REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION May 18, 2026, 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 Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME), at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Muna Hussaini - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Kirtana Banskota, Bailey Pownall, 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 April 20, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the May 4th Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 3. Explore a Special Called joint meeting with the Music Commission STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on Creative Reset Part 2 with Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, ACME. 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 ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, ACME. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on ACME Museums and Cultural Facilities by Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager or Michelle Rojas, Acting Division Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Discussion and possible action to approve possible collaboration with Coalition for Austin’s Arts & Spanish-Language Theatre for the expansion of the Latino Artist Access Program. 11. Establish a working group with the Arts Commission, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) Advisory Board, …
Arts Commission Briefing: The Creative Reset Phase 2 Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment | May 18, 2026 ACME Facilities The Creative Reset Phase 2 ACME Facilities African American Cultural & Heritage Facility + Dedrick Hamilton House Asian American Resource Center Connelly-Yerwood “Pink” House Beverly S Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater Dougherty Arts Center Elisabet Ney Museum Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex Montopolis Negro School O. Henry Museum Old Bakery & Emporium Susanna Dickinson Museum UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum 3 The Creative Reset Phase 2 Launched in October 2025 The Creative Reset Phase 2 Community-Centered Approach Reviewed Historical Data (2020-2025) Incorporated facility data received as part of Phase 1 Conducted Community Feedback Survey, Focus Groups, Open Houses, 1:1 and Jeffersonian Style Dinner. Research & Benchmarking Created Staff Vision Plans Performed Internal Assessments Streamline, Efficiency & Consistency Conducted Benchmarking 5 What We Heard: Top 8 Priorities Key Priorities for Austin’s Arts, Cultural & Museum Facilities Protect & Strengthen Community Assets Reduce Access Barriers Align Staffing Capacity with Demand Invest in Facilities Focus on Proven Programming Priorities Strengthen Communication & Community Engagement Balance Affordability & Sustainability Advance Systemwide Coordination 6 Virtual Focus Group Tuesday, May 19 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: https://zoom.us/j/98797374446 Wednesday, May 20 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: https://zoom.us/j/99201223652 Wednesday, May 20 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: https://zoom.us/j/93156310967 Take the survey: https://www.austintexas.gov/arts-culture/creative-reset Email us: acme@austintexas.gov 7 The Creative Reset Phase 2 Timeline October 2025 Kick-Off October- December 2025 • Conducted Outreach & Engagement • Collected Community Feedback January 2026 • Performed Internal Assessments • Analyzed Feedback February-March 2026 • Finalized Preliminary Data • Share with AACME Staff and City Leadership April-June 2026 July 2026 • Publish data • Gather Feedback at Boards, Commissions & Community Groups • Incorporate Feedback • Finalize Executive Report August 2026 • Publish Final Report 8 Next Steps The Creative Reset Phase 2 Next Steps Publish updated data on Public Input Host additional community engagement opportunities Analyze findings and develop recommendations Final report published in August 2026 Modified Timelines: Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex Montopolis Negro School …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | May 18, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – April 2026 H/MOT Penalties & Interest Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Total Revenue Approved Budget $511,252 $166,777,013 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 April $59,170 $37,613,046 $37,672,216 $3,598,544 Year-to-date $619,760 $118,296,373 $118,916,133 $11,357,339 • Total HOT Collections April 2026 = $37,672,216 • 71% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund April 2026 = $3,598,544 2 HOT Short-term Rentals (STR) $10.6 million collected so far in 2026 3 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • SXSW • Rodeo Austin • MotoGP Grand Prix • Foodieland Food Festival AUS Passenger Totals: 1,972,346 (March 2026) 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $11,357,337 5 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M 6 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – COVID Comparison 7 Questions? 8
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | May 18, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 5/13/26) FY24 Elevate FY25 Nexus 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 229 229 (100%) 229 (100%) 229 (100%) 226 (99%) 205 (90%) 102 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 54 (53%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 33 (94%) 27 (77%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 9 (26%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,137,500 (99%) $9,265,000 $486,000 (95 %) $510,000 $3,610,000 (94%) $886,500 (23%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 FY24 Final Report Status (as of 5/13/26) 24 of 229 Elevate Final Reports Incomplete (10%) • Deadline: January 31, 2026 • 8 not submitted • 1 extension • 11 need revisions • 1 returning unused funds • 2 leadership changes in Submittable • 1 deceased 5 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) The Gourds May 19-20 Austin Theatre Alliance (District 9) – Paramount Theatre The REALLY BIG (and really small) Drink Show May 20-23 Sage Studio & Gallery (District 9) – Sage Studio & Gallery I Scream Social May 22 Host Publications (District 7) – Alienated Majesty Books 8 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Timeless Comfort, Modern Witness May 22 Conspirare (District 1) – Bates Recital Hall Austin Bat Cave's Puppet Storytime and Book Faire May 23 Austin Bat Cave (District 4) – Festival Beach Food Forest Sunday Sessions May 24 Sunday Sessions ATX (MSA) – Waterloo Park Moody Ampitheatre 9 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) SACRED BALANCE: The Dance of Shiva and Shakti May 31 Austin Dance India (District 10) – Austin Hindu Temple Community Hall Inversion presents String Theory featuring Invoke May 22 Inversion Ensemble Inc (District 10) – dadaLab 15th Celebrando Salsa & Heritage Festival June 7 Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance (District 3) – Puerto Rican Cultural Center 10 Questions? 11
Art in Public Places Staff Briefings Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Arts Commission | May 18, 2026 AIPP Exhibition Open Calls austintexas.gov/AIPP People’s Gallery at City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Exhibition will run October 2026 – May 2028 Changing Exhibits at AUS airport 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719 12 galleries Exhibition will run January 2027 – December 2027 No submission fees. Applications close May 31 June 14, 2026 acme@austintexas.gov AIPP Coordinators – Jieun Beth Kim & Brittany Heinchon 2 AIPP-AUS Tunnel Community engagement by artist Saya Woolfalk Panel Discussion Saturday, May 30, 2026 11:00am – 12:30pm Women And Their Work 1311 E. Cesar Chavez St Austin TX 78702 Workshop series Asian American Resource Center bit.ly/AARCEventbrite AIPP Coordinator – Alex Irrera 3 Parque Zaragoza Bathhouse (left panel) Brown Birds & (right panel) Grackle by artist Samson Barboza Bathhouse ribbon cutting and Artwork celebration Wednesday, June 10, 2026 10:00am 2611 Webberville Rd. Austin, TX 78702 AIPP Coordinator – Ryan Runcie 4 AIPP Resolution No. 20250306-029 5 AIPP Resolution No. 20250306-029 Next Steps & Timeline • Align Ordinance and Guidelines (May-June) o Include feedback from City partners and AIPP Panel o CMO, LAW, and Budget review • Ordinance Approvals o Economic Opportunities Committee o Art in Public Places Panel o Arts Commission o City Council Meeting o AIPP Guidelines Approvals July 31 August 3 August 17 August 27 September 6
