Date of Award

2026

Document Type

MA Project - Restricted Access (SIA Only) - With Distinction

Project Type

MA Project - Business Plan

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Art Business

First Advisor

Lawrence Motz

Second Advisor

Maria Sancho-Arroyo

Abstract

Airports present a unique and untapped opportunity for people from all backgrounds, airports are places of transition, waiting, and often stress. By integrating an art gallery into this environment, we can transform passive waiting into meaningful engagement. This gallery will not just let people interact with art by themselves, but will also provide a mini 10 to 15 minute interactive class to help them learn how to interact with and understand art. The short session will function as a concise and  meaningful introduction to basic art appreciation techniques, helping travelers pause and reflect on visual details, historical context, and personal interpretation. These sessions are designed to welcome all travelers, regardless of age or prior experience, offering a calming and enriching moment amid an airport environment. After a certain point, knowledge of art became essential rather than optional leisure for the middle to high class. But in reality, everyone is surrounded by art, often before they even realize it. Public spaces are filled with what is referred to as “public art” or “public sculpture.” These works shape the way we experience cities and contribute to our daily emotional awareness. Additionally, collaborations between artists and non-art-related brands like fashion, tech, food, product design have become normalized. Art no longer belongs only to galleries and museums. It is part of everyday visual language and consumer’s experience. This shift highlights the growing importance of cultural education, especially for those who may not have any access to the art world.  There is also a commercial opportunity. Visitors will be able to purchase artworks some with duty-free advantages. To make it easier for people to bring home a piece of what they have experienced, there are options to take it with them or directly ship to their designated location. This adds another layer of engagement and positions the gallery as a dynamic space. Therefore, this space will function as part of educational, part of experiential, and part of commercial. Collaborations with VIP lounges will further elevate the gallery’s visibility, creating exclusive access points and tailored viewing experiences. The current airport art experiences remain scarce because most facilities either operate as commercial spaces or display static art collections. The airport gallery transforms into a cultural connection platform through thoughtful curation and rotating global programming and educational interaction and optional purchasing opportunities. The airport art display extends beyond basic display practices. The goal is to transform how people experience art by making it accessible and understandable in daily routines. The gallery establishes value for all people including travelers and artists and galleries and airport partners through its accessible yet sophisticated space. The space transforms waiting periods into beneficial moments while making art accessible to people worldwide.

Distinction

1

Download

Share

COinS