For over two decades, the American Association of Airport Executives' (AAAE) Arts in the Airport Workshop has been the only event focused specifically on airport art, providing valuable learning and networking opportunities for professionals responsible for overseeing and managing airport art programs. Three of those sessions have been hosted by Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
"We were delighted to host the Arts in the Airport workshop for airport art program directors and curators from around the country. As a hub for travelers, we believe in the power of art to transform spaces and create meaningful connections," said PHL Collections and Exhibitions Curator Helen Cahng.
The workshop opened with remarks from AAAE VP of Member Experience and AAAE Foundation Gwen Basaria and Department of Aviation Chief Strategy Officer Cassie Schmid. Cahng led a discussion on "Curating Exhibitions for Airport Audiences," where she addressed the unique challenges of curating airport exhibitions to create a sense of place.
“Today’s major airports are like cities, open 24 hours a day, with many of them larger than the downtown areas they serve,” Cahng said. “All of the artists selected for our exhibition program are Philadelphia-area contemporary artists."
Philadelphia is known for its impressive public and street art, making it a culturally vibrant city. It is also home to more than 30 colleges and universities, including well-known arts schools like Tyler School of Art, Moore College of Art & Design, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. This mix of educational institutions and a strong arts community helps make Philadelphia a center for creativity and artistic expression, with everything from famous murals to modern galleries that attract visitors and art lovers from all over.
“This educational foundation continually feeds the local art community which is made up of faculty, students, alumni, and the numerous practicing artists who choose to live in Philly because it’s a vibrant city with world-class museums and a thriving visual and performing arts scene,” said Cahng.
As the workshop host, PHL took great pride in showcasing Philadelphia’s vibrant arts community and scheduled visits to The Clay Studio, Percy Street Project, and Tattooed Mom. Cahng also led a tour of PHL’s exhibitions, to highlight the importance of incorporating art into airport spaces.
This year, many attendees remarked that it was the best workshop to date, thanks to its robust and thoughtful agenda. “This year’s AAAE Arts in the Airport Workshop was my first experience, not only attending, but also hosting this event. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to meet and learn from my peers at other airports throughout the country, and to share the rich arts culture that Philadelphia has to offer,” said Cahng.