Draft: Art Commission Letter to City Council [Date] Mayor Kirk Watson and Members of the Austin City Council City of Austin Austin, Texas Dear Mayor Watson and Council Members, On behalf of the City of Austin’s Arts Commission, we respectfully submit this letter in support of a recommended FY2027 budget increase of $515,000 for the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB- MACC). LAAP has played an important role in expanding access to ESB-MACC facilities for Latino and Spanish-language performing artists. The program supports artists through space access, technical assistance, professional development opportunities, and connections to broader City cultural resources. As demand for performance-based programming continues to grow, the Arts Commission recognizes the opportunity to strengthen LAAP’s capacity to deliver more consistent, sustainable, and equitable outcomes for participating artists. • The recommended funding increase would support: • Additional dedicated technical capacity to support rehearsals and performances without overextending existing sta(cid:431) • Essential lighting and sound infrastructure upgrades to the Auditorium and Black Box spaces • Centralized marketing and audience development support for LAAP programming • A modest expansion of the LAAP program budget to serve additional artists and groups These investments would allow ESB-MACC to build on existing strengths and further align LAAP with an incubator-style model that supports artist development, production readiness, and long-term sustainability—particularly for Spanish-language performing arts. As the City’s designated body for arts and cultural policy and funding recommendations, the Arts Commission views this investment as a strategic opportunity to advance cultural equity, strengthen Austin’s creative ecosystem, and support the continued growth of Latino performing arts in our community. This recommendation is also aligned with broader e(cid:431)orts to ensure that City-supported cultural programs are adequately resourced to meet community demand. We respectfully recommend that City Council consider this funding as part of the FY2027 budget process. Thank you for your continued support of arts, culture, and the diverse communities served by ESB-MACC. Sincerely, Chair City of Austin’s Arts Commission On behalf of the City of Austin Arts Commission
LAAP FY2027 Budget Request — Summary of Proposed Investments Purpose This one-page summary provides additional detail on the proposed $515,000 FY2027 budget increase for the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP), based on cost ranges and role classifications provided by City sta(cid:431). The proposed investments build on existing MACC operations to strengthen consistency, capacity, and sustainability for performance- based programming. 1. Dedicated Technical Support (Ongoing) — $87,000 To adequately support rehearsals, performances, and participant needs without overextending existing sta(cid:431), this proposal assumes the addition of one dedicated full- time position. • Proposed role: IT Support Specialist (City job classification) • Function: o Support rehearsals and live performances o Coordinate lighting and sound setup o Troubleshoot technical issues o Orient artists to MACC systems and spaces • Annual cost: ~$87,000 (ongoing) This investment supports production readiness while reducing strain on current MACC sta(cid:431). 2. Lighting and Sound Infrastructure Upgrades (One-Time) — ~$300,000 Performance-based programs consistently encounter baseline lighting limitations in the Auditorium. • As part of the originally proposed MACC Phase 2 project, full upgrades to the Auditorium and Black Box lighting and sound systems were estimated in 2022 at approximately $300,000. • Scope includes: o Transition to fully integrated, state-of-the-art LED lighting o o Reduced maintenance and long-term operational burden Improved programmability and reliability This investment addresses recurring production constraints and supports scalable, professional-quality programming. 3. Centralized Marketing & Audience Development Support (Ongoing) — $78,000 This proposal includes dedicated capacity for more intentional, centralized promotion and audience development for LAAP programming. • Proposed role: Culture and Arts Education Specialist 1 of 2 • Function: o Coordinate promotion across MACC platforms o Support audience development strategies o Provide marketing templates and guidance to artists o Prioritize Spanish-language outreach • Annual cost: ~$78,000 (ongoing) This role would complement existing marketing sta(cid:431) and reduce reliance on artists to self- promote without institutional support. 4. LAAP Program Budget Expansion (Ongoing) — $50,000 • Current annual LAAP program budget: ~$90,000 • Current capacity: Approximately 11–15 artists/groups per year, depending on discipline Typical cohort mix supported by the current budget: • 2–3 theater groups • 3 dance artists/groups • 3 musicians • 3 multidisciplinary artists • Proposed increase: $50,000 • Resulting capacity: Approximately 20 artists/groups per year This modest expansion allows LAAP to serve more artists while aligning program scale with the proposed sta(cid:431)ing and infrastructure investments. Total Proposed FY2027 Budget Increase • Ongoing investments: o Technical …
Armadillo Water Tank Final Design Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | May 4th, 2026 Armadillo Water Tank Project Phase Final design Artist(s) Name Bill Tavis Art Commission $225k Funding Type Sponsor Funded Sponsor Dept Austin Water Council District 2 Map – where project is located within Austin 910 Armadillo Road, Austin, TX 78745 Project Overview The City of Austin purchased the parkland that is now Armadillo Park in 1986 and through the support and advocacy of the surrounding neighborhood and community, the park was completed in 2014. Armadillo Park provides a natural outlet for recreation and community building. Near the park is a storage tank owned by Austin Water, the City’s water and wastewater utility, that is no longer in service and provides an opportunity to display public art that reflects Austin's identity and the history and importance of the Armadillo neighborhood. In 2023, Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20230816-015 directing Austin Water to explore the feasibility of placing a mural on the Armadillo Park water storage tank. Austin Water has evaluated its water storage tank and agrees that it provides an opportunity to display public art for the community and its customers. 3 Project Goals A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places in relation to Armadillo Park and its community Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach for all ages that integrates with the site and reflects the corresponding feelings around the surrounding natural environment Celebrates the historical fabric of South Austin, including the legacy of the Armadillo World Headquarters and the vibrant spirit of music, art, and creativity that defined the area and helped shape Austin's cultural identity Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment 4 Armadillo Water Tank – Scope of Work Scope of Work: • Engage with community to understand the context and vision of the mural • Carefully plan and design the mural to incorporate community engagement • Paint and seal the mural on the water tank Eligibility: Experience creating 2-dimensional permanent artwork in materials suitable for exterior environments Austin-based visual artists who reside in the seven counties bounding the Austin metro area (Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet, and …
Airport Blvd Corridor NWSE project Final Design Artist Liza Fishbone Item #6 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | 4.30.2025 Airport Blvd Corridor NWSE – C5 section Project Phase Designing (Final) Artist(s) Name Liza Fishbone Art Commission 200,000 (C5 Section = $120,000) Funding Type CIP project Sponsor Dept TPW Council District 3 Project locations (address) 2 Project Overview Project Overview: • Located at Shady Lane and Bolm Road within newly created triangular greenspace • Artwork integrates large-scale sculptural form with public seating elements inspired by monk parakeet nesting behavior Project Goals: • • Support Corridor Construction Program mobility and pedestrian improvements • Create a landmark gateway element along Airport Boulevard • Provide functional seating and gathering space requested through community engagement • Deliver a work of redeeming quality that enhances public space and corridor identity 3 AIPP C5: Artwork at the intersection of Airport Blvd, Shady Ln, & Bolm, Rd. Creator | Sneaky Planet Studios World Building • Fantasy Murals • Immersive Art • Imaginary Friends www.lizafishbone.com @lizafishbone Responses to survey question C5: SE INSPIRATION Interesting places to sit Concept: Oversized Monk Parakeet Sculpture & Seating Inspired by the desire for a place to sit, pause and commune, these