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- …
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 $ …
Art in Public Places Resolution No. 20250306-29 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | March 2026 Art in Public Places Background Established in 1985 by Ordinance 861009-A to direct the inclusion of works of art in capital projects. Initiated by arts community members, including Annette Carlozzi, modeled after Seattle • • Establishes the Art In Public Places Panel to review projects for recommendations to Arts Commission • 1% of construction project, AIPP allocation not to exceed $200,000 • Excludes architectural, engineering, administrative costs, costs for fees and permits, and indirect cost, such as interest during construction, advertising and legal fees Updated in 2002 by Ordinance 201031-25 to direct the: Response to inflation, increase in CIP projects in the 1998 bond, increase in staff costs due to market salary adjustments, and growing AIPP collection • Initiated by arts community members, including the AIPP Panel and Arts Commission and support from Margo Sawyer, John Yancey, Ann Graham, Dana Friis-Hansen, Anne Elizabeth Wynn, among many others • REPLACED: Increase to 2% of cost of a project to the city and REMOVED cap • CLARIFIED: Excludes debt issuance cost, demolition cost, equipment cost, permit and fee cost, and real property acquisition excluding parkland. 2 Art in Public Places Additional Background 2023 Arts Commission Recommendation 20230123-10: • Application of City Ordinance Chapter 7-2 (AIPP 2% for Art) to Public Private Partnerships (P3) projects. March 6, 2025 Resolution 20250306-029: • Council initiated • Review Chapter 7-2 and present recommended changes The Gathering Place, Samara Barks 3 Austin is a leader in the field of public art Art in Public Places By the numbers • 40-year-old program • Oldest % for Art program in Texas • 400+ artworks in the AIPP Collection • $20,000,000+ investment • Municipal-owned assets • Arts Commission & AIPP Panel advisory boards Tau Ceti by Josef Kristofoletti; Austin Convention Center 4 How’d we get here? Fall 2024 Interest from AIPP Panel to review Guidelines January 13, 2025 AIPP Panel approves Airport Phase I Artist Selections January 14, 2025 Panel Retreat Establish Guidelines Working Group January 30, 2025 City Council approved Convention Center Deaccessions February 2025 Austin Airport Artist Selections RCA pulled from Council agenda February 4, 2025 Past Matters starts Collection Survey February 24, 2025 Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment created March 6, 2025 City Council Resolution to assess the AIPP Ordinance & Guidelines March 2025 ACME leadership, City Manager, …
Asian American Resource Center Art Call – Item #7 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places Panel | March 2, 2026 Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Project Phase Scoping: Art Call (delayed from May 2025, formatting and eligibility edits) Artist(s) Name TBD Budget $90,000 Commission Funding Type Capital Improvement Project Sponsor Dept Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME) Managing Dept AIPP, AACME Council District 1 2 AARC – Project Overview Call Summary / Site History: • One artist or artist-led team • Outdoors, 2D or 3D • Centers around development of a multipurpose pavilion integrated with existing great lawn • Envisioned as a flexible, year-round venue designed to host a variety of small to medium-sized programs and events Artwork Goals: • AIPP standard programmatic goals + • Speaks to and represents the Asian American experience in Austin, Texas, including • Diaspora, migration • Belonging, setting roots • Identity making, Asian American History, and/or local community building Timeline: • Call Open Spring 2026 • Artist Contracted Fall 2026 3 AARC – Art Call Requirements: • CV/Resume • 10-images of completed relevant artworks with descriptions • 4 short response questions • 3 professional references Eligibility: • Austin-based • Mid-career (newly defined) • Public artists are recognized in their fields and have a track record of exhibits, engaging communities, and completed projects in the public art realm. Minimum of five relevant completed projects with budgets up to $100,000. • Artists who have three or more permanent commissions represented in the AIPP public art collection; artists who are currently under an active contract for a permanent AIPP project; and artists who have completed a permanent AIPP project within the past year are not eligible to apply. 4 AARC – Artist Selection Process Selection Criteria: • Artistic merit, creative capacity, technical expertise of past work (30%) • Enthusiasm and ability in creating site-specific public artwork and working with local communities (40%) • Demonstrated experience in the field of public art (30%) Selection Process: • 3 visual arts professionals voting panelists • Additional community and City staff advise by providing their respective knowledge and expertise about the site, the community, the neighborhood, and the sponsor project • 1 round; score offline for short list, live discussion and vote 5 Next Steps Timeline: • AIPP Panel (Art Call) • Arts Commission (Art Call) March 2, 2026 March 23, 2026 Action needed: A motion to …
