Case Study
Art Upon Arrival
St. John’s International Airport
Welcoming Visitors with Public Art
St. John's International Airport Authority sought to enhance the “sense of arrival” for travellers through a vibrant public art installation in their baggage claim area. With funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation's Come Home Year initiative, this project transformed eight large columns into colourful showcases of Newfoundland and Labrador culture and spirit by artist Molly Margaret.
Our Role
The Art Upon Arrival installation successfully transformed eight baggage area columns into a vibrant cultural showcase, attracting almost 40 artist submissions and creating an engaging arrival experience that continues to generate positive reactions from travellers discovering Newfoundland and Labrador's authentic spirit.
Our role included:
Collaborating with the airport and public art consultant to identify optimal placement and project scope for maximum visual impact
Developing and distributing a Call for Submissions targeting local illustrators and visual artists for vector-based artwork
Providing comprehensive support to applicants throughout the submission process
Coordinating the selection committee review process, ensuring the jury included project partners and local visual arts community members
Managing artist contracting and project coordination through to final installation
Supporting the communications strategy for the project launch and unveiling
The result? A vibrant installation by artist Molly Margaret featuring 24 scenes across eight columns that capture the authentic spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador—from boil-ups and kitchen parties to local flora and fauna. The artwork creates an engaging experience that makes locals feel "at home" upon arrival while enticing visitors to explore the province, with intricate details that reward closer inspection.
Gallery
photos by Ritche Perez
About the Artist
Molly Margaret is an Illustrator and Muralist from St. John’s, Newfoundland.
She received her Bachelor of Design in Illustration at OCAD University in Toronto, Canada in 2018. Her work is largely inspired by plants and botanicals, East Coast imagery and culture, as well as architecture and people wearing tiny boots! She prioritizes creating joyous, colourful, and whimsical work for everyone to enjoy.
Behind the Design:
Partners & Funders
Let’s work together
If your organization is looking to engage with artists—whether for a single event or a province-wide project—we're here to help. Business & Arts NL’s Brokering Services ensure that your partnership with the arts is thoughtful, effective, and impactful.
info@businessandartsnl.com