. Three Professional References
6. Team Information (if applicable)

File Name: LastName_FirstName_AplinCenter_RFQ.pdf

Submit to: campusart@tamu.edu

Subject Line: Aplin Center RFQ Submission

### Questions

Submit questions in writing to: campusart@tamu.edu

Subject Line: Aplin Center RFQ Question

### About Texas A&M

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University enrolls more than 74,000 students and is a flagship public research institution known for its strong traditions, including the "Howdy" greeting and the 12th Man spirit. The Aplin Center will serve as a gateway to campus and a defining symbol of hospitality and community.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Career Stage:** Established
- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Disciplines:** All disciplines
- **Note:** 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, and the ability to collaborate with institutional clients and project teams.

### Additional Requirements

- Letter of Interest (max 2 pages)
- Resume/CV
- Portfolio of 10–15 completed works
- Documentation of 3–5 public art projects, including budgets, site context, and client contacts
- Three professional references
- Team information (if applicable)
- Single PDF, max 25 MB, named LastName_FirstName_AplinCenter_RFQ.pdf

## Compensation & Benefits

Design stipend for finalists advancing to Phase Two (amount provided upon invitation)

**Includes:** Stipend

Finalists advancing to Phase Two will receive a design stipend, with the amount provided upon invitation.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** September 29, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 31, 2026

## Contact

**Email:** campusart@tamu.edu

## How to Apply