Shared Streets Art Call Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | March 2, 2026 Item #10 Art Call March 2, 2026 The Gathering Place, Samara Barks Project Name Project Phase Scoping: Art Call Artist(s) Name TBD – 3 artists Art Commission $170,000 / each Funding Type Sponsor Dept Bond ATPW Managing Dept n/a Council District City-wide 3 Shared Streets Project Overview Project Overview: • Pilot projects within ATPW • Shared streets are environments where people walk, bike and drive sharing the same space. • Accommodate all travel modes, ages, abilities, while prioritizing comfort and safety for pedestrians Project Goals: • Goal is to prioritize safety and comfort of pedestrians while allowing for bicycles and motor vehicles • Connect urban trails to our sidewalks/shared street, and bicycle networks • Build safe and comfortable way to walk and bike Timeline: • Vary by project 4 Shared Streets – Art Call Scope of Work: • Commission three artists or artist teams to create permanent artworks • Four locations identified by ATPW • Collaborate with stakeholders and surrounding communities • Design, fabricate, and install artworks within the right-of-way Considerations: (if applicable) • Pilot project for ATPW • Longterm maintenance • Right-of-way requirements Eligibility: • Local mid-career public artist Mid-career: public artists are recognized in their field and have a track record of exhibits, engaging communities, and completed projects in the public realm. Minimum of five relevant completed projects with budgets up to $100,000. 5 Shared Streets – Art Call Location 1: Avenue G and H and 55th St Artwork Opportunity: • Retrofit artwork into design plans: traffic circles, pedestrian crossing islands, bulb outs, chicanes Project Goal: • Converting pilot shared street to permanent project, including two Healthy Streets Project Timeline: • Project Design complete: spring 2026 • Construction starts: • Construction complete: fall/winter 2026 early 2027 Location 1: Avenues G and H and 55th St Project Area 6 Shared Streets – Art Call Location 2: Neils Thompson and Longhorn Blvd Artwork Opportunity: • Retrofit artwork into design plans: shared use path for both pedestrian and bicyclists Project Goal: • Converting pilot shared street to permanent project, including two Healthy Streets Location 2: Neils Thompson Drive and Longhorn Blvd Project Area & Schematic Design Project Timeline: • Construction starts: • Construction complete: under construction spring 2026 7 Shared Streets – Art Call Location 3: Davis Lane and Latta Drive Artwork Opportunity: • …
Northeast Service Center Suspended Artwork Art Call Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | March 2, 2026 Item #11 Art Call March 2, 2026 Two Live by Star, Angel Alcala NESC Suspended Artwork (Admin Building) Project Phase Selecting: Artist Selection Artist(s) Name TBD Art Commission $300,000 Funding Type CIP/Bond Sponsor Dept Austin Resource Recovery Austin Fleet Mobility Services Managing Dept Austin Financial Services Council District 1 NESC location: 8301 Johnny Morris Rd 3 Project Overview Project Overview: • First AIPP project within P3 delivery model • $3 million in Art Commissions • AIPP developed opportunities & budgets Project Goals: • New campus will consolidate services to one location • ARR: trash collection, recycling, composting, large brush collection and bulk items • AFMS: vehicle maintenance needs for City of Austin Timeline: • Phased approach: suspended artwork is the second project, additional opportunities in fall 2026 • Construction began fall 2025 • Campus opening fall 2027 North Campus: Austin Resource Recovery 4 Project Overview North Campus: Austin Resource Recovery South Campus: Austin Fleet Mobility Services Garage Façade Interior Suspended Artwork $1,800,000 $ 300,000 Cistern Murals x 2 Sculptures x 5 Total AIPP Opportunities $ 300,000 $ 600,000 $3,000,000 5 NESC Suspended Artwork – Art Call Scope of Work: • Site-specific permanent artwork • Suspended 3D artwork on the grand staircase • Encouraged use of recycled materials • Engage stakeholders and community • Artwork integrated into building design, including coordination with project team • Artist(s) that can meet installation timeline Considerations: • Users and visitors of the site (administrative building is open to the public) • Longterm maintenance, building is open 24/7 Eligibility: • Texas-based mid-career public artist Administrative Building Lobby, Grand Staircase Mid-career: public artists are recognized in their fields and have a track record of exhibits, engaging communities, and completed projects in the public art realm. Minimum of five relevant completed projects with budgets up to $100,000. 