will be designed to be both artistic and functional. Monk parakeets are one of the only parakeets to build communal nests with “apartments.” Other animals (birds, squirrels) will occasionally take up residence alongside the parakeets, cohabitating in harmony. Mockups C5: SE Locations Monk Parakeet Sculpture placed in sunken green for people to commune (blue dashed oval indicates location) Shady Ln Bolm Rd Locations Shady LnBolm Rd C5: SE MOCKUPS "Monk Parakeets SE" (name tbd) is a singular oversized monk parakeet sculpture placed in the pocket park where Shady, Bolm and Airport intersect. The sculptures will incorporate seating elements, allowing visitors to rest under the shade of the parakeets’ wings. Shadows cast by the wings will shift throughout the day, creating a dynamic interplay of light and space Mockups FABRICATION, INSTALLATION: ART SEEN ALLIANCE www.artseenalliance.com | info@artseenalliance.com Lead Fabricator: Van Zinsmeyer | van@artseenalliance.com| (512) 718-5088 3D Modeler/Designer: Ian McKinney | ian@artseenalliance.com CHAIRS: CONCRETTI www.concretti.com | info@concrettidesigns.com | (702) 444-7711 PAINTING & FINISHING: (artist) LIZA FISHBONE | SNEAKY PLANET STUDIOS ENGINEERING: R.L.W.A. Engineers Renate' Woods | rwoods@rlwaengineers.com MATERIALS AND FABRICATION NEXT PAGE MATERIAL OUTLINE The body of the parakeet sculpture will be primarily welded from hot rolled steel. The posts …
To: Austin Arts Commission From: Art in Public Places (AIPP) Panel Ordinance Working Group Re: Recommendation Regarding Proposed Updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance The AIPP Panel recommends that the Arts Commission reaffirm its unanimous April vote and decline to advance the proposed updates to the Art in Public Places (AIPP) Ordinance at this time. Our review of the proposed changes has occurred alongside ongoing requests for clarification regarding how the 2% for art requirement has been historically calculated across City capital projects. Those requests remain unresolved. While supplemental materials were shared on May 8, 2026, they were limited in scope and did not provide the level of clarity or completeness necessary to evaluate either past compliance or the impact of the proposed revisions. Based on the information provided to date, the panel has identified significant discrepancies and cannot verify consistent adherence to the 2002 ordinance. Advancing amendments under these conditions risks formalizing practices that may be inconsistent with the ordinance’s original intent. Below is the panel’s rationale for recommending against adoption at this time: 1. Incomplete and Unreconciled Financial Documentation City staff acknowledged that historical calculation materials do not fully reconcile and that discrepancies have been flagged but not resolved. The panel has not received comprehensive, project-level data demonstrating how AIPP allocations have been calculated over time. Materials provided to date include only a limited number of recent examples and do not include a clear, side-by-side comparison of: the calculation method as defined in the 2002 ordinance, • • how it has been applied in practice, and • how it would change under the proposed revisions. Without this information, the panel cannot assess compliance or the fiscal impact of the proposed changes. 2. Need for an Independent Audit The panel continues to request an independent audit of AIPP funding. Preliminary materials suggest a meaningful gap between expected and actual allocations. Establishing a verified baseline is essential before modifying the ordinance. Proceeding without this step risks codifying discrepancies rather than correcting them. 3. Early Integration of Public Art Is Required and Undermined by Current Practice The 2002 ordinance requires that AIPP be incorporated as early as possible in project planning. Best practices in capital development similarly recognize public art as most effective when integrated at the outset. Delayed or inconsistent inclusion diminishes the quality, relevance, and public value of the work, and undermines the ordinance’s stated intent. 4. …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. VIRTUAL MEETING Art in Public Places Panel may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Art in Public Places Panel: May Virtual Meeting | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams. 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 Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Fatima Carbajal Camille Jobe 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 April 6, 2026 and Art in Public Places Special Meeting on April 15, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Art in Public Places Program, including Conservation, Current Projects and Milestones. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, AIPP Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from April 20, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the Armadillo Water Tank Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Bill Tavis, Art in Public Places Artist, and Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the AFD 53 / ATCEMS 42 Goodnight Ranch Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Re:Site Studio, Art in Public Places Artist, and Lindsay Hutchens, AIPP Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the Airport Boulevard NWSE Art in Public Places Final Design. Presentation by Liza Fishbone, Art in Public Places Artist, and Frederico Forte, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin, Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION April 20, 2026, 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, VACANT - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Kirtana Banskota, Muna Hussaini, Bailey Pownall, 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 March 23, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the April 6th Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 3. Update on actions taken at the April 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston 4. Update on the Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Artist Residency Program, presentation by Cat Carter, DASA Artist Resident 5. Presentation on possible collaboration for expansion of the Latino Artist Access Program by Ivan Davila STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing on ACME-Long Center contract review by Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, ACME. 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 8. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on the AACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 10. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair. 12. Approve a recommendation for 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 …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Arts Commission Recommendation Number: 20260420-12: Recommendation not to adopt the proposed changes to the Art in Public Places ordinance. Date of Approval: April 20, 2026 Recommendation Council does not adopt the proposed changes to the Art in Public Places (AIPP) ordinance, pending greater clarity on how redefining capital project costs will impact the AIPP budget. Rationale The Arts Commission unanimously voted to follow the Art in Public Places (AIPP) panel recommendation not to approve the proposed changes to the AIPP ordinance (included in attachment). Following AIPP panel, the Arts Commission is supportive of all the recommended revisions with a critical exception: we do not support the proposed change to the capital project cost definition and calculation. It has become clear that, in practice, sponsor departments and capital delivery services have not followed the definition of “construction cost” that is outlined in the current ordinance, currently defined as total project cost, minus five eligible deductions. Eric Bailey, Deputy Director of Austin Capital Delivery Services confirmed that the 2% calculation has in fact been based on “construction costs” interpreted as hard costs only--not including planning and design fees (20-30% of total budget). This is a major discrepancy. The definition of eligible costs is far more important than the term used to describe them. We know from what is written in the current AIPP ordinance (2002 update), from archival documentation of AIPP and Arts Commission meetings from 2002, and from confirmations with people who served on those bodies at that time, that the intent of the ordinance was to have a 2% for art program based on total capital project costs. Moreover, the benchmarking done by AIPP program staff confirm that 70% of the 13 peer cities studied have no allowable deductions in the public art calculations. Despite this industry standard, the current recommendations suggest adding more deductions to the cost calculation. We do not believe this was council’s intent when resolution 20250306-029 was created. The Arts Commission further recommends that the City Council affirm the intent for a true 2% for Art program in Austin by amending the Capital Project Cost Calculation to be defined and implemented as: the full cost of a project (hard and soft costs) to the City after deducting: (1) debt issuance cost; (2) demolition cost; (3) equipment cost; (4) permit and fee cost; and (5) real property acquisition cost. Motioned By: Commissioner Schmalbach Seconded …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | April 20, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – March 2026 Approved Budget March 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 $123,045 $2,022,944 $2,145,989 $204,942 $560,590 $80,683,327 $81,243,917 $7,758,794 • Total HOT Collections March 2026 = $2,145,989 • 49% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund March 2026 = $204,942 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Austin Marathon and Half Marathon • San Antonio Spurs at Moody Center • The ATX Open AUS Passenger Totals: 1,482,483 (February 2026) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $7,758,794 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M 5 Questions? 6
