Methods of Airport Arts Program Management (2024)
Chapter: Summary
SUMMARY
Methods of Airport Arts Program Management
Airport arts programs serve as powerful conduits of cultural enrichment and community engagement. Yet, despite the increasing prevalence of arts programs in airport facilities, no significant body of literature explores the management processes and governing documents that guide these programs. Consequently, there is a need for a basic collection of information regarding the management processes, decision-making strategies, documentation, and governing structures of airport arts programs.
The aim of this synthesis is to outline the management methods employed by airport arts programs and their administrators for program operation and management. In the context of this synthesis, “airport arts program” is defined to include all arts programs at airport facilities except those operated entirely by outside contractors leasing airport space. The synthesis statement of work envisioned performing a literature review, surveying airport staff, and conducting interviews with selected airports to develop case examples. This process aimed to identify information gaps and provide suggestions for research to address those gaps.
To accomplish these goals, a comprehensive literature review was performed. The key finding from the literature review was the scarcity of information specific to the management of airport arts programs. While some aspects, such as primary tasks, budgets, funding, program documentation, and community engagement were explored, comprehensive details were scarce. More information on the literature review is provided in Section 2.1.
Following the literature review, a list of primary airports across the United States and territories was created. Every airport on the list was contacted by email, phone, general inquiry forms on the airport website, or a combination of these methods. After airports were contacted, the list was narrowed to those airports with arts programs that agreed to participate in the synthesis. Survey responses were collected, and a list of willing focus group participants was culled from the survey responses. More information on participating airports is provided in Sections 1.2 and 3.1. A complete list of the participating airports is provided in Appendix C.
Through the survey and focus groups, it became apparent that, just as every airport environment is unique, governance, management, leadership, and stakeholders can also be quite different among airport arts programs.
The case examples in Chapter 4 highlight the different experiences and processes of airport arts program management and provide guidelines that can be applied in practical contexts. Table 1 provides the themes explored in the case examples in Chapter 4.
Throughout the process, it became clear that airport arts program structures are as varied as the airports themselves; nevertheless, similarities are apparent across key demographics
Table 1. Airport case example themes.
| Airport | Case Example Theme |
|---|---|
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | Making Moves Towards Greater Inclusion |
| Indianapolis International Airport (IND) | Taking Steps to Measure Engagement |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | Rebuilding from Re-Alignment |
| Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) | A Small Program with Strong Community Ties |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | Museum-Level Program that Started with a Dental Poster |
| Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) | Building Trust, Cross-Departmental Involvement & Creative Culture |
| Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) | An Independent Oasis in the Wild West |
Table 2. Key drivers for goal attainment and challenges.
| Drivers for Goal Attainment | Challenges |
|---|---|
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such as size, exhibition type, funding allocations, and governing structures. Six significant key findings of the synthesis are as follows:
- Understanding the placement of the arts program within the airport’s operational structure is important for effective management.
- The effectiveness of arts program management in airports hinges on establishing a clear decision-making structure.
- Establishing and maintaining effective policies and procedures are valuable to the success of arts program management.
- Understanding the various fiscal sources for the arts program, particularly for those lacking dedicated budget lines or with budgetary restrictions, is beneficial to arts managers.
- Arts managers have an opportunity to curate purposeful and inclusive artworks that represent diverse perspectives.
- Managing an airport arts program requires flexibility to accommodate the dynamic nature of airport environments and the ever-evolving art world.
More in-depth information about these findings is provided in Chapter 3.
Based on the information gathered for this synthesis, three key drivers for goal attainment for airport arts program management were identified (see Table 2). In addition to key findings and drivers for goal attainment, three challenges were identified. Chapter 5 provides detailed information about the identified drivers for goal attainment and program challenges.
Future research on airport arts programs could explore several avenues to deepen the understanding of their impact, effectiveness, and potential for innovation while addressing and potentially rectifying some of the identified challenges. Suggestions for future research provided in Section 5.3 include the following:
- Investigating the socio-cultural implications of airport art on passengers’ travel experiences, perceptions of the airport environment, and sense of place
- Exploring the economic benefits of airport arts programs
- Developing comprehensive evaluation processes to assess the multifaceted outcomes and benefits of airport arts programs
- Gathering strategies for optimizing the composition, structure, and functions of committee development
- Examining the policies and procedures regarding art safety and security
- Exploring the fiscal responsibilities and funding diversity of arts programs
- Investigating the development and implementation of standardized documentation protocols to support the planning, management, and evaluation of arts initiatives within airport environments