6 NESC Suspended Artwork – Art Call Artwork location on grand staircase in administrative building lobby 7 NESC Suspended Artwork (Admin Building) Artist Selection Process Selection Criteria: • Artistic merit, creative capacity, and technical expertise of past work (30%) • Enthusiasm and ability in creating site-specific public artwork and working with local communities (40%) • Demonstrated experience in the field of public art (30%) Artist Selection Panel: • Identify artist selection panelists (3 visual professionals) • Project advisors • Review applications …
Corridor William Cannon Final Design Item #5 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | 2/19/26 Corridor William Cannon Project Phase Designing (Final) Artist(s) Name Brent Baggett Art Commission $104,000 Funding Type CIP Sponsor Dept TPW Managing Dept CDS Council District 2 5600 E William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78744 2 Corridor William Cannon Artist Introduction Brent Baggett “Winging it” Snohomish County Park, Everett, WA 2010 “Pioneer” El Centro Community College, Dallas, TX 2015 3 Community Engagement 4 "Relay" Final Design: Inspiration 5 Final Design: Visuals 6 Final Design: Site Plan 7 Final Design: Materials and Fabrication 8 Final Design: Installation 9 Artwork Budget Line Item Design (up to 20%) Artist Research | Community Engagement Concept Design Final Design Engineering & Construction Documents Design subtotal Fabrication / Install (minimum 80%) Materials Labor Shipping and installation Site Work Fabrication / Install subtotal Contingency 10% Total Amount $2,500 $6,000 $7,000 $2,500 $18,000 $30,000 $25,000 $5000 $10,000 $72,000 $10,000 % 2.5% 6% 7% 2.5% 18% 30% 25% 5% 10% 72% 10% $100,000 100% 10 Next Steps Timeline: • AIPP Panel • Arts Commission • Fabrication | Installation 3/2/26 3/23/26 Spring | Summer 2026 Action needed: A motion to approve the final design for the Corridor William Cannon Art in Public Places Project to the Arts Commission. 11
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Arts Commission Recommendation Number: 20260323-14: Arts Commission FY26 Budget Recommendations Date of Approval: March 23, 2026 RECOMMENDATION: 1. Fully fund AACME for all necessary Full-Time Employees to ensure full capacity for the Division and build a solid foundation for growth. City of Austin General Fund 2. All AACME staffing expenses and administrative fees to be sourced from the General Fund (or any other appropriate source) and NOT from limited Hotel Occupancy Taxes designated for Arts. (FY25-26 amount was approx. $548,000) / City of Austin General Fund 3. Fiscal support for Community Navigators to better support applicants during the cultural funding program application process, in particular for translation service providers. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund 4. The addition of a Marketing Representative and a Community Engagement Specialist for each cultural facility: Asian American Resource Center, George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Mexican American Culture Center, and the Dougherty Arts Center. JUSTIFICATIONS REC. 1. The new Division must be fully staffed in order to provide services to the Arts/Culture Community and the City. REC. 2. Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) are limited in their scope and should be used primarily for direct support of arts organizations, artists, and cultural programming rather than administrative expenses. Moving AACME funding to the General Fund ensures Long-Term Sustainability: Reliance on HOT for administrative costs creates funding instability, as these revenues fluctuate based on tourism trends. Shifting these costs to the General Fund ensures consistent support. This move aligns with Best Practices: Other cities with thriving arts ecosystems, such as San Francisco and Seattle, allocate administrative costs separately to ensure the majority of HOT revenues directly benefit arts organizations and creative workers. Rec. 3. Improves Equity and Accessibility – Many artists and cultural organizations, particularly those from underrepresented communities, face language and administrative barriers when applying for funding. Providing translation services ensures that all applicants, regardless of language proficiency, have an equal opportunity to access funding. Community Navigators will help to strengthen Grant Success Rates – Many small and emerging arts organizations lack administrative capacity to 1 of 2 navigate complex grant applications. Admin support for grant applications helps ensure more organizations successfully receive funding, leading to a more diverse and inclusive arts