REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, JANAURY 5, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. VIRTUAL MEETING Some members of the Art in Public Places Panel may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Art in Public Places Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7852. CURRENT PANEL MEMBERS: Kristi-Anne Shaer, Chair Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison Camille Jobe Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular meeting on December 1, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Art in Public Places Program, including Conservation, Current Projects and Milestones. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from December 15, 2025, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the Colony Park Pool Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Chirs Tobar and Celica Ledesma, Art in Public 5. 6. 7. Places Artists and Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Coordination, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the Faulk History Center Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Suzy Gonzalez, Art in Public Places Artist and Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Coordination, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a letter from the Art in Public Places Panel to the Arts Commission to support the clarification of how the AIPP 2% allocation is calculated. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for recommended updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance, Guidelines, and Policies per …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION December 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on November 17, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the December 1st Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 3. Update on actions taken at the November 19th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston 4. Discussion and possible recommendations to Spanish language contracts for Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME) grants 5. Discussion on creating technical workshops at Cultural Centers STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on the AACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve a recommendation to support of Rally Austin 2026 Bond Proposal. 11. Approve a recommendation to City Council for recommended updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance, Guidelines and Policies per City Council Resolution No. 20250306-029. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment 12. Action to reconvene the selection panel to recommend …
Recommended Updates to AIPP Policies Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | 12/15/2025 How’d we get here? Fall 2024 Interest from AIPP Panel to review Guidelines January 13, 2025 AIPP Panel approves Airport Phase I Artist Selections January 14, 2025 Panel Retreat Establish Guidelines Working Group January 30, 2025 City Council approved Convention Center Deaccessions February 2025 Austin Airport Artist Selections RCA pulled from Council agenda February 4, 2025 Past Matters starts Collection Survey February 24, 2025 February 24, 2025 Office of Arts, Culture, Music Office of Arts, Culture, & Entertainment created Music & Entertainment created March 6, 2025 City Council Resolution to assess the AIPP Ordinance & Guidelines April 7, 2025 AIPP Panel approves Airport Phase II Artist Selection March 2025 ACME leadership, City Manager, & City Council explore options to save artworks at Convention Center April 22, 2025 Artworks removed from Convention Center May 21, 2025 ACME Creative Reset launches June 5, 2025 City Council item to approve Airport Phase I and Phase II Artist Selections 2 Resolution No. 20250306-029 Phase 1 (March – May) Resolution + Program Assessment • Historical Data Benchmarking • Reviewed current polices, • contracts, programs Redlined current policies Reviewed program needs • • Targeted focus groups AIPP Panel Guidelines WG Themes Local artist participation Lack of understand of % for Art program Recommendations Update policies for clarity + inclusion Update communications + marketing for transparency + education Explore resources for artists • • • • • T N E M S S E S S A T N E M E G A G N E + S E M E H T S N O I T A D N E M M O C E R Phase 2 (June – August) Council Status Update Resolution • • Establish Cross-departmental WG + action plan for implementation Review draft Ordinance, Guidelines, and policies recommendations • Needs assessment plan + feasibility study UT Landmarks benchmarking ACME Leadership Updates Targeted focus groups Stakeholder internal + external Themes Lack of understand of % for Art program Artist support Recommendations Transparency of process Process flow chart Resources for artists • • • • • • • • Phase 3 (Sept-Dec) Policies Adoption Cross-departmental working group finalizes recommendations LAW Review • CMO + Director Updates • • Ordinance Adoption (Council) • Guidelines and policy updates (Panel + Commission) • • • • • Programmatic Updates …
ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Date: December 15, 2025 Subject: Recommendation that Legal be instructed to translate Cultural Contracts into the language used on the Application for Funding. Motioned By: Commissioner Houston Seconded By: Commissioner Recommendation Council instruct City Legal Department to issue Cultural Contracts in the language most familiar to the contractor; the language used in the Application for funding. Rationale Austin Artist must be able to fully and completely understand their rights and their obligations to the City under any contract they sign. Recent efforts by third parties to translate the Cultural Funding Contracts into Spanish have resulted in errors, such as the use of the word ‘financiamento’ when there is no financing component to any of the contracts. The City has the capability to translate contracts to ensure complete and thorough understanding. It is disingenuous to offer the Application in another language and then expect the Applicant to understand a contract that is not translated into that same language. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: 1 of
Proposed Motion for Resolution: Support of Rally Austin’s 2026 Bond Proposal Motion: I move that the Austin Music Commission recommend that the City Council support Rally Austin’s “Keep Austin Ours” 2026 Bond Proposal for $259 Million, recognizing the organization’s ability to leverage public, private, and philanthropic resources to preserve Austin’s cultural and creative identity while reducing the City’s long-term financial burden. Further, I move that the Commission recommend City Council receive a formal briefing from Rally Austin to consider how its multi-purpose local government corporation model can: • Implement programs that secure a(cid:431)ordable creative and cultural, residential and commercial spaces; • Expand the Austin Cultural Trust and related initiatives supporting music and arts venues; • Reduce risk and administrative burden to the City through independent, community- driven project delivery; and • Strengthen Austin’s long-term economic and cultural resilience by investing in local, iconic, legacy and irreplaceable assets. The Commission a(cid:431)irms that Rally Austin’s proposal aligns with the City’s goals for equitable, community-based development and represents a proactive opportunity to secure Austin’s creative and cultural future through the 2026 Bond Program. CITY OF AUSTIN MUSIC COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2025-_____: SUPPORTING RALLY AUSTIN’S “KEEP AUSTIN OURS” 2026 BOND PROPOSAL WHEREAS, Austin’s cultural, creative, and music sectors are foundational to the city’s identity and economy, contributing over $1.8 billion in annual economic activity and supporting thousands of local jobs; and WHEREAS, the loss of a(cid:431)ordable creative, cultural, and commercial spaces poses a critical threat to Austin’s local music venues, legacy businesses, and community-serving organizations; and WHEREAS, Rally Austin, the City’s first multi-purpose local government corporation, was created by Austin City Council in 2020 to facilitate equitable, community-driven development and deliver projects that generate public benefit while leveraging public, private, and philanthropic resources; and WHEREAS, the Keep Austin Ours 2026 Bond Proposal presented by Rally Austin outlines comprehensive strategies for securing cultural, residential and commercial a(cid:431)ordability, including property acquisition, improvement programs, and expansion of the Austin Cultural Trust; and lease stabilization, capital long-term WHEREAS, Rally Austin’s model reduces long-term fiscal risk and administrative burden to the City by independently managing complex real estate and development projects while advancing Council priorities for equity, sustainability, and cultural preservation; and WHEREAS, supporting community-based economic development through the 2026 Bond Program aligns with the Music Commission’s commitment to strengthening Austin’s music ecosystem and ensuring creative and cultural spaces remain accessible to all residents; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED …
KEEP AUSTIN OURS! 2026 City of Austin Bond Proposal THINK BIG & COLLABORATIVE Rally Austin is the first multi-purpose local government corporation, requested by the community and created by the Austin City Council in October 2020 ▪ Community driven, Equity focused ▪ Designed to be agile, mission-driven, collaborative and flexible ▪ Bring new financial tools and resources to the table and generate consistent revenues ▪ Professional approach to community investment and project delivery 2 MISSION Facilitating equitable development for economic growth while preserving Austin's unique culture. VISION A culturally resilient and economically integrated Austin where diverse communities thrive without risk of displacement. Leading investments in our community, as a community Rally will focus its efforts to unite and drive progress across three critical areas of development in Central Texas: ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE COMPLETE COMMUNITIES CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT 3 OUR COMMUNITY AT WORK Board of Directors