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | April 20, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 4/19/26) FY24 Elevate FY25 Nexus 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%) 229 (99%) 190 (83%) 104 103 (99%) 103 (99%) 103 (99%) 39 (38%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 32 (91%) 23 (66%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 9 (26%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,056,250 (98%) $9,265,000 $483,000 (93 %) $520,000 $3,610,000 (94%) $886,500 (23%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Austin Latinx New Play Festival April 23-25 Teatro Vivo (District 9) – Zach Theatre 2026 Rhythm Routes April 25 Dance Africa Fest (District 1) – Blue Moon Dance Co Origin Stories at Esquina Tango May 1 Beerthoven (District 9) – Esquina Tango 6 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Space May 2-3 SoCo Women’s Chorus (District 3) – First Austin Church Film in ATX: 4th Annual Film Festival May 3 The Gallery ATX (ETJ) – Hyperreal Film Club Ajanta May 9 Agni Foundation for the Arts (District 3) – East Side Performing Arts 7 Questions? 8
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | April 20, 2026 Updated Awards ▪ 717 Awards (1,606 applications submitted) ▪ $24 million in grant awards ($67+ million in requests) Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program • 395 awards • $7.03 million • 22 awards • $1.32 million Elevate • 278 awards • $12.6 million Heritage Preservation Grant • 22 awards • $3 million 2 Awardee Status (as of noon on 4/20/26) Program Total Awardees Pre-Contract Phase I Pre-Contract Phase II Finance Form Phase Contracting Phase Ready for Payment Have already attended Pre- Contract Meeting/ received link to watch recording. Pre-Agreement Form not Submitted yet. Pre-Agreement Form submitted and needs COA review/approval; OR need updates from awardee; OR previous contract needs to be closed out. Approved to receive Finance Form; OR Waiting on awardee to verify Test Payment Ready to sign Agreement when available! ALMF Elevate CSAP HPG TOTAL 395 278 22 22 717 13 25 2 1 41 44 142 10 16 212 267 86 7 4 364 71 25 3 1 100 18% 9%2 14% 5% 14% 3 Appeals Process ▪ Funding Appeals Request Form Deadline: March 30th ▪ Only three reasons for an eligible appeal (Appendix C of Guidelines) ▪ Panel Administration error; Conflict of Interest; Reviewer or staff error ▪ 88 Appeals Submitted (4 in Spanish) ▪ Staff Role: ▪ Compiled information/ completed a preliminary analysis ▪ Sent analysis to Appeals Working Group ▪ 6 deemed Eligible to move forward to Appeals Working Group ▪ 1 Austin Live Music Fund; 1 Heritage Preservation Grant; 4 Elevate ▪ Appeals Working Group (2 Arts Commissioners, 2 Music Commissioners): ▪ Met on Friday, April 17th ▪ Action for approval: April 20th Arts Commission meeting 4 Nexus Program Updates ▪ Nexus Program ▪ Application: March 10th - April 16th ▪ 452 applications submitted (8 in Spanish) ▪ $500k available for 75 awards (17% of applications) ▪ $5k and $10k level ▪ Outreach: ~20,242 people reached through multi-lingual postcards, newsletters, community events, and radio placements ▪ 84 people received direct Application Assistance: ▪ 166.5 staff hours of assistance through workshops, office hours, and 1:1 meetings ▪ Next steps: ▪ 15 reviews will be trained next week. Assignments begin May 4th. No panel meeting – it is an independent review of at least 2 reviewers per application, and scores are averaged. ▪ Award announcements mid-June! 5 Next Steps: Process Improvements …
Art in Public Places Resolution No. 20250306-29 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | April 2026 Resolution No. 20250306-029 Directives Policy Updates Include 2% Public-Private Partnerships Encourage 2% Other Private Developments Allow flexible use of funds for artwork care, relocation, and re-installation Art Placement Flexibility Curatorial Services for major projects Programmatic Updates Communication Updates Address obstacles to local participation Clearly explain rights & responsibilities to artists Support for artists on private property Engage stakeholders (artwork removal) Chapter 7-2 review and associated program 2 Stakeholder Engagement External Engagement AIPP Panel Working Group + Arts Commission • Community advisory committee of the Arts Commission • Austin community arts professionals in design/architecture and visual arts fields Targeted focus groups and 1-1 conversations • Artists who experienced deaccessions, removals, and relocation of artworks • Curators, fabricators, and developers working in public art Internal Engagement Cross-Departmental Working Group • 17 departments reviewed recommended changes City Council Offices + CMO • Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Vela, Council Members Alter, Qadri, and Ellis Improve program clarity and communications Key Takeaways • • Clarity around the AIPP program • Define roles and responsibilities • Where to find resources • Simplified visual flowcharts • Information sessions 3 Public-Private Partnership (P3s) Directive: Include public-private partnership capital projects (P3), while exempting affordable housing costs, where applicable, and providing a process for alternative compliance that meets or exceeds City standards • AFS explained what city council referred to as a P3 project is more accurately described as an alternate delivery model that utilizes a Public Facilities Corporation. • Ordinance update requiring capital projects utilizing alternate delivery models (including the use of a Public Facilities Corporation); allocate 2% of project cost (affordable housing exempt) • Policy updates to incorporate clear definitions (Public Facilities Corporation) • Allow alternate delivery models to utilize AIPP’s prequalified artist pool for faster delivery method • Develop a decision tree to collaborate with AFS Redevelopment team for AIPP inclusion Big Chiller Buses by Ann Adame; Austin Convention Center 4 Private Developments Directive: Include a review of public art requirements in other private development regulations and programs, including but not limited to planned unit developments, density bonus programs, and Cultural Districts Alternate compliance fees (donation to public art fund) collected can be utilized for maintenance of the AIPP collection • Ordinance update encouraging private developments to incorporate public art, providing an option to incorporate public art …