ecosystem. Supports Artists’ Well-Being – Many artists lack access to affordable healthcare, impacting their ability to sustain creative work. Community support for health services—such as mental health resources …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, MARCH 2, 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: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams. Public comment will be allowed remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once 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 in Public Places Manager Jaime Castillo at register jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7852. to speak remotely, contact Art 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 February 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 February 23, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. Discussion of the TEMPO 2025-2026 Artist Final Designs. Presentation by Mandi Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, The Trail Conservancy and Rebecca Rende, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. 5. 6. 7. 8. Discussion of the Armadillo Water Tank Art in Public Places Project Mid-Design. Presentation by Bill Tavis, Art in Public Places Artist and Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin Convention Center Redevelopment (Phase 1) Art in Public Places Project Mid-Design. Presentation by Manik Nakra, Art in Public Places Artist and Ileana Yordan-Cuevas, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin Convention Center Redevelopment (Phase 1) Art in Public Places Project Mid-Design. Presentation by Betelhem Makonnen / SB Gaya Inc, Art in Public Places Artist and Ileana Yordan-Cuevas, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Art in Public Places Panel retreat …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION February 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 December 15, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the March 2nd Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 3. Update on actions taken at the February 18th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston 4. Report from Mayor’s Public Places Task Force by Commissioner Garza. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 6. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the AACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. 9. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Convention Center and Creative Economy Benefits to Austin by Acting Director of Austin Convention Center, Katy Zamesnik and Assistant Director, AACME, Morgan Messick DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve a recommendation for one new member to the Art in Public Places Panel. 11. Approve a recommendation for the Colony Park Pool Art in Public Places Project Final Design - Chirs Tobar and Celica Ledesma. 12. Approve a recommendation for the Faulk History Center Art in Public …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | February 23, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – January 2025 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 $119,064 $29,152,858 $29,271,921 $2,975,478 Year-to-date $311,490 $64,158,256 $64,469,746 $6,156,861 • Total HOT Collections January 2025 = $29,271,921 • 39% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund January 2025 = $2,975,478 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Austin Trail of Lights • Armadillo Christmas Bazaar • Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker • Austin's New Year AUS Passenger Totals: 1,888,492 (December 2025) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $6,156,860 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M 5 Questions? 6
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | February 23, 2026 REVISED Funding Program Timeline December 19, 2025 February 2026 April 2026 REVISED Application Deadline REVISED Panel Meetings Occur 6:59 PM REVISED Funding distribution begins (Activities are for calendar year 2026) REVISED Austin Live Music Fund and Creative Space Assistance Program scored REVISED Panelists trained and assigned (Elevate and Heritage Preservation Grant) REVISED Funding Decisions announced Nexus Application Opens Thrive, Elevate, Austin Live Music Fund, and Heritage Preservation Grant application cycle begins January 2026 March 2026 July 2026 2 Funding Programs: Funds Available Austin Live Music Fund • $5,000 - $70,000 • Music Industry (musicians, independent promoters, venues) $7 Million ~380 awards Creative Space Assistance Program • $60,000 • Commercial creative spaces $1.6 Million ~25 awards Elevate • Up to $30,000 - $80,000 • Arts organizations, individual artists, creative businesses $13 Million ~250 awards Heritage Preservation Grant • $50,000 - $250,000 • Preservation projects and activities $3 Million ~25 awards 3 Eligible (Application sent) Ineligible (No