Collaboration of community leaders and nominating bodies who represent local organizations and asset holders. WHO WE ARE 4 ACTIVE COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS Real estate projects valued at approximately $160M, securing an estimated 293,000 square feet of affordable space: ▪ 180,000 SF Affordable housing ▪ 86,000 SF Cultural spaces ▪ 14,000 SF Commercial spaces ▪ 13,000 SF Outdoor and shared spaces Collective economic impact projected between $320 to $400M, also providing community benefits: ▪ Job creation and tax revenues ▪ Property value increases ▪ Tourism and cultural preservation ▪ Soul and vitality OUR RALLY FOR COMPLETE COMMUNITIES OUR RALLY FOR ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE OUR RALLY FOR CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT Mixed-use development Seven real estate Rally moves large-scale, for Blocks 16 & 18 on development projects multi-million-dollar East 11th Street in the valued at $37.5M with an development and African American estimated $75M-$94M infrastructure projects Cultural Heritage District, return on investment. and serves as a flexible building thriving small This area of focus has bridge between public, businesses, cultural led to the successful private, and community anchors and affordable negotiation of a new 20- interests to unlock housing. With a current year lease for historic diverse funding sources project value estimated music venue The Hole in and deliver value and at $128M, and an the Wall and several benefits for all partners. estimated impact of other arts and culture $256-320M. venues. 5 RALLY AUSTIN PROPOSED 2026 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT BOND ▪ Overview of Process ▪ Problem Statement ▪ Proposed Solutions ▪ Rally’s Approach ▪ Invest in Our Identity: Keep …
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | December 15, 2025 Funding Programs: Overview Austin Live Music Fund • $5,000 - $70,000 • Music Industry (musicians, independent promoters, venues) Creative Space Assistance Program • $60,000 • Commercial creative spaces Elevate • Up to $30,000 - $80,000 • Arts organizations, individual artists, creative businesses Heritage Preservation Grant • $50,000 - $250,000 • Preservation projects and activities AACME is providing grant funding for activities that enrich the public, broaden tourism, and contribute to the cultural fabric of Austin. 2 AACME Funding Programs: Extension NEW DEADLINE: December 19th at 6:59 p.m. WHY? ▪ New funding process for our community. ▪ Applicants who submitted their intake forms on time have adequate support and time to complete a brand-new process. ▪ Commitment to accessibility, equity, and meeting the community where they are. 3 REVISED Application Timeline 1. Intake Form Deadline: 6:59 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025 2. Eligibility Form Due by 6:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025 (includes any edits!) 3. Application Due by 6:59 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025 (includes any edits!) 4 REVISED Funding Program Timeline December 19, 2025 February 2026 April 2026 REVISED Application Deadline REVISED Panel Meetings Occur 6:59 PM REVISED Funding distribution begins (Activities are still for calendar year 2026) REVISED Austin Live Music Fund and Creative Space Assistance Program scored REVISED Panelists trained and assigned (Elevate and Heritage Preservation Grant) REVISED Funding Decisions announced Nexus Application Opens Thrive, Elevate, Austin Live Music Fund, and Heritage Preservation Grant application cycle begins January 2026 March 2026 July 2026 5 Funding Programs: Application Status • 2,364 Intake Forms Submitted (2,333 EN; 31 SP) Eligibility Forms Sent Eligibility Forms Submitted Applications Sent Applications Submitted Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Elevate Heritage Preservation EN SP EN SP EN SP EN SP 1,377 1,057 16 297 10 5 125 0 1,399 1,002 25 247 2 14 116 0 951 4 59 0 818 9 65 0 577 1 33 0 395 2 30 0 ALL PROGRAMS TOTAL 3,373 2,319 1,906 1,038 6 Funding Programs: Application Comparison NOTE: NOT FINAL DUE TO EXTENSION ▪ 2,319 Eligibility Forms Submitted ▪ 1,062 for Austin Live Music Fund (17.5% Increase from 2024) ▪ 125 for Creative Space Assistance Program (17.8% decrease from 2023) ▪ 1,016 for Elevate (83% increase from 2024) ▪ 116 for Heritage Preservation Grant (427% increase from 2024) ▪ Roughly 81% of submitted …
