BRG@BTR

a partnership, sponsored by visit baton rouge, that brings our artists to our airport

Baton Rouge Gallery – center for contemporary art (“BRG”) is proud to be in collaboration with Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (“BTR”), thanks to Visit Baton Rouge, in an effort that enhances the experience of visitors and local residents flying in and out of Baton Rouge. The partnership, “BRG@BTR,” brings the work of roughly two dozen Louisiana-based artists into the airport, giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy the work of accomplished living artists working in our area, just minutes after they’ve stepped off their plane.

With BRG@BTR, those visiting or returning to Louisiana’s capital city via the state’s second largest airport will experience a dynamic, high quality rotating art program curated by BRG from its roster of over 75 professional visual artist members who work in a wide array of media and explore a variety of subject matter. Artworks are rotated periodically, allowing repeat visitors new experiences and a deeper look at local culture.

As part of this project, the space within BTR formerly utilized as a smokers lounge (located in Concourse B) has been completely reimagined and refurbished to serve as a serene and engaging gallery space. With seating, reading materials, and updated LED track lighting, it is the perfect space for travelers looking to engage with local culture or waiting to board their flight. In addition, dozens of original works of art have also been placed throughout the airport’s two concourses. Each work is accompanied by information about the artist and an easy-to-scan QR code that allows travelers to find out more or inquire about purchasing works.

photo courtesy of Heather J. McClelland

Experiencing local art is a fundamental part of any trip for many travelers, no matter their destination. In recent years, airports across the globe have worked to incorporate contemporary art into the experience of their guests. In 2019, the L.A. Times reported a survey of nearly 4,000 passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) that found 92% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the airport’s art program improved their travel experience. A similar survey at San Diego International Airport (SAN) found that 75% said “adding art in the terminals made using the airport less stressful and more enjoyable.”

With this initiative, more than 50 works from Louisiana-based visual artists (including painters, printmakers, photographers, and digital media artists) are featured throughout the airport. Travelers will have the opportunity to not only view their work, but learn more about the artist and be provided information on purchasing works featured as part of the program.

“We are honored to partner with the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and Visit Baton Rouge on this exciting new program. As we have for 55 years, we are always exploring new ways to connect artists and audiences and we’re excited to offer this new connection point,” says Jason Andreasen, BRG’s President/CEO. “We are proud to introduce a dynamic contemporary art program into Louisiana’s second largest airport that is as vibrant as the capital area and the state of Louisiana itself.”