Whitmire Orders Review of $2.5 Million Houston Airport Art Program after KPRC 2 Investigation
HOUSTON - Mayor John Whitmire has called for a complete review and audit of the Houston Airport System’s art program following a KPRC 2 investigation revealing passengers largely ignore the artwork, despite a $2.5 million investment. the investigation prompted a sharp response from the Mayor, who questioned the value of the program and its use of public funds.
KPRC 2’s Mario Diaz reported that during observations at the airport, almost no travelers paused to view the art installations, even those seated directly in front of them. When presented with the findings, Mayor Whitmire expressed disbelief, stating, “Hell no!” when asked if travelers were looking at the art, and demanding to see the video footage. “It would be interesting to hear the justification,” he added.
Houston Airport System Director Jim Szczesniak defended the art, its placement, and associated costs, arguing it’s a key component in remaining competitive with other major airports. “We have to remember that we have this connecting passenger traffic…so if I go to other airports I know a bunch of them that have terrible art programs and I don’t want to connect through them,” Szczesniak explained.
However,Mayor Whitmire is unconvinced. “I think we ought to do a review, an audit,” he stated, adding, “Thank you for bringing it to me, we are going to have a grown up discussion about art at the airport and the best use of the art fund.”
A preliminary inquiry by KPRC 2 found that neither the airports in San antonio nor Austin have purchased art valued at $2.5 million or more. A response from Dallas is still pending.