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | December 15, 2025 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 11/10/25) FY24 Elevate FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 1) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 230 230 (100%) 230 (100%) 230 (100%) 224 (97%) 97 (42%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 50 (98%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $8,635,000 (93%) $9,265,000 $245,000 (96%) $255,000 35 35 (100%) 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 32 (91%) 1 (3%) $3,318,500 (86%) See year 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A (N/A) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 Grant Funded Activities FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Allday Pizza x Getting in Bed with the Pizza Man December 15 Katie Folger (District 9) – Allday Pizza We Are The Chorus Holiday Sign-Along December 15 Armstrong Community Music School (District 8) – Violet Crown City Church The Weight of Rest December 16 Jessy Wilson (District 1) – 2032B S Lamar Blvd Veneno Film Screening December 16 Oro Dance Company (District 1) – Trinity Street Playhouse 6 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Parade December 4 – 20 Ground Floor Theatre (District 3) – Ground Floor Theatre The Summer Sauron Turned Pretty December 18 – 20 The Museum of Human Achievement (MoHA) (District 3) – MoHA Red Light Lit Austin December 19 Red Light Lit Austin (District 1) – RichesArt Gallery Allgo 40th Anniversary December 16 allgo (District 1) – Vibehaus ATX 7 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities WHY ARE WE LIKE THIS? December 4 – 20 Lauren Sanders (District 1) – Ground Floor Theatre Mobile Echo Artist Workshop Tuesdays and Thursdays through December 30 Urban Echo (District 1) – MoHA Bilingual Dinosaurs! January 24 augzoo (District 1) – Carver Museum Boyd Vance Theatre 8 Questions? 9
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | December 15, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – November 2025 Approved Budget November Year-to-date H/MOT Penalties & Interest Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Total Revenue $511,252 $166,777,013 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 $107,002 $6,452,814 $6,559,815 $627,810 $146,884 $34,368,491 $34,515,375 $3,297,566 • Total HOT Collections November 2025 = $6,559,815 • 21% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund November 2025 = $627,810 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Austin City Limits Music Festival (Oct 3-5, Oct 10-12) • Austin Oktoberfest (October 11) • Formula 1 Unites States Grant Prix at Circuit of the Americas (October 17-19) • Austin Film Festival (October 23 – 30) AUS Passenger Totals: 2,086,037 (October 2025) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $3,297,566 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M 5 Questions? 6
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve a recommendation to City Council for recommended updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance, Guidelines and Policies per City Council Resolution No. 20250306-029. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Program Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Jesús Varela at Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Department, at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444 or to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Arts Commission, please contact Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. BEN WHITE OFFICES, SUITE 400 5202 EAST BEN WHITE BOULEVARD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Art in Public Places Panel may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Art in Public Places Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7852. CURRENT PANEL MEMBERS: Kristi-Anne Shaer, Chair Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison Camille Jobe Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular meeting on November 3, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Art in Public Places Program, including Conservation, Current Projects and Milestones. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Program Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from November 17, 2025, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. Discussion of the Austin Convention Cetner Redevelopment (Phase 1) Art in Public Places Project Mid-Design. Presentation by Aaron Michalovic, Art in Public Places Artist and Ileana Yordan-Cuevas, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. 5. 6. Discussion of the Austin Convention Cetner Redevelopment (Phase 1) Art in Public Places Project Mid-Design. Presentation by Rex Hamilton, Tsz Kan Kam, and Maria Carmen Rangel, Art in Public Places Artist and Ileana Yordan-Cuevas, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Art in Public Places Panel retreat in 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for recommended updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance, Guidelines and Policies per City Council Resolution No. 20250306- 029. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Program Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on October 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the November 3rd Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 3. Update on actions taken at the October 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston 4. Update on the TEMPO 2025-26 Artist Selection by Mandi Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, The Trail Conservancy and Rebecca Rende, Art in Public Places Coordinator Senior. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 6. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the AACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve the Final Design for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Atrium Infill / Terminal Expansion Phase II B Art in Public Places Project – Matthew Mazzotta and Josef Kristofoletti 10. Approve Art Call for the Northeast Service Center Garage Façade Art in Public Places Project. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 11. Update from joint Arts/Music Commission Working Group on Urban Core Issues with Commissioners Schmalbach, and …