Application sent) Applications Submitted Funding Programs: Application Status • 2,085 Intake Forms Submitted (2,065 EN; 20 SP) Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Elevate Heritage Preservation EN SP EN SP EN SP EN SP Eligibility Forms Sent Eligibility Forms Submitted 1,377 1,111 16 299 10 6 138 0 1,399 1,060 25 247 8 14 125 1 991 4 72 0 855 9 67 1 ALL PROGRAMS TOTAL 3,381 2,455 1,999 120 2 66 0 205 5 58 0 456 806 3 64 0 680 7 46 0 1,607 4 Funding Programs: Application Comparison Austin Live Music Fund ▪ 2024: 904 Submissions ▪ 2025/26: Elevate ▪ 2024: 554 Submissions ▪ 2025/26: ▪ 1,117 Eligibility Forms submitted ▪ 1,074 Eligibility Forms submitted ▪ 24% increase ▪ 93% increase ▪ 809 Applications Forms submitted ▪ 687 Application Forms submitted ▪ 10% decrease ▪ 24% increase Creative Space Assistance Program ▪ 2023: 152 Submissions ▪ 2025/26: Heritage Preservation Grant ▪ 2024: 22 Submissions ▪ 2025/26: ▪ 138 Eligibility Forms submitted ▪ 126 Eligibility Forms submitted ▪ 9% decrease ▪ 64 Applications submitted ▪ 58% decrease ▪ 473% increase ▪ 46 Application Forms submitted ▪ 109% increase 5 Funding Programs: Ineligibility Reasons Detailed Breakdown for Austin Live Music Fund (124 Ineligible) Does Not Qualify By Definition Live Music Venue Does Not Qualify By Definition Indepedent Promoter Independent Promoter tied to venue Insufficient evidence (Live music venue) Insufficient …
Convention Center + Public Benefit Austin Convention Center + AACME February 2, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections for Culture How HOT Revenue Supports Arts and Culture in Austin ▪ HOT funds come from visitors who stay in hotels ▪ HOT funds do not come from local property taxes ▪ State law allows up to 15% each for Cultural Arts + Historic Preservation (30% cap total) ▪ Austin is already at the cap ▪ The only way to grow the cultural allocation is to grow the base HOT revenue 3 Tourism Funding + The Creative Economy More visitors in Austin More hotel stays More Hotel Occupancy Tax collections More Cultural/Music/Heritage Funding 4 What Cultural Funding Supports Today ▪ Annually, the City receives $50+ million in requests for HOT funding: ▪ 2024: $22M in grants awarded to 532 artists & cultural organizations ▪ 2023: $16M in grants awarded to 673 artists & cultural organizations ▪ 2021: $5.7M in grants awarded to 356 artists & cultural organizations ▪ 2020: $11M in grants awarded to 361 artists & cultural organizations ▪ 2019: $11M in grants awarded to 361 artists & cultural organizations ▪ Grant funds flow to: ➢Music + Live Music Fund ➢Heritage Preservation projects ➢Cultural Arts Grants ➢Creative business support ➢Festivals + event production ➢Public art initiatives 5 Benefits to Austin & the Creative Community What are the risks of not completing the Convention Center? ▪ Losing potentially millions in: o Cultural funding tied to visitor revenue o Sales tax revenue ▪ Thousands of lost jobs in the hospitality industry, including local restaurants, retail, and other entertainment venues ▪ nearly $18 million in Art in Public Places (AIPP) opportunities would cease to exist if construction is stopped 7 Beyond the Revenue: Additional Benefits ▪ HOT revenue supports: ➢ Artists ➢ Local entertainment venues, retail, restaurants ➢ Local business, including creative sector ➢ Nonprofits ➢ Community cultural organizations ➢ Residents + tourists (access/experience) ▪ What are other community benefits? ➢ Affordable or subsidized event and meeting space for community groups, cultural organizations, and creative practitioners. ➢ Increased programming partnerships, including festivals, showcases, and creative industry events. ➢ Expanded tourism activity, which supports local performers, vendors, hospitality workers, and cultural venues. ➢ Long-term stabilization for cultural funding streams ➢ Public art opportunities at the Convention Center site ➢ Increased national profile for Austin’s creative sectors ➢ Spillover visitation to events, museums, venues, districts 8 Summary …
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER REDEVELOPMENT Austin is the 13th largest city in the country. But the Austin Convention Center is only the 61st largest. 2 Once the redevelopment is complete, we expect the Austin Convention Center to be around the 35th largest in the country. 