City of Austin File ID: xx-xxxx Council Meeting Backup: Date ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 7-2 RELATING TO THE CITY’S ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. City Code Section 7-2-1 (Definitions) is amended to alphabetize the list, revise existing definitions, and add new definitions to read: In this chapter: (1) ART means a unique work of art or an artistically designed art feature that enhances the aesthetics of a building, bridge, streetscape, park, or other project for which funds are appropriated as described in this chapter and includes a mural, sculpture, garden, water feature, or other feature that appeals to the senses or the intellect. (2) [CONSTRUCTION] CAPITAL PROJECT COST means the cost of a project to the City as determined in accordance with Section 7-2-6 ([Construction] Capital Project Cost Calculation). (3) CULTURAL DISTRICTS means districts primarily focused on preserving, promoting, or celebrating the cultural heritage, arts, and creative expression of a community. (4) DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM means a program that provides modifications to Title 25 (Land Development) and other regulatory-related benefits in exchange for community benefits. (5) GUIDELINES means the established process for how the City implements the Art in Public Places program, including but not limited to the selection, purchase, commission, placement, maintenance, and repairs of works of art generated. (6) (7) PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) means a development that combines two or more zoning uses on a property. PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT means land or property development or redevelopment undertaken on private property. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 4/20/2026 9:55 AM Page 1 of 10 COA Law Department 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 City of Austin File ID: xx-xxxx Council Meeting Backup: Date (8) PRIVATE PROPERTY means property or assets owned by individuals, businesses, or organizations that are not controlled by a governmental or public entity. (9) PROGRAM MANAGER means the individual designated in Section 7-2-2 (Art In Public Places Program Manager). (10) PROJECT means a capital project funded in whole or in part by the City: (a) to construct or remodel a building, …
The AIPP Panel unanimously voted not to approve the proposed changes to the AIPP ordinance at this time, pending greater clarity on how redefining capital project costs will impact the AIPP budget. We appreciate the extensive work that has gone into this process over the past year in response to the City Council’s directive. This effort was intended to strengthen the program, bring greater transparency to elements of the public art commissioning process, and better support artists. We are aligned with the proposed ordinance updates, with one exception: the redefinition of capital project costs. The Panel’s priority is to ensure that the AIPP program is funded at a true 2% level in a manner that is transparent, consistent, and aligned with national best practices. The AIPP program was originally established by ordinance in 1985, born from the dedicated advocacy of local artists, institutional leaders, and community supporters who wanted to see the creativity of Austin reflected in our shared built environment. In 2002, the ordinance was revised, again through local advocacy, to increase the allocation from 1 to 2% and to remove certain deductions included in the original framework. We can see this intent not only in the language of the 2002 ordinance but in archival records of past AIPP and arts commission meetings. This intent has been confirmed by community members who served on these bodies at that time. As currently proposed, however, the revised definition of capital project costs may result in a net reduction in funding for AIPP. The Panel has requested transparent accounting of how sponsoring departments have calculated AIPP allocations over the past two decades, but this data has not yet been provided. Based on our current understanding, departments have largely calculated AIPP contributions based on hard construction costs, despite the ordinance outlining allowable deductions from total project cost. If so, the effective percentage allocated to AIPP has been meaningfully below 2%. Moving forward without clarification risks codifying a system that continues to underfund the program. For the Panel, the central question is: What percentage of total capital project spending has historically been allocated to AIPP, and what percentage would be allocated under the proposed framework? Without this information, it is not possible to determine whether these changes advance or undermine the ordinance’s original intent. This is not solely a technical matter; it is a matter of public trust, transparency, and alignment with voter and …
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport West Gate Expansion Sculptural Seating AIPP Project Final Design Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | April 20 WGE Sculptural Seating (formerly Playscape) Project Phase Designing (Final) Artist(s) Name Reinaldo Correa Art Commission $445,820 Funding Type CIP Sponsor Dept Austin Aviation (AUS) Managing Dept Austin Aviation (AUS) Council District 2 Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719 2 WGE Sculptural Seating Overview Project Overview: • Originally scoped as a Playscape for people of all ages in the Austin- Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) West Gate Expansion (WGE) • When Austin Aviation expressed the need for the WGE to have a play area specifically for children during Concept Design review, the artwork design was reconceived as a playful sculptural seating element in the hold room adjacent to the original play area site Project Goals: • Advance the power of connection by engaging and entertaining young travelers and those who are young at heart • Hands-on infrastructure • Interactive elements with design flexibility and the ability to add new components • Accessible for users of all abilities Eligibility: • Local | Texas | National AUS WGE – Artwork Location 3 WGE Sculptural Seating – Scope of Work Revised Scope of Work: • Primary artwork use is seating, minimum 12 seats • Maintain modularity of artwork design as well as whimsical, artistic elements • Modules loose from floor, movable by 2 people • Materials = comfortable, durable, easily maintained Revised Timeline: • 2024 – Contract Executed + Community Engagement • 2025 – Concept Design Review + Revised Concept Design Review • March-April 2026 – Final Design Review • May-August 2026 – Fabrication • September 2026 – WGE Site Fully Opened + Artwork Installed AUS WGE – Artwork Site 4 WGE Sculptural Seating – Artist Introduction Artwork Examples (if applicable) Reinaldo Correa, Artist Prarie Revival, 2017 5 Community Engagement Community engagement sticker activity at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, November 2024 Community-designed stickers During our on-site engagement, each participant was invited to draw their Austin story using custom stickers, creating spontaneous compositions that captured personal memories, landmarks, music, food, nature, and moments of connection unique to their experience of the city. These layered sticker drawings became a powerful visual archive of Austin as seen through many lenses. This collected imagery is now translated into a dynamic graphic language that are integrated via vinyl expressions applied to the top …
Eligible Appeals – Working Group Report Executive Summary Overview A total of 88 appeals were submitted across ACME funding programs (84 in English, 4 in Spanish). This report covers only those 6 Appeals identified as eligible based on ACME’s formal appeal requirements outlined in Appendix C: Appeals Process of the Funding Guidelines. Under Appendix C, an appeal may proceed only when it clearly demonstrates: 1. Panel Administration Error 2. Conflict of Interest 3. Reviewer or Staff Error involving information that was correctly submitted but overlooked or misrepresented Appeals cannot proceed when they are based on reviewer disagreement, funding thresholds, applicant mistakes, guideline disagreement, or submission of new information after the deadline. Process Context All appeal requests were submitted through the official ACME Appeals Form. Per ACME procedure: 1. ACME Staff First-Level Review a. Staff screens each appeal to determine whether it meets one or more of the qualifying grounds under Appendix C. b. Appeals lacking specificity, evidence, or qualifying grounds do not advance. 2. Appeals Working Group Review – April 17 (Friday) a. For appeals that pass staff screening, the Working Group will review cases and staff recommendations. b. The Working Group consists of two Arts Commissioners and two Music Commissioners. c. The group will confirm, modify, or overturn staff’s eligibility determinations, and issue formal recommendations. 3. Report Out to Full Arts Commission – April 20 (Monday) a. The Working Group’s recommendations are presented to the full Arts Commission for a vote. b. Final determinations are then communicated to applicants. This report provides cleaned, standardized language for the Working Group’s review and documentation. Funding impact • ALMF – Scott D. McIntosh: Staff identifies a valid +3 point correction based on documented evidence of artist development; revised score exceeds the award threshold. o Recommend: approve appeal & award $20,000. • Elevate – Artly World; Alyssa Taylor Wendt; Ben Randall; David Pope (Script School): Each shows a qualifying reviewer/staff oversight (e.g., overlooked evidence or materials); however, even with corrections, final scores remain below funding thresholds. o Recommend: approve appeal; outcome unchanged (no award). • Heritage – Esther’s Follies: Written reviewer comments contained a copy paste error (from another program), but verbal remarks and numerical scoring were correct; the adjusted average ‑ still falls below the threshold. o Recommend: approve appeal; outcome unchanged (no award). Case Write Ups 1) Artly World ‑ Program: Elevate Eligible Ground(s): Reviewer error — possible overlook of outreach …
INELIGIBLE APPEALS – WORKING GROUP REPORT Executive Summary Overview A total of 88 appeals were submitted across ACME funding programs (84 in English, 4 in Spanish). This report covers only those appeals identified as ineligible based on ACME’s formal appeal requirements outlined in Appendix C: Appeals Process of the Funding Guidelines. Under Appendix C, an appeal may proceed only when it clearly demonstrates: 1. Panel Administration Error 2. Conflict of Interest 3. Reviewer or Staff Error involving information that was correctly submitted but overlooked or misrepresented Appeals cannot proceed when they are based on reviewer disagreement, funding thresholds, applicant mistakes, guideline disagreement, or submission of new information after the deadline. Process Context All appeal requests were submitted through the official ACME Appeals Form. Per ACME procedure: 1. ACME Staff First-Level Review a. Staff screens each appeal to determine whether it meets one or more of the qualifying grounds under Appendix C. b. Appeals lacking specificity, evidence, or qualifying grounds do not advance. 2. Appeals Working Group Review – April 17 (Friday) a. For appeals that pass staff screening, the Working Group will review cases and staff recommendations. b. The Working Group consists of two Arts Commissioners and two Music Commissioners. c. The group will confirm, modify, or overturn staff’s eligibility determinations, and issue formal recommendations. 3. Report Out to Full Arts Commission – April 20 (Monday) a. The Working Group’s recommendations are presented to the full Arts Commission for a vote. b. Final determinations are then communicated to applicants. This report provides cleaned, standardized language for the Working Group’s review and documentation. Key Findings Across All Ineligible Appeals • Most appeals challenged reviewer opinions or eligibility outcomes — not appealable under Appendix C. • Many applicants misunderstood funding thresholds, program requirements, or their own responsibility to provide sufficient evidence. • Several appeals lacked specific identification of error, cited incomplete or corrupted uploads, or attempted to introduce new information. • No ineligible appeal, if granted, would have resulted in an award because scoring gaps remained too large. Funding Impact Only one case involved a potential scoring correction, but even after considering the adjustment, the applicant would not reach the relevant funding threshold. Thus, none of the ineligible appeals would have resulted in a different funding decision. AUSTIN LIVE MUSIC FUND (ALMF) – INELIGIBLE APPEALS Across ALMF, the majority of appeals did not meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Appendix C of …
Appeals Working Group – Appeals Recommendations Report Overview The Appeals Working Group met on Friday, April 17, 2026, with the following in attendance: • Arts Commissioner Sharron Anderson • Arts Commissioner Muna Hussaini • Music Commissioner Clarissa Cardenas • Music Commissioner Clayton England Recommendations The Appeals Working Group made the following recommendations: • ALMF – Scott D. McIntosh: o Approve appeal o Approve award of $20,000. • Elevate – Artly World; Alyssa Taylor Wendt; Ben Randall: o Approve appeal o Funding outcome unchanged (no award). • Elevate –David Pope (Script School): o Approve appeal o Funding outcome unchanged (no award). o Further recommendation for staff to investigate if Reviewer bias affected other Reviewer scores • Heritage – Esther’s Follies: o Approve appeal o Funding outcome unchanged (no award).
Art in Public Places Panel Staff Briefings Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places Panel | April 6, 2026 AIPP Exhibition Open Calls austintexas.gov/AIPP People’s Gallery at City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Exhibition will run October 2026 – May 2028 Changing Exhibits at AUS airport 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719 12 galleries Exhibition will run October 2026 – August 2027 No submission fees. Applications close May 31, 2026 acme@austintexas.gov AIPP Coordinators – Jieun Beth Kim & Brittany Heinchon 2 Item # 2 Staff Briefings April 6, 2026 Blossom Gazes, Yuliya Lanina Beverly Sheffield Pool Shimmer by artist Sun McColgin Pool Grand Re-opening and Artwork unveiling Thursday, April 30, 2026 2:30pm 7000 Ardath St. Austin, TX 78757 AIPP Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens 4 Dove Springs Health Facility Educate, Motivate, Inspire by artist Amado Castillo III Paloma Pavilion by artist Mai Gutierrez Artwork Celebration! Wednesday, May 6, 2026 4:00pm – 5:30pm 58111 Palo Blanco Ln Austin TX 78744 AIPP Coordinator – Frederico Forte 5 AIPP Resolution No. 20250306-029 6
superwoman records presents superwoman records presents Our mission is simple but urgent: We’re reclaiming the space that split this city in two. We’re highlighting the culture that survived the concrete. And we’re turning everyday residents into archivists of sound, rhythm, and identity. From music and oral histories to live performance and visual art — this project is about giving people the mic, the lens, and the light. Because the stories of East Austin aren’t gone — they’ve just been waiting to be heard. 01 WHAT ISCANDYCOATED 35?This pThis project is a cultural storytelling campaign rooted inroject is a cultural storytelling campaign rooted inrhythm, memory, and reclaiming space.rhythm, memory, and reclaiming space.This project is a cultural storytelling campaign rooted inrhythm, memory, and reclaiming space. 02 KICK OFFKICK OFF@KAZI@KAZI88.788.7KICK OFF@KAZI88.7 03 22 STOP STOP NDND@RICHES ART GALLERY@RICHES ART GALLERY AUSTIN’S ONLY BLACKAUSTIN’S ONLY BLACKOWNED GALLERYOWNED GALLERY2 STOP ND@RICHES ART GALLERY AUSTIN’S ONLY BLACKOWNED GALLERY 04 WATERLOO GREENWAYWATERLOO GREENWAY TAKEOVERTAKEOVERWATERLOO GREENWAY TAKEOVER
Review of Grant Administration Processes and Options Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Current State 1: Where We Are A look at ACME Grant Administration 1: Where We Are • Past issue with Grants Administration • Relief & Recovery Funding • Call for a 3rd Party • How we work with The Long Center • How we work internally 2: What We Learned 3: Where We Go • Roles for Contract Management at ACME • Tools we used, City of Austin Best Practices, Departments we consulted, and process followed • Findings • Recommendations for improvement on the contract, amendments • What options do we see for how to move forward? • Maintain & Improve • Maintain & External Audit • New 3rd Party Procurement • Fully Outsource Program Management • Fully Bring Program Management in house 3 Past Issues for Cultural Funding Team Volume of Contracts (100+ per staff member) Final Reports + New Contracts at the same time (October) Required Pre-Contract Materials for COA Waiting on DO#s Up to 30 days for Invoice Processing (+ checks only) Bulk of time spent as "enforcers" vs Subject Matter Experts 4 Reviewing Materials takes a lot of time 80 Days Pre-Contract Materials Receive d to first Invoice submitted 40 Days Final Report received to Final Report closed out/ invoice submitted 5 Relief & Recovery: What grants could be. • Working with a Third-Party Administrator sped everything up. • Council directive to program design to funds distributed = Less than 6 Months COA Responsibility Third Party Responsibility • Provide application Questions (simplified) • Weekly meeting for oversight • Pay the administrative fee + grant fee • Create Press Release of Awardees • Create Dashboard for the website • Present to Commissions/ Council • Create Application within Submittable system • Provide all Technical Support • Score all applications & document process • Provide City with a Final List of Awardees • Notify awardees • Collect Award Acceptance/ Financial information • Cut and Send payments to Awardees • Submit a Final Report to the City • Time Spent • Total Applicants/ Awardees • Hours of Support provided • Cost was a flat 5-9% Admin Fee 6 Call for a Third-Party High expectations New HOT- funded grants • LMF & HPG • Elevate, Thrive, Nexus Limited Staffing Procurement Process led by Purchasing Department 7 How ACME works with TLC Create Application Submittable build- out Testing Create all …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION April 20, 2026, 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 April 20, 2026 