FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (March 26, 2026) — Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is inviting artists from across the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas to apply for a public art commission that will create a landmark welcoming travelers to the airport.
Through a newly launched Call for Artists, the airport will commission a signature artwork at the intersection of Boca Chica Boulevard and Billy Mitchell Boulevard, a major gateway leading to BRO. The selected artist will design, fabricate, and install a permanent public artwork that celebrates the culture, heritage, and innovation of the Rio Grande Valley while creating a memorable sense of arrival for visitors and residents alike.
“This project is about more than creating a piece of art. It’s about creating a symbol of arrival for everyone who enters Brownsville,” said Faisal Khalifa, Interim Airport Director for BRO. “As the gateway to the Rio Grande Valley for many travelers, our airport plays an important role in shaping first impressions of our region. We want this landmark to reflect the culture, creativity, and pride of the Rio Grande Valley and to give travelers a powerful first impression of our community.”
The opportunity is open to artists who currently live or have previously lived in the Rio Grande Valley or South Texas, including nearby communities along the U.S.–Mexico border. Artists will be selected through a competitive review process led by a panel of BRO’s community partners and airport representatives.
The commissioned artwork will be installed within a landscaped traffic island approximately 1.8 miles from the airport along Boca Chica Boulevard, one of Brownsville’s most traveled corridors connecting downtown, South Padre Island, Starbase, the Port of Brownsville, and the region’s growing aerospace and innovation sectors.
An optional virtual Pre-Application Workshop will be held on April 16, 2026, at noon CST, where airport staff and project partners will provide an overview of the opportunity and walk artists through the application process.
Applications are due May 4, 2026, and must be submitted through the project’s online submission portal. Finalists may be invited to develop concept proposals before a final artist is selected.
The selected artist will work closely with BRO and the City of Brownsville to develop the final design and oversee fabrication and installation of the artwork. Installation is anticipated in 2027.
Artists interested in applying can learn more and access the submission portal at:
FlyBRO.com/call-for-artists
Questions about the opportunity may be directed to:
mckinley@viapartnership.com
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ABOUT BRO:
Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is located in the heart of Brownsville in the Rio Grande Valley, serving Texas and Mexico. Located minutes from downtown Brownsville and South Padre Island, BRO provides convenient access to major destinations through partnerships with Aerus, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Serving a regional population of 1.43 million and key demand drivers including SpaceX, Rio Grande LNG, and a thriving tourism economy, the airport continues to invest in modern facilities, passenger amenities, and new air service to support the region’s growing economy and vibrant community. The 91,000-square-foot terminal features full international capability and is designed for future expansion as passenger traffic grows. For more information, visit: www.FlyBRO.com.
Lorena Cardona
Marketing and Business Development Manager, BRO
Lorena.E.Cardona@BrownsvilleTX.gov