3 The redeveloped Austin Convention Center will be larger than: Charlotte Fort Worth Baltimore Nashville Kansas City Pittsburgh Once complete, Austin’s new competitive set will include: San Antonio Boston Seattle Philadelphia Denver Project Overview Rentable Square Footage Total Budget $1.66B Annual Economic Impact $750M+ Construction Schedule April 2025-December 2028 EXISTING CONVENTION CENTER 365,000 SF NEW CONVENTION CENTER 620,000 SF + 140,000 SF in the future Funding HOT*, Convention Center Revenues, PFZ* *HOT: Hotel Occupancy Tax, PFZ: Project Financing Zone Our Partners Construction Schedule 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 3rd St. Electrical 3 R Red Line Station Chilled Water Loop AE Demo We are here Excavation Building Construction Closed April 2025 Open March 2029 PROJECT GOALS Austin City Council Resolution NO. 20210610-096 The City Council seeks to work with the prime architecture firm capable of delivering a world class design befitting a city of Austin’s size and prominence. The Convention Center design shall incorporate the most innovative ideas in programming and placemaking and shall aim to create a civic building that draws and serves Austinites as well as visitors. The City council affirms its intention that the convention Center be, like its companion civic building to the west, the Austin Central Library, a landmark of great distinction, a bustling and vital public gathering place, and a point of pride for the community. Uniquely Austin Sustainability ACC will be the world’s First Zero Carbon Certified Convention Center powered by 100% renewable energy and built with low-impact materials. Art in Public Places SCALE $17.7M TOTAL INVESTMENT Austin’s largest single investment in public art to date ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRATION 10 artists selected during schematic design of building for architecturally- integrated art Additional AIPP artwork will follow more traditional procurement timeline PRESENTING Outdoor Event + The Warehouse • Enhance Connections and Movements • Flexible Event & Gathering Places • Abundant Shade & Comfort • Reflect History of the Site and Materials • Extension of Warehouse District Scale E H T A G R THE BAC K YAR D FESTIVA L D A N E M O R P TH EWAREHOUS E E DISPLAY DROP- OFF BACKYARD PROMENAD E WAREHOUS E EXHAL …
Item 9 Final Design Colony Park Pool Project Prairie Grass Arch, Calder Kamin Item 9: Action Project Name: Colony Park Pool Project Artist(s): Chris Tobar & Celica Ledesma Project Phase: Final Design Sponsor Department: Austin Parks and Recreation Artist Commission $121,500 Council District: 1 Project Manager: Bryana Iglesias AIPP Panel Meeting: January 5th, 2025 2 OCT 2024 COLONY PARK (POOL) MURAL FINAL DESIGN CITY OF AUSTIN, ART IN PUBLIC PLACES CHRIS TOBAR & CELICA LEDESMA TOBAR COMPANY THE CITY OF AUSTIN ART IN PUBLIC PLACES (AIPP) Developing the finishing plans for the newly constructing swimming pool, which is proposed to include mural(s) by Artists Chris Tobar and Celica Ledesma. ABOUT THE ARTISTS Chris Tobar Chris Tobar Rodriguez is an artist and creative director Celica Ledesma based in Austin, TX. Born in Chicago and refined in Orlando, Celica’s art ranges from Oil Painting to Digital Works. Based in he took some time to travel and delve into various ways to Austin, TX but was born in Houston, TX. When trying to master infuse his skills in photography, illustration, typography, realistic figurative painting she places her subject matters in a and vibrant colors into his creations. www.Tobartakeover.com creative space meeting between reality and introspection. www.celicaledesma.com COLONY PARK: A SNAPSHOT OF RESILIENCE Colony Park, in Austin, Texas, has a rich history of community spirit and scenic beauty. Established to house families from Bergstrom Air Force Base, it became known for its affordability and tranquility. In the 1960s, urban renewal and the arrival of companies like IBM and Texas Instruments fueled its growth. Despite challenges like gentrification, Colony Park has remained resilient, symbolizing progress and community strength. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of community in overcoming challenges and embracing a brighter future. WHAT WE TOOK AWAY FROM OUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Colony Park Art Project was a collaborative effort that involved the community from the very beginning. Workshops with children at Turner Roberts Recreation Center provided valuable insights into desired mural designs. Virtual meetings with community leaders and neighborhood associations fostered open discussions about themes, historical significance, and the artwork's potential impact. The project's emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and responsiveness ensured that the community's voice was at the center of the design process. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLANS Meeting with Youth in the After School Program Completed | Dec 12th Meeting with Community Leaders Completed | Location: Colony Park Recreation Center One-on-One …