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Chair Houston called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Houston, Maldonado, Banskota, Pownall, Medicharla Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Garza, Schmalbach, Anderson, Kracheni, Keys Board Members Absent: Hussaini CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, VACANT - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Kirtana Banskota, Muna Hussaini, Bailey Pownall, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • Luis Ordaz from Proyecto Teatro requested a working group between the Arts Commission, the ESB-MACC board, and the Hispanic quality of life to work with ACME to create recommendations for Spanish language access in the next round of Grant Fundings • Raquel Rivera from SUREM and Proyectos Baile Folkorico de Texas spoke on the recommendations from the Hispanic Quality of Life Commission • Hector Ordaz from Proyecto Teatro spoke on the recommendations from the Hispanic Quality of Life Commission be included in the May agenda for discussion and recommendation. They also asked for a working group to be created between Arts Commission, the ESB-ACC board, and the Hispanic quality of life commission APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on March 23, 2026 The minutes from the meeting of March 23, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Maldonado motion, Commissioner Banskota second on a 8-0 vote with Commissioner Keys abstaining and Commissioners Medicharla and Hussaini absent DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the April 6th Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach An update was given by Commission Schmalbach A motion to move to Item 10 & 12, 13 was approved on Commissioner Houston’s motion, Commissioner Schmalbach’s second on a 10-0 vote with Commissioner Hussaini absent 3. Update on actions taken at the April 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston An update was given by Commissioner Houston 4. Update on the Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Artist Residency Program, presentation by Cat Carter, DASA Artist Resident The presentation was given by Cat Carter, Our Future 35 Expansion Project Artist in Residence 5. Presentation …
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026, AT 4:30 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: Art in Public Places Panel: Special Meeting April 2026 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 Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Fatima Carbajal Camille Jobe 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 April 6, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding history of Art in Public Places Program. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and Action of Art in Public Places Panel Bylaws. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. 4. 5. Discussion and Action of Art in Public Places programmatic and communications updates per City Council Resolution No. 20250306-029. 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 City Council Resolution No. 20250306- 029. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places 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 …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Special Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a special meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in-person special meeting. Chari Kristi-Anne Shaer called the meeting to order at 4:44 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Kristi-Anne Shaer – Chair, Vice Chair – Andrew Danziger, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison, Fatima Carbajal, Camille Jobe, and Lindsey Millikan. Bernardo Diaz was absent. Staff in Attendance: AIPP Manager: Jaime Castillo and AIPP Coordinator Senior: Rebecca Rende. Cultural & Heritage Tourism Division Manager: Melissa Alvarado PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on April 6, 2026. Chair Shaer made a motion to move approval of the minutes from Art in Public Places Regular Panel Meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026 to the May Art in Public Places meeting, Commissioner Schmalbach seconded. Motion passes 6-0. Chair Shaer made a motion to suspend Robert’s Rules. Camille Jobe seconded. Motion passes 6-0. 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 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and Action of Art in Public Places Panel Bylaws. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. 4. Discussion and Action of Art in Public Places programmatic and communications updates per City Council Resolution No. 20250306-029. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Commissioner Schmalbach made a motion to form a AIPP Eligibility Working Group including Commission Schmalbach and Lindsey Millikan. Camille Jobe seconded. Motion passes 6-0. 5. 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 Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Commissioner Schmalbach made a motion to the Arts Commission to not approve the proposed changes to the Art in Public Places Ordinance Chapter 7-2 pending greater clarity on how redefining capital project costs will impact the Art in Public Places budget(s). Specifically, requesting to see the budget impacts in advance of the Arts Commission and request to formalize their request in a letter as backup for the Arts Commission meeting on April 20, …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. BEN WHITE OFFICES, SUITE 400 5202 EAST BEN WHITE BOULEVARD AUSTIN, TEXAS Art in Public Places Panel members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Art in Public Places Panel: April Virtual Meeting | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams. 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 Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Fatima Carbajal Camille Jobe 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 March 2, 2026. 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. 4. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from March 16, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. Discussion of the Art in Public Places Panel retreat in 2026. 5. Discussion of the AFD 54 / ATCEMS 43 Canyon Creek Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Rudy Herrera, Art in Public Places Artist, and Lindsay Hutchens, AIPP Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport West Gate Expansion Sculptural Seating (formerly Playscape) Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Reinaldo Correa, Art in Public Places Artist, and 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 City Council Resolution No. 20250306- …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026, virtual regular meeting. Chair Kristi-Anne Shaer called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Kristi-Anne Shaer – Chair, Vice Chair – Andrew Danziger, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison, Fatima Carbajal, Bernardo Diaz, Camille Jobe, and Lindsey Millikan. Staff in Attendance: AIPP Coordinator Senior: Frederico Forte, AIPP Coordinators: Lindsay Hutchens. AIPP Manager: Jaime Castillo. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from Art in Public Places Regular Panel Meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, were approved on the motion of Bernardo Diaz ; Lindsey Milikan seconded. Motion passes 7-0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Art in Public Places Program, including Conservation, Current Projects and Milestones. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, AIPP Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from March 16, 2026, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison. Heidi Schmalbach reported approval of all agenda items. 4. 5. Discussion of the Art in Public Places Panel retreat in 2026. Discussion of the AFD 54 / ATCEMS 43 Canyon Creek Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Rudy Herrera, Art in Public Places Artist, and Lindsay Hutchens, AIPP Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport West Gate Expansion Sculptural Seating (formerly Playscape) Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Reinaldo Correa, Art in Public Places Artist, and Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Final design was approved on the motion of Heidi Schmalbach; Camille Jobe seconded. Motion passes 7-0. 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 Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Discussion ensued. Item will be put up back for discussion during the AIPP panel retreat meeting. Chair Kristi-Anne Shaer call the meeting to an end the meeting at 8:21 PM. The minutes were approved at the May 4, 2026 meeting on Panel Member Camille Jobe’s motion, Panel Member Commissioner Schmalbach second on a 7-0 vote.
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION March 23, 2026, 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, VACANT - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Kirtana Banskota, Muna Hussaini, Bailey Pownall, 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 February 23, 2026. 1 of 3 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the March 2, 2026 Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach. 3. Update on actions taken at the March 11, 2026 Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston. 4. Discussion of the TEMPO on the Trail 2025-2026 Artist Final Designs Presentation by Mandi Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, The Trail Conservancy. 5. Report from Mayor’s Public Places Task Force by Commissioner Garza. 6. Update on meeting with Acting Director of Austin Convention Center, Katy Zamesnik, by Commissioner Anderson. 7. Discussion on creating technical workshops at Cultural Centers. 8. Discussion on The Long Center contract review. 9. Discussion of the Arts in Public Places ordinance update. STAFF BRIEFINGS 10. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 11. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 12. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, ACME. 13. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 14. Discussion and approval on the 2027 Budget …
ARTS + CULTURE COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 11, 2026 “Conversation Stones” by Diego Miro-Rivera THE TIMELINE TEMPO ON THE TRAIL TIMELINE: • Oct. 20, 2025: Committee Selection • Oct. 29: Artists Notified • Nov. 14: Final Designs Due • Dec. 11: TAG Meeting • January: Fabrication • Feb. 27, 2026: Installations Began 113 32 AIPP UPDATES: • Nov. 3, 2025: AIPP Panel Briefing – Artist Selection • Nov. 17, 2025: Art Commission Briefing • March 2, 2026: AIPP Panel Briefing – Final Designs “Meet Me In The Park” Johnny Walker “Sun Poem” Ani Bradberry TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 Jasna Boudard - Sculpture at Seaholm Park enFOLD Collective - Sculpture at Pfluger Circle Jamal Hussain - New Media at Odom Pavilion 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 Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Sculpture at Lakeshore Seth Prestwood - Passages enFOLD Collective - Sunclipse Jasna Boudard - Wing Trace TJ Lemanski - Cenotaphs Victoria Marquez – Reverie UnderArch J.C. King – Ghost Harps Vy Ngo – All Boats Bloom Jamal Hussain - New Light Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Cazimi UPCOMING A+C ON THE TRAIL 113 32 • Saturday, April 11 – 9:00am – 11:00am • Seaholm Waterfront (Intake) Building • Meet the Artist • Visual Trail tour • Media Interviews • Bike Tours • Walking Tours “Meet Me In The Park” Johnny Walker UPCOMING A+C ON THE TRAIL 113 32 “Meet Me In The Park” Johnny Walker
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | March 23, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – February 2026 H/MOT Penalties & Interest Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Total Revenue Approved Budget $511,252 $166,777,013 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 January $126,055 $14,502,127 $14,628,182 $1,396,991 Year-to-date $437,545 $78,660,383 $79,097,928 $7,553,852 • Total HOT Collections February 2026 = $14,628,182 • 47% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund February 2026 = $1,396,991 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Austin Free Week • STOMP • FronteraFest • Spurs Austin International Half Marathon • Time Travel Half Marathon • Mark Morris Dance Group • The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short • Jo's Annual Chili Cookoff AUS Passenger Totals: 1,888,492 (December 2025) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $7,553,852 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M 5 Questions? 6
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | March 23, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 3/22/26) FY24 Elevate FY25 Nexus 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%) 225 (98%) 177 (77%) 104 101 (97%) 101 (97%) 99 (95%) 34 (33%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 32 (91%) 23 (66%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 9 (26%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,004,500 (97%) $9,265,000 $462,500 (89 %) $520,000 $3,610,000 (94%) $886,500 (23%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Pamela Hart Sings the Devine Sarah Vaughn March 25 Women in Jazz (District 1) – Parker Jazz Club Trans Day of Visibility March 28 Gender Unbound (District 7) – Grassroots Leadership The ROAM Presents: Ruben Esquivel Through March 28 Really Small Museum (District 1) – Red Bluff Nature Preserve 6 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities "Estamos Unidos" (We Are United) Mural Through April 1 Forty4 Design (MSA) – Café Hornitos Enduring Presence: Migration, Memory, and Becoming Through April 18 Sandra C. Fernandez (District 2) – Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking Fusebox Festival April 13 – 19 Fuse Box Austin (District 3) – Various Locations 7 Questions? 8
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | March 23, 2026 Award Announcements! ▪ 731 Awards announced on March 16th (1,606 applications submitted) ▪ $24+ million in grant awards ($67+ million in requests) Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program • 399 awards • $7.14 million • 22 awards • $1.32 million Elevate • 288 awards • $12.8 million Heritage Preservation Grant • 22 awards • $3 million 2 Award Notification ▪ Notification Letter (scores, minimum score required per program) ▪ Austin Live Music Fund (Musician/Promoter at $20k)– 47 ▪ Austin Live Music Fund (Musician/Promoter at $5k)– 17 ▪ Austin Live Music Fund Live Music Venue – 64 ▪ Creative Space Assistance Program – 75 ▪ Elevate Nonprofits – 88.00 ▪ Elevate Arts Groups – 92.00 ▪ Elevate Individual Artists – 93.33 ▪ Heritage Preservation Grant: Capital Projects – 36.67 ▪ Heritage Preservation Grant: Heritage Events – 54.67 ▪ Custom Report of Scores/ Panel Comments ▪ Link to Panel Meeting Recordings (Elevate) ▪ Awardee List posted to website (+new website) 3 Applicant Demographics Race ▪ 952 White (41%) ▪ 433 Hispanic (19%) ▪ 361 Black (16%) ▪ 120 Asian (5%) Gender ▪ 892 Women (39%) ▪ 1126 Men (49%) ▪ 138 Nonbinary (6%) ▪ 158 Prefer not to say (7%) ▪ 19 Middle Eastern, North African, Arab (1%) ▪ 19 Native American (1%) LGBTQ: 604 (26%) ▪ Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (0.2%) Disability Community: 289 (12%) ▪ 172 Multiracial (7%) Veteran: 45 (2%) ▪ 234 Prefer not to say/ not listed (10%) 4 Awardee Demographics Race ▪ 322 White (46.3%) ▪ 129 Hispanic (18.5%) ▪ 86 Black (12.4%) ▪ 43 Asian (6.2%) Gender ▪ 296 Women (42.5%) ▪ 302 Men (43.4%) ▪ 44 Nonbinary (6.3%) ▪ 54 Prefer not to say (7.8%) ▪ 9 Middle Eastern, North African, Arab (1.3%) ▪ 5 Native American (0.7%) ▪ 46 Multiracial (6.6%) LGBTQ: 185 (26.6%) Disability Community: 77 (11.1%) ▪ 56 Prefer not to say/ not listed (8%) Veteran: 7 (1%) 5 District Applicants & Awardees District # Applicants # Awardees Amount Requested Award Amount District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 ETJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 222 136 220 104 191 66 119 84 220 107 60 140 106 $ 9,220,256 $3,814,158.00 54 $ 5,220,000 $1,236,308.00 112 $ 8,419,292 $4,083,931.00 49 $ 79 $ 19 $ 49 $ …