TEMPO on the TRAIL “Conversation Stones” by Diego Miro-Rivera The Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for the benefit of all. ARTS + CULTURE PLAN ● Enrich the community experience through art that complements the natural surroundings and preserves the Tril’s distinctive character. ● Commission work that surprises, challenges, and delights Trail users, artists, participants, and viewers; work that pushes the boundaries of creativity and understanding of place. ● Embrace the connection of the Trail to the world around it – community, city, watershed, ecosystem, and art. ● Connect artists to the Trail and its resources while connecting the Trail to communities and tourists/visitors. Permanent Artwork Performative Art Temporary Exhibitions Creative Activations TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 May 2025: AIPP Panel Project Briefing June 2025: City Council – Contract Approval July 2025: AIPP Panel Briefing (Artist Call) 113 32 Call for Artists: August 11 – September 8 Open House: August 19 (virtual) | August 21 (in-person) Artist Selection: October 20 TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 QUALIFCATIONS: • Austin-area resident (Williamson, Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Burnet, or Blanco Counties) • Emerging artist – not currently under contract with the City of Austin • No more than 1 previous TEMPO exhibition 113 32 EVALUATION CRITERIA: • Creativity and Artist Merit • Contextual Relevance • Community Impact “Meet Me In The Park” Johnny Walker “Sun Poem” Ani Bradberry TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 113 32 9 3 Applicants Finalists Reviewed by Panel 113 32 Artists Selected Alternates NEXT STEPS: Oct. 22, 2025: Artist Notification Nov. 17, 2025: Final Designs Due Dec. 2025: Technical Advisory Group Review / Final Design Approvals Jan. 2026: Fabrication Feb. 2026: Installation “Really Small Museum: The Eco” Juliet Whitsett TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 Jasna Boudard - Sculpture at Seaholm Park (new location) Megan Echols | enFOLD Collective - Sculpture at Pfluger Circle (new location) Jamal Hussain - New Media at Odom Pavilion (new location) Victoria Marquez - Mural under Lamar Bridge Vy Ngo - Sculpture at Auditorium Shores Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Sculpture at Lakeshore Seth Prestwood - Mural under Drake Bridge J.C. King - Sculpture at Holly Shores Overlook Thomas Lemanski - Sculpture at Holly Fishing Pier (new location) Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Sculpture at Lakeshore Jasna Boudard Sculpture Seaholm Intake Facility Megan Echols (enFOLD Collective) Pfluger Circle Jamal Hussain Odom Pavilion Juan …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | November 17, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – October 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget H/MOT Penalties & Interest $511,252 $511,252 Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax $166,777,013 $166,777,013 Total Revenue $167,288,265 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 $15,968,425 October w/ Encumb $39,883 $27,915, 677 $27,955,560 $2,669,756 Year-to-date w/Encumb $39,883 $27,915,677 $27,955,560 $2,669,756 • Total HOT Collections October 2025 = $27,915,677 • 17% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund October 2025 = $2,669,756 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Zilker Relays – September 5 • Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival – September 7 • Fall Pecan Street Festival – September 13-14 • Austin Museum Day – September 21 • Fantastic Fest – September 18-25 • HAAM Benefit Day – September 23 AUS Passenger Totals: 1,729,398 (September 2025) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 4 Questions? 5
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | November 17, 2025 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 11/10/25) FY24 Elevate FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 1) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 230 230 (100%) 230 (100%) 230 (100%) 222 (97%) 81 (35%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 50 (98%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $8,537,000 (92%) $9,265,000 $245,000 (96%) $255,000 35 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 32 (91%) 1 (3%) $3,318,500 (86%) See year 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A (N/A) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 Grant Funded Activities FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Community Mosaic Workshop November 20 The Mosaic Workshop (District 1) – The Mosaic Workshop Country Western Memories November 20 Small Wonders Entertainment (District 5) – South Austin Senior Activity Center Caesar + Antony + Cleopatra November 20 – 22 Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project (District 4) – Dadalab A Doctor’s Visit November 20 – 22 Broad Theatre (District 3) – Hyde Park Theatre 6 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Brazil Soundscapes #4 November 21 Cultura Brasil Austin (District 6) – Cultura Brasil Austin Campfire Stories and Free Book Fair November 22 Austin Bat Cave (District 4) – Pease Park Sepideh Live in Austin November 22 Austin Iranian Professionals Association (District 10) – Central Library Special Events Center 7 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities The Austin Powwow November 22 Great Promise for American Indians (District 9) – Travis County Expo Center World by Rana November 22 Studio 22 Productions (District 7) – The Belmont Keepsakes: An Anthology Publication Celebration November 23 After Violence Project (District 9) – Alienated Majesty Books 8 Questions? 9
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | November 17, 2025 Re-Alignment in AACME ▪ Still Evolving! Transparency is key. ▪ Community response ▪ Unified Funding Goals ▪ Improved User Experience ▪ Optimization by Programmatic focus ▪ Grants ▪ HOT-funded City-wide cultural contracts ▪ Special funds Division Manager: Funding Nexus Cultural Arts Grants Elevate Thrive Musician / Promoter Live Music Venue Capital Projects Heritage Events ARPA Arts for All Live Music Fund Grants Heritage Preservation Grants Creative Space Assistance Program Special Projects UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts Austin Sister Cities International 2 Funding Programs: Guidelines ▪ Clearer definitions ▪ Clearer criteria ▪ Simplified processes ▪ More accessible resources across all programs ▪ Learn More: austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding English Guidelines Spanish Guidelines 3 Funding Programs: Application Timeline 1. Intake Form 3. Application Form Must be completed by Lead Applicant Applications close at 6:59 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025 May only be completed once per applicant entity No paper or emailed applications will be accepted FS complete intake form for their organization's application ONLY • Sponsored Projects must complete intake form independent of their FS Select all grant programs you wish to apply All Eligibility Forms due by 6:59 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025 Must complete an Eligibility Form for Each Program they wish to apply Allow for up to 4-business days to receive access to application 2. Eligibility Form 4 Funding Programs: Overview Austin Live Music Fund • $5,000 - $70,000 • Music Industry (musicians, independent promoters, venues) Creative Space Assistance Program • $60,000 • Commercial creative spaces Elevate • Up to $30,000 - $80,000 • Arts organizations, individual artists, creative businesses Heritage Preservation Grant • $50,000 - $250,000 • Preservation projects and activities AACME is providing grant funding for activities that enrich the public, broaden tourism, and contribute to the cultural fabric of Austin. 5 Austin Live Music Fund Program Description: Encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin’s diverse music industry. Award Amounts Applicant Award Amount Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 with 24-month Grant Agreement term Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $5,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement term Live Music Venue with at least a $60,000 operating budget $60,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement term Evaluation and Review: ▪ Multiple-Choice responses autoscored ▪ Evidence reviewed by third-party administrators 6 Creative Space Assistance Program Program Description: Supports commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Eligible Applicants ▪ …
• Project: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Atrium Infill / Terminal Expansion Phase II – B • Artist(s): Josef Kristofoletti & Matthew Mazzotta • Phase: Final Design • Sponsoring Department: Austin Aviation • Project Budget: $1,000,000 • Council District: 2 • Project Manager: Alex Irrera ARTS COMMIS SION ME ETING AGE NDA ITEM DATE: NOVE MBE R 17, 2025 Aviation | Terminal Expansion Phase II - A, B, & C O R I G I N A L P R O J E C T S U M M A R Y - Terminal Expansion Project – 9 gate expansion of Barbara Jordan Terminal - 175,000 sq. feet, increasing number of gates to 34 - Grows airport capacity to 15 million passengers, increase of 36% - $570,000 total for Three Opportunities ($260,000 / $155,000 / $155,000) - Invitation-only Request for Qualifications to 2018-20 Pre-Qualified Local Artist Pool D E S I G N D E V E L O P M E N T T I M E L I N E o Fall 2022 – Artist Community Engagement & Concept Design Review o Spring 2023 – Final Design Review o Spring-Summer 2024 – Project Restart and Budget Increase Approval o Fall 2024 – Artist Community Engagement o Spring 2025 – Concept Design Review o Fall 2025 – Final Design Review o 2026 – Project Installation and Close-out THE NATURE OF SOUND An Artwork by Josef Kristofoletti and Matthew Mazzotta Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Final Design August 2025 "A birdsong can even, for a moment, make the whole world into a sky within us, because we feel that the bird does not distinguish between its heart and the world's" - Rainer Maria Rilke Artwork engineering/dimensions/views 10/16/25 10/16/25 ) y t i r a c l r o f d e g r a n e ( l i g n w a r d g n i r e e n g n e i ) y t i r a c l r o f d e g r a n e ( l i g n w a r d g n i r e e n g n e i m a e b - I , t r o p e r g n i r e e n g n e i Artwork narrative THE NATURE OF SOUND is an iconic new artwork designed specifically for the …
• Project: Northeast Service Center Garage Façade • Artist(s): TBD • Phase: Art Call (Invitational) • Sponsoring Department: Austin Resource Recovery & Austin Fleet Mobility Services • Project Budget: $1,800,000 • Council District: 1 • Project Manager: Rebecca Rende Arts Commission Meeting Agenda Item #10 Date:11/17/2025 NESC Project Overview Northeast Service Center: • Public Private Partnership (P3) • AFS: managing dept, Austin Public Facilities Corporation • New campus will consolidate services to one location • ARR: trash collection, recycling, composting, large brush collection and bulk items • AFMS: vehicle maintenance needs for City of Austin AIPP Participation: • First AIPP project within P3 delivery model • $3 million in Art Commissions • AIPP developed opportunities & budgets • Phased approach: Garage façade now, additional opportunities in 2026 NESC location: 8301 Johnny Morris Rd NESC Site & AIPP Opportunities North Campus: Austin Resource Recovery South Campus: Austin Fleet Mobility Services $1,800,000 Garage Façade Interior Hanging Artwork $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Cistern Murals x 2 Sculptures x 5 $ 600,000 Total AIPP Opportunities $3,000,000 NESC Garage Façade - Art Call Scope of Work: • Site-specific permanent artwork • Square feet: 7,500 • Kinetic artwork, if possible • Considerations • Users of the site • Public who visit the site • Pedestrian and vehicular traffic • Views from the interior of the garage • Day and night • Engage stakeholders and community Eligibility: • Texas-based established public artists • Ability to work with design teams, stakeholders and community Rendering: garage facing Jonny Morris Road NESC Garage Façade - Artist Selection Process November: Art Call • AIPP Panel & Arts Commission – Art Call approval • Identify selection panelists • Identify 5-7 invited public artists December: Artist Selection Panel • Identify 3 artists to invite to apply • Review applications • Artist interviews January: Artist Approval & Contracting • AIPP Panel & Arts Commission – Artist Selection Approval • City Council – Contract Approval • Artist Contracting NESC – Next Steps Garage Façade • AIPP Panel – Art Call approval • Arts Commission – Art Call approval • Identify selection panelists • Identify 5-7 invited public artists • Volunteer to sit on the Artist Selection Panel NESC Campus AIPP Projects • Coordination w/ sponsors and managing departments to develop art calls for additional AIPP opportunities Action needed to approve the Art Call
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 17 ,November 2025 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Houston called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:01p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Felipe Garza, Faiza Kracheni Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Heidi Schmalbach, Sharron B Anderson Board Members Absent: Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • Maria Luisa Guitierrez from Casa Costura asked for assitance with Spanish language assistance for the AACME grants. They are not clearly translated and the contract . They would like to City to consider offering the contract in Spanish. • Luis Ordaz from Proyecto Teatro spoke on their experience assisting Spanish language applicants. They are advocating for the Arts Grants contracts to be provided in Spanish. • Hector Ordaz from Proyecto Teatro spoke on their concerns with funding disparities and with the quality of the equipment at the cultural centers. • Cedric ___ from ___ spoke about their upcoming holiday market. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on October 20, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of October 20, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Gry’s motion, Commissioner Maldonado’s second on an 7-0 vote with Commisisoner Garza, Kracheni abstaining and Commissioners Hussaini, Zisman absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the November 3rd Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach The update was given by Commissioner Schmalbach. 3. Update on actions taken at the October 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston The update was given by Commissioner Houston 4. Update on the TEMPO 2025-26 Artist Selection by Mandi Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, The Trail Conservancy and Rebecca Rende, Art in Public Places Coordinator Senior. The update was given by Mandi Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, The Trail Conservancy and Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. An …