Item 10 Final Design Faulk History Center Prairie Grass Arch, Calder Kamin Item 10: Action Project Name: Faulk History Center Artist(s): Suzy Gonzalez Project Phase: Final Design Sponsor Department: Austin Public Library Artist Commission $196,000 Council District: 9 Project Manager: Bryana Iglesias AIPP Panel Meeting: January 5th, 2025 2 AIPP Project: Austin History Center/Faulk Building Suzy González Community Engagement Report Hosted series of 7 workshops around Austin in June 2024, working with the community and their stories, images, and feedback to directly influence the project. 6 Austin Public Libraries to gain diversity of experiences/identities Invited to host workshop with Casa Marianella residents at La Peña Offered online form for those who couldn’t make it in person Total of 65 participants Spicewood Springs Public Library Yarborough Public Library Willie Mae Kirk Public Library Menchaca Road Public Library Ruiz Public Library Carver Public Library Casa Marianella at La Peña Site Locations Artwork Form & Scale – Mural Series of 3 #1: The Ancestors – Compositional Sketches Artwork Compositional Inspiration: Artwork Form & Scale – Left Panel: The Ancestors Geometric Composition w/ Bilateral Symmetry Artwork Form & Scale – Mural Series 1 of 3 #1: The Ancestors – Indigenous people (Apache, Tonkawa seen here) to the land called Austin, newly freed African Americans, early European colonial settlers, early immigrants, physicians, religious leaders, land-owners, students, educators, and activists. Textured Wallpaper – print of hi-res photo of original painting circa 10,000 BCE - 1950 Grayscale / Earth tone palette – b&w photos, browns, greens 337.5” x 134.5” Location: Mount Bonnell Digital Mock-Up People Represented: #1: The Ancestors Mother Magdeleine Chollet (1846-1906) Jessie Andrews (1867-1919) M.A.B. Fuller Smith Jacob Fontaine Castile Head Chief Of Tonkawas circa 1865 to 1871 Woman in Clarksville Freedom Community Dr. Mary Elizabeth Branch (1881-1944) Ohah, Apache Girl, 1890 Mrs. Thomas J. (Mattie B.) White (18??-1961) Josefina Lopez de Rocha Dr. Connie Yerwood Jane Y. McCallum Minnie Fischer Cunningham (1882-1964) Joe Lung The Douglass Club of Austin Comanche family (1900) George I. Sanchez A.W. Rysinger Young Black women at Samuel Huston College in Austin Abraham Joseph Arbeely Fred and Lola Otting Joe Sing Lorraine “Grandma” Camacho …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Arts Commission Recommendation Number: 20260223-15: Recommendation that Legal be instructed to translate Cultural Contracts into the language used on the Application for Funding. Date of Approval: February 23, 2026 Recommendation Council instruct City Legal Department to issue Cultural Contracts in the language most familiar to the contractor; the language used in the Application for funding. Rationale Austin Artist must be able to fully and completely understand their rights and their obligations to the City under any contract they sign. Recent efforts by third parties to translate the Cultural Funding Contracts into Spanish have resulted in errors, such as the use of the word ‘financiamento’ when there is no financing component to any of the contracts. The City has the capability to translate contracts to ensure complete and thorough understanding. It is disingenuous to offer the Application in another language and then expect the Applicant to understand a contract that is not translated into that same language. Motioned By: Commissioner Hussaini Seconded By: Commissioner Pownall Vote: 6-0 For: Heidi Schmalbach, Kirtana Banskota, Muna Hussaini, Bailey Pownall, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Gina Houston, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Faiza Kracheni Attest: Jesús Varela 1 of 1
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION February 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on February 23, 2026 at Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Commissioner Medicharla called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Hussaini, Pownall, Banskota, Medicharla Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Houston, Anderson, Schmalbach Board Members Absent: Garza, Kracheni, Keys, Maldonado 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 • Jessica Arjet from Hideout Theatre spoke about their struggles having to find a new location • Miranda Harris spoke about the Joy for Seniors program by ArtlyWorld. • Skylar spoke about the Joy for Seniors program by ArtlyWorld. • Cedric Silan of Asian invited the commission to the lunar celebration this Friday al Bolm arts. • Natalie Crowe spoke on their questions about the Convention Center redevelopment • Katy spoke on their opposition to the Convention Center redevelopment APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on December 15, 2025 The minutes from the meeting of December 15, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Anderson motion, Commissioner Schmalbach second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Garza, Kracheni, Keys, and Maldonado absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the March 2nd Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach The update was given by Commissioner Schmalbach. 