REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION March 24, 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: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, 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 January 27, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the March 3rd meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado 3. Presentation by Board Members of Austin Creative Alliance on the most recent petition to Council 4. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural 5. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding STAFF BRIEFINGS Funding Supervisor Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from joint Arts/Music Commission Working Group on Urban Core Issues with Commissioners Gray, and Schmalbach (chair). 7. Update from the Community Feedback on most recent release of the Cultural Funding Programs Working Group with Commissioner’s Kracheni, Maldonado, Gray, Houston, Medicharla (chair) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesús Varela at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-2444, for additional information; TTY users route through …
3/5/25, 10:51 AM Mail - Zisman, Celina - BC - Outlook Outlook RESPONSE REQUESTED and Invitation to March 24th Arts Commission Meeting. From Gray, Acia - BC <BC-Acia.Gray@austintexas.gov> Date Thu 2/27/2025 5:21 PM To dewybrooks@gmail.com <dewybrooks@gmail.com>; djronan@gmail.com <djronan@gmail.com>; sbukowski@bukowskilawfirm.com <sbukowski@bukowskilawfirm.com>; AJ@ventanaballet.com <AJ@ventanaballet.com>; mglavigne@gmail.com <mglavigne@gmail.com>; anu.naimpally@gmail.com <anu.naimpally@gmail.com>; Jessica Nero <jessica@bluelapislight.org>; rommelsulit@gmail.com <rommelsulit@gmail.com> Cc Watson, Kirk <Kirk.Watson@austintexas.gov>; Harper-Madison, Natasha <Natasha.Madison@austintexas.gov>; Fuentes, Vanessa <Vanessa.Fuentes@austintexas.gov>; Velasquez, Jose <Jose.Velasquez@austintexas.gov>; Vela, Jose "Chito" <Chito.Vela@austintexas.gov>; Alter, Ryan <Ryan.Alter@austintexas.gov>; Laine, Krista <krista.laine@austintexas.gov>; Siegel, Mike <mike.siegel@austintexas.gov>; Ellis, Paige <Paige.Ellis@austintexas.gov>; Qadri, Zo <Zo.Qadri@austintexas.gov>; Duchen, Marc <marc.duchen@austintexas.gov>; Broadnax, TC <TC.Broadnax@austintexas.gov>; Mok, Amy - BC <bc- Amy.Mok@austintexas.gov>; Maldonado, Monica - BC <BC-Monica.Maldonado@austintexas.gov>; Schmalbach, Heidi - BC <BC-Heidi.Schmalbach@austintexas.gov>; Gray, Acia - BC <BC- Acia.Gray@austintexas.gov>; Medicharla, Nagavalli - BC <BC-Nagavalli.Medicharla@austintexas.gov>; Zisman, Celina - BC <BC-Celina.Zisman@austintexas.gov>; Kracheni, Faiza - BC <BC-Faiza.Kracheni@austintexas.gov>; Garza, Felipe - BC <BC-Felipe.Garza@austintexas.gov> February 27, 2025 To the Board Members of Austin Creative Alliance, ACA was established to be a critical partner to the City. This has been impossible given the aggressive and uncollaborative methods of your CEO, John Riedie. Case in point, the most recent petition being circulated by ACA. The arts commission is not a bystander to the CAD process. We approved the vision and high-level framework for the pilot programs. Now that the programs have run a full cycle, the commissioners have the opportunity to reflect on what is and is not working in order to take action and make needed changes, as evidenced by the working group report that John has served on. That he is participating in a working group (literally created to integrate community feedback into the re-visioning of the programs) and then circulating this petition simultaneously is completely hypocritical. Below is a list of issues we have identified with the petition (ACA language bulleted): "Cultural Arts Funding was suppressed by the Arts Commission, never released publicly, nor shared with Council." This was a city-driven survey. Nothing about it was suppressed from either council or the community to inform changes to the funding programs. Some of those suggestions have already been implemented while others are being considered as part of the current process. Please provide proof that this was actively "suppressed" “Just recently, focus groups conducted by Measure Austin expressed “mistrust” of the Arts Commission, as reported in the Austin Monitor, February 4, 2025.” https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGQ3ZmNjOTlhLTBmNDQtNDVmNy1hZTlhLTk5MmFjZjgzMGMxNQAQAGqjrKl7B8tAlmXl2WInXZg… 1/4 3/5/25, 10:51 AM Mail - Zisman, Celina - BC - Outlook This statement is intentionally misleading on the part of …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION March 24, 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: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Presentation by Artists Margo Sawyer, Paula Priour, and Dr. John Yancey on their efforts to save their pieces that are slated to be destroyed (rather than deaccessed/sold) when the Convention Center is rebuilt. 9. Staff briefing to Arts and Music Commissions about Rally Austin Bond etc.by Anne Gatling STAFF BRIEFINGS Haynes, Chief Transactions Officer DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Discussion and approval on the 2026 Budget Recommendations 11. Appoint new representative to the Downtown Commission 12. Presentations by Commissioners who are interested in serving as Officers of the Arts 13. Approve the Final Design for the Brush Square Art in Public Places Project by artist George Commission Sabra. 14. Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Red Bud Isle Art in Public Places Project – Emily Eisenhart Recommended Artist, and Philippe Klinefelter Recommended Alternate Artist 15. Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Armadillo Water Tank Art in Public Places Project – Bill Tavis Recommended Artist, Candy Kuo Recommended Alternate Artist, and Efren Rebugio Recommended Third Alternate Artist. 16. Approve the 2025-2027 Art In Public Places Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool.
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission Meeting March 24, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – February 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget February w/ Encumb Year-to-date w/Encumb Year-End Estimate Total Revenue $169,901,585 $169,901,585 $11,419,305 $73,124,589 $165,225,852 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $16,217,879 $16,217,879 $1,108,764 $7,001,619 $15,987,726 • Total HOT Collections February 2025 = $11,419,305 • 44% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund February 2025 = $1,108,764 C I TY O F A U S T I N HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 C I TY O F A U S T I N Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $7,001,619 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) C I TY O F A U S T I N Questions? C I TY O F A U S T I N
Cultural Arts Funding Update March 24, 2025 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. FY 25 Cultural Funding Updates 3. Grant Funded Activities C I T Y O F A U S T I N Contracts & Payments FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) Contracts & Payments (As of 3/19/25) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 197 (98%) 181 (91%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 49 (96%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 44 (86%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 35 (100%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $6,127,692 (96%) $6,250,000 $254,000 (99%) $255,000 $251,500 (100%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,901,500 (100%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY 25 Cultural Funding Updates 551 applications received 100 grants 18% acceptance rate Awards announced mid- April Nexus Update 4 Spanish applications 547 English applications C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY 25 Nexus Timeline January 28, 2025 May 1, 2025 May 30, 2026 Nexus application opens Nexus activities begin Latest Nexus Final Report due date Nexus application closes Last day for Nexus activities March 6, 2025 April 30, 2026 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Elevate Update Limit Potential Funding Disruptions Launch goal of early Fall Maintain Goals established during Cultural Funding Review Process (Pilot Year 3) Address Legislative Impacts (State/Federal) Meaningfully Engage Community and Commission C I T Y O F A U S T I N Community Engagement Update Elevate • 6 participants • 5 responses Nexus Thrive • 16 participants • 10 responses • 12 participants • 3 responses Candice Cooper • ACME Chief of Staff • Community Engagement lead C I T Y O F A U S T I N Grant Funded Activities FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Red Light Lit Austin: Visions • March 27 • Red Light Lit Austin – Propaganda HQ (Dist 2) Steven Hough: A Solo Piano Recital • March 28 • ATX Chamber Music …
Rally Austin Update March 2025 Commissions WHO WE ARE 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 2 WHO WE ARE OUR COMMUNITY AT WORK Board of Directors Collaboration of community leaders and nominating bodies who represent local organizations and asset holders. 7 City Of Austin Representatives: • Music Commission • Arts Commission • Historic Landmark • +City Directors 3 INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS RALLY AUSTIN MILESTONES Council begins to explore collaboration Austin Economic Development Corporation established Signed Interlocal agreement for initial projects 21-person board created, CEO and Staff search begin Strategic Plan provides Board Structure and Mission $2.4M for two creative space projects on City owned property AEDC recognized as 501c3 Non- Profit Organization $4.5M announced for Austin Playhouse $1.6M Iconic Venue Funding for The Hole in the Wall AEDC rebrands as Rally Austin Austin City Council Approves Developer Selection, Urban Renewal Agency recommendation for Blocks 16 & 18 $2.5M for Museum of Human Achievement Council approves a 30% increase in the Interlocal Agreement 2014 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Arts, Music & Culture Complete Communities Catalytic Development 4 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE Critical Areas of Development for Central Texas COMPLETE COMMUNITIES ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT 5 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE BLOCK 16 & 18 EAST 11th ST Development of complete communities that improve quality of life for Austinites and focus on equitable development in underserved areas. Blocks 16 & 18 in the African American Cultural Heritage District with the Urban Renewal Board Philanthropic partnerships with Wells Fargo, C3 Presents, and Six Square “ We are proud partners of the Rally Austin team and their transformative work ensuring communities throughout Austin can flourish. — CHRIS RIOS, WELLS FARGO REGIONAL VP OF PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY IMPACT ” 6 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE AUSTIN CULTURAL TRUST IMPACT $11M in five projects valued at $24.2M $11M $24.2M $48.4M to $60.5M Rally Investment Project Value Projected Economic Impact INVESTMENTS $1.6M Hole in the Wall $2M Permitting and Development Center $400K Millenium Youth Entertainment Complex $4.5M Austin Playhouse $2.5M Museum of Human Achievement $400K Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex …
•Sponsoring Department: Transportation & Public Works, Parks & Recreation •Project: Red Bud Isle •Artist: TBC •Phase: Artist Selection Recommendation •Project Budget: $625,000 •Council District: Districts 8 and 10 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens Arts Commission Meeting Date: 03/24/2025 Red Bud Isle Project Background Red Bud Isle is located off Redbud Trail between Lake Austin Boulevard and Stratford Drive. Red Bud Isle was formed in 1900 by the catastrophic collapse of the Great Granite Dam that contained Lake McDonald (now known as Lake Austin), killing several dozen people. Nearby is Tom Miller Dam that forms Lake Austin, the city’s primary source for drinking water. In 1940, the LCRA completed the dam as part of the Highland Lakes system, designed to manage floodwaters and bring electricity to the Texas Hill Country. Previous attempts to control the extreme flows of the Colorado had failed. In both 1900 and 1915 previous dams were devastated by floods. Granite boulders from those structures can still be found on Red Bud Isle. The Redbud Trail Bridge Project has been years in the making and is the result of increasing strains on the bridge due to flooding, population growth, the number of vehicles on the road and heightened use. The bridge, built in 1948, does not meet current roadway standards for traffic volume, bicycle and pedestrian amenities. The bridge is also nearing the end of its operational life. Construction of the new bridge is designed to handle current-day loading conditions, increasing vehicular traffic, and increased safety and multi-modal transportation options for bicyclists and pedestrians. The community stated a preference for artwork inspired by the history and nature of the site. Artists familiar with local ecology and/or the Red Bud Isle user community are highly encouraged to apply. Potential artwork locations are designated above, as well as other possible locations. Artwork may be considered for the bridge itself, however artwork may not pose any obstructions that block views of the water, impacts sight distance, interferes with pedestrian and vehicle activity, or the utility grate. AIPP in the area Red Bud Isle Budget – $625,000 Sponsor Department – Transportation & Public Works Selection Criteria • Technical quality and aesthetic appeal of Artwork Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public past work • Dedicated and consistent artistic practice • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability and enthusiasm …
• Artist(s): Bill Tavis – recommended, Candy Kuo – alternate, Efren Rebugio – second alternate • Project: Armadillo Water Tank • Phase: Artist Selection • Sponsoring Department: Austin Water • Project Budget: $133,000 • Council District: District 2 • Project Manager: Bryana Iglesias and Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #4 DATE:03/03/2025 Armadillo Water Tank Selection Panelists Voting Selection Panelists Chris Tobar – Multidisciplinary Artist Duglas Brown – Illustrator, Graphic Designer Bruce Willenzik – Executive Producer Armadillo Bazaar, Retired COA Arts Commissioner Josh Logan- Producer, Visual Director Mason Lackey – Co- Founder Mural Supply Co Project Advisors Ben Thompson- President, Armadillo Park Lauri Johnston – Member, Armadillo Park Randi Jenkins– Assistant Director, WATER R e c o m m e n d e d A r t i s t Bill Tavis 2024 Austin Skyline from Congress Bridge Latex | 12 x 12 Cedar Park, TX Armadillo Water Tank Bill Tavis "Bill's work was our top choice to design and execute the Armadillo Water Tank mural because we felt his voice was unique, and his style suited the subject and scope of a project best out of several well qualified candidates." "His art style is the best blend of figurative and abstract embellishments, so the viewer can experience the piece in different ways depending on their distance from it." "Bill was my first choice based on his style, attention to site details and ability to cover a large area. He received the highest score when votes were counted." A l t e r n a t e A r t i s t Armadillo Water Tank Candy Kuo 2023 Homesick Spray-paint & Latex | 8 x 15 Lustre Pearl, ATX Candy Kuo " We thought Candy was a close second to Bill, her use of contrast and color was exceptional, and she is very experienced with the size and scope of this project." "She has an excellent palette, compositions, and rendering of the subject matter. " S e c o n d A l t e r n a t e A r t i s t Armadillo Water Tank Efren Rebugio From Realm to Realm Spray-paint| 7 x 18 Concan, TX Efren Rebugio "Efren was also an extremely strong candidate, with a very unique style we thought was very "Austin", and experience with similar projects of size and scope." "Efren …
Arts Commission FY 24-25 Approved Budget Recommendations ● $548K for Cultural Arts Division staff and admin fees from General Fund, alleviating this expense from the limited Hotel Occupancy Tax reserved for CAD funding. $548,000 / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support for Service Organizations to be issued $500,000 / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support for Community Navigators in order to better support applicants during the cultural funding program application process, in particular for translation service providers. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support to continue the Austin Civilian Conservation Core program. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund ● Funding* to support the Austin Economic Development Corporation to continue implementing the Cultural Trust program, especially with Common Area Maintenance and other associated costs borne by operators who would be managing spaces for community use *Economic Development Department has provided funding to the extent feasible within their Department budget but cannot continue to contribute funding (see memo attached), so any funding for AEDC would need to be identified through another City source. (Amount?) Items from the Music Budget Requests to consider including: ● Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund
REGULAR MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Monday, March 3rd, 2025, at 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may participate by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 participation. To register to speak, call or email AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7852. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair – J Muzacz, Andrew Danziger, Taylor Davis, Bernardo Diaz, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Monica Maldonado – Arts Commission Liaison CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on February 3rd, 2025. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from February 17th, 2025, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Brush Square Art in Public Places Project – George Sabra ACTION: Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Red Bud Isle Art in Public Places Project – Emily Eisenhart Recommended Artist, and Philippe Klinefelter Recommended Alternate Artist 4. 5. 6. ACTION: Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Armadillo Water Tank Art in Public Places Project – Bill Tavis Recommended Artist, Candy Kuo Recommended Alternate Artist, and Efren Rebugio Recommended Third Alternate Artist ACTION: Approve the 2025-2028 Art in Public Places Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool Request for Qualifications DISCUSSION: Guidelines Working Group updates Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones 7. STAFF BRIEFINGS 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974- 7852 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION February 24, 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: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, 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 January 27, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on DEI words that will no longer allowed to be used by the Trump administration by Chair Zisman 3. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the February 3rd meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado 4. Update on actions taken at the January 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding the establishment of the Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager 6. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager 7. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Action to Approve Request for Qualification for the Asian American Resource Center Art in Public Places Project 9. Action to Approve Final Design for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Terminal Expansion Phase (TEP) II “A” Art in Public Places Project 10. Discussion and possible action on recommendation for the evolution of the Cultural Arts Grants in 2025 and beyond, after presentation by Commissioner Medicharla, on behalf of the CAD Grants Working Group 11. Discussion and possible action on …
Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Update Arts Commission Meeting February 24, 2025 Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment Established February 24, 2025, ACME focuses on sustaining and growing Austin’s creative sector Implements recommendation of CreateAustin Cultural Master Plan • Principal Recommendation #3: Create a City Department of Arts and Culture Inaugural Director: Angela Means Impacted Departments/Divisions: • Aviation: Music & Events; Austin Public Library: Heritage Centers; Economic Development: Cultural Arts, AIPP; Parks & Recreation: Cultural Centers, Office of Special Events, Heritage Tourism; Development Services: Austin Center for Events, Entertainment Services • Streamlines staff coordination, provides a more cohesive and accessible experience for stakeholders and amplifies the reach and effectiveness of joint initiatives • • • • Goals: C I T Y O F A U S T I N Questions? C I T Y O F A U S T I N
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission Meeting February 24, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – January 2025 • Total HOT Collections January 2025 = $29,682,604 • 36% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund January 2025 = $2,834,604 C I TY O F A U S T I N HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 C I TY O F A U S T I N Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $5,892,855 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) C I TY O F A U S T I N Questions? C I TY O F A U S T I N
Cultural Arts Funding Update February 24, 2025 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. FY 25 Cultural Funding Updates 3. Grant Funded Activities C I T Y O F A U S T I N Contracts & Payments FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) Contracts & Payments (As of 2/21/25) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 196 (98%) 155 (78%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 49 (96%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 35 (100%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $6,005,942 (96%) $6,250,000 $254,000 (99%) $255,000 $255,000 (100%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,901,500 (100%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY 25 Cultural Funding Updates Cultural Funding Program Update Staff have determined the need for an intentional timeline shift for Cultural Funding Programs (Elevate) Established Goals within Timeline Shift • Maintain Goals established during Cultural Funding Review Process (Pilot Year 3) • Address Legislative Impacts (State/Federal) • Meaningfully Engage Community and Commission • Limit Potential Funding Disruptions Goal Launch: Early Fall 2025 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Speak Up Austin 1. https://publicinput.com/x76220 2. Open through July 2025 C I T Y O F A U S T I N January Responses C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY 25 Nexus Timeline January 28, 2025 May 1, 2025 May 30, 2026 Nexus application opens Nexus activities begin Latest Nexus Final Report due date Nexus application closes Last day for Nexus activities March 6, 2025 April 30, 2026 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Grant Funded Activities FY23-24 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Irene Antonia Diane Reece • January 18 – March 4 • Women & Their Work – Women & Their Work (Dist 4) 7th Annual Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera • February 21 – March 2 • One Ounce Opera – dadaLab (Dist 4) The Art of Taxes • February …
•Project: Asian American Resource Center •Artist: TBD •Phase: ACTION: Approve Request for Qualifications •Sponsoring Department: Parks & Recreation •Project Budget: $90,000 •Council District: District 1 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens Arts Commission Meeting 02/24/2025 Asian American Resource Center 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754 Project Background The Asian American Resource Center Pavilion project centers around the development of a multipurpose pavilion that integrates with the existing great lawn. The pavilion is envisioned as a flexible, year-round venue designed to host a variety of small to medium-sized programs and events. Key planned features include a performance area, accessible amenities, and supporting infrastructure for diverse community activities. This project is designed to provide a high-quality, versatile space that meets the diverse needs of its users and emphasizes sustainability. 2D or 3D artwork Austin area artists Asian American Resource Center AIPP on-site Lotus, 2013, ceramic tile and granite Sunyong Chung and Philippe Klinefelter AIPP in the area Gus Garcia Recreation Center Building Community, 2023 painted mural Lindsey Millikin Tribute to Gus Garcia, 2008 steel and stone Lars Stanley Georgian Acres Park To Be Together, 2023, aluminum stainless steel, paint Kemba Opio St. John's Pocket Park St. John Community Pillar, 2021 concrete, steel, acrylic paint Damon Moseley St. Johns Community Center Community Core Sample Project, 2002, mixed media Threshold Project, 2002, marble Beverly Penn and Steve Wiman EMS Station 14 Sky Gates, 2013 aluminum, brass, copper, glass Peter Mangan OPEN CALL TO ARTISTS Public Art Opportunity Asian American Resource Center - City of Austin Art in Public Places project, District 1 City of Austin (Texas): Art in Public Places (AIPP) Call open – May 20, 2025 Deadline for Submissions – June 26, 2025, time TBD Submit all information via TBC Description The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department (EDD) seeks to commission one professional visual artist or artist-led team to design, fabricate and install two and/or three-dimensional exterior artwork at the Asian American Resource Center at 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754. Public Artwork Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances • Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that integrates with the site the aesthetic quality of public places and surrounding natural environment • Speaks to and represents the Asian American experience in Austin, Texas, including o Diaspora, migration o Belonging, setting …
• Project: Terminal Expansion Phase (TEP) II A • Artist(s): Beili Liu • Phase: Final Design Review • Sponsoring Department: Aviation • Project Budget: $200,000 • Council District: District 2 • Project Manager: Alex Irrera DATE:02/24 /2025 ARTS COMMIS SION ME ETING AGE NDA ITEM TEP II A Recent Project Timeline: ➢ August 2023 – Mid-Design Review at AIPP Panel ➢ September 2023 – Final Design Package submitted ➢ April 2024 – Site change ➢ May 2024 – Budget increase from $155K to $200K ➢ September 2024 – Staff update to AIPP Panel ➢ December 2024 – Revised Final Design Package submitted ➢ January 2025 – Permitting/Fire Review and AUS Review of Revised Final Design ➢ February 2025 – AIPP Panel & Arts Commission Review of Revised Final Design Original Site: Exit of the elevated International Corridor and above the main escalator and staircase within the FIS/CBP area TEP II A New Site: High ceiling triangle nook and clerestory volume by Gate 15 (approximate area shown) Convergence / Austin AUS Terminal Expansion Phase II AIPP Project Final Design Presentation Beili Liu Studio Lure/Rise Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco Thread, needle, dimensions variable Narrative The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in our nation, reflecting the impressive growth and increasing allure of our beloved city of Austin as an eclectic culture, arts, and technology destination. Serving both Austin residents and travelers around the world, the AUS Terminal Expansion Phase II accommodates an additional four million passengers and supports the AUS Airport’s mission to be the “Gateway to the World for All.” Convergence / Austin is a site-responsive public art installation that reflects and responds to the purpose, growth, and excellence of the Austin-Bergstrom Airport. Visual Impact The ascending, fluid rhythm of the artwork invokes the intricate and interconnected balance among diverse individuals and the powerful force that emerges when we come together to form an ever-evolving and energetic community. Convergence / Austin encourages travelers to take a moment to slow down—to observe and contemplate, to connect and share. Rendering Full View Artwork overlaid on the Fire suppression plan Artwork overlaid on the Fire suppression plan (zoomed in) Artwork overlaid on the Mezzanine Floorplan 44'7" floor tobottom of beam50'2" floorto ceiling45'5" floor tobottom of beam18'5" floor tobottom of panel21'3" floor to bottomof window frame33'-6"40'30'18'-7"18'-6"18'-9"10"12"412" Ceiling Suspension Structure • • • Footprint of artwork: 16’x 12‘, updated to fit …
RECOMMENDATION FOR EVOLVING THE CURRENT CULTURAL ARTS GRANTS PROGRAM FRAMEWORK Recommenda�on from the 2025 CAD Grants Working group PARTICIPANTS Arts Commissioners Community members RECOMMENDATION RE-DEFINE PROGRAMS Acia Gray, Gina Houston, Faiza Kracheni, Monica Maldanado, Nagavalli Medicharla (Chair, Working Group) Bonnie Cullum (Vortex), Candyce Rusk (Individual ar�st, crea�ve + business writer), John Riedi (Aus�n Crea�ve Alliance), Matrex Kilgore (Individual ar�st, Theatre/Arts educa�on, TCA background), Toni Bravo (DiverseSpace Dance Theatre), Anne Charlote Paterson (Individual ar�st, Dance, Music Commission), Celeste Quesada (Non-profit/film, Music Commission) ** Sections highlighted in yellow indicate that there was difference of approach/opinion on the item within the working group • THRIVE (biennial): Two Year Opera�onal Support to help arts nonprofits get to ins�tu�onal • ELEVATE (annual): Annual Project-based Support for arts nonprofits, art groups, and • Nexus (semi-annual): Semi-annual / short term Project-based Support for arts nonprofits, status o Emerging o Established / Legacy independent ar�sts. o Note: Removed “creative businesses” independent ar�sts, and art groups o Note: Removed “creative businesses” RE-DEFINE APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY Thrive: • Arts Nonprofits crea�ve history for the past 5 years • Org opera�onal budget min. $50K in the past year Elevate: • Organiza�on should be registered as an arts non-profit for min. 5 years and have demonstrated • Arts Non-profits • Independent Ar�sts o Organiza�on should be registered as a non-profit for min. 3 years and have demonstrated crea�ve history for the past 3 years o Demonstrated crea�ve history for the past 2 years o Require fiscal sponsorship Fiscal sponsorship fee limited to 10% of grant or less Sponsoring en��es should meet accepted standards for sponsoring qualifica�ons - separa�on of funds, financial processes mee�ng GAAP, do not share staff with sponsored projects, etc. • All applicants need 50% matching funds incl. IN KIND or possible staff explora�on of ques�ons that would highlight this community engagement • Arts Group o Demonstrated crea�ve history for the past 2 years o Require fiscal sponsorship Fiscal sponsorship fee limited to 10% of grant or less Sponsoring en��es should meet accepted standards for sponsoring qualifica�ons - separa�on of funds, financial processes mee�ng GAP, do not share staff with sponsored project, etc • All applicants need 50% matching funds incl. in kind or staff explora�on of ques�ons that would highlight community engagement Nexus: • Independent ar�sts • Arts groups • Arts Nonprofits • Demonstrated crea�ve history for the past 1 year • No fiscal sponsorship requirement …