3. Update on actions taken at the February 18th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston The update was given by Commissioner Houston 4. Report from Mayor’s Public Places Task Force by Commissioner Garza. No update given STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. The update was given by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 6. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. The update was given by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the AACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. The update was given by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 8. Staff …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. VIRTUAL MEETING Some members of the Art in Public Places Panel may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Art in Public Places Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7852. CURRENT PANEL MEMBERS: Kristi-Anne Shaer, Chair Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison Camille Jobe Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular meeting on January 5, 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. 5. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from January 26, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. Discussion of the Art in Public Places Panel retreat in 2026. Discussion of the Palmer Events Center Art in Public Places Project Mid-Design. Presentation by Amy Landesberg, Art in Public Places Artist and Ryan Runcie, AIPP Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the NESC Garage Façade Art in Public Places Project Artist Selection. Presentation by Rebecca Rende, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the 2026-2028 Art in Public Places Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool Request for Qualifications. Presentation by Rebecca Rende, AIPP Coordinator Senior, 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, …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, virtual regular meeting. Chari Kristi-Anne Shaer called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Kristi-Anne Shaer – Chair, Vice Chair – Andrew Danziger, Bernardo Diaz, Camille Jobe, and Lindsey Millikan. Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison was absent. Staff in Attendance: AIPP Manager: Jaime Castillo. AIPP Coordinator Seniors: Rebecca Rende and Alex Irrera, and AIPP Coordinator: Ryan Runcie. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on January 5, 2026. The minutes from Art in Public Places Regular Panel Meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, were approved on the motion of Camille Jobe, Lindsey Millikan seconded. Motion passes 5-0. 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 3. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from January 26, 2026 Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison. Heidi Schmalbach reported approval of all agenda items. January 2026 Arts Commission Meeting was cancelled. 4. Discussion of the Art in Public Places retreat in 2026. 5. Discussion of the Palmer Events Center Art in Public Places Project Mid-Design Design. Presentation by Amy Landesberg, Art in Public Places Artist and Ryan Runcie, AIPP Coordination, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the NESC Garage Façade Art in Public Places Project Artist Selection. Presentation by Rebecca Rende, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Bernie Diaz made a motion to approve the artist selection for the NESC Garage Façade Art in Public Places Project. Andrew Danziger seconded. Motion passes 5-0. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the 2026-2028 Art in Public for Qualifications. Places Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool Request Presentation by Rebecca Rende, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Camille Jobe made a motion to approve the art call for the Art in Public Places Pre- Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool Request for Qualification with an edit to the established public artist eligibility criteria from 10 completed projects over $100,000 to 4 completed projects over $100,000. Bernie Diaz …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION January 26, 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 December 15, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the January 5th Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 3. Update on actions taken at the December 17th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston 4. Report from Mayor’s Public Places Task Force by Commissioner Garza. 5. Discussion on creating technical workshops at Cultural Centers. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on the AACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve a recommendation for the Colony Park Pool Art in Public Places Project Final Design - Chirs Tobar and Celica Ledesma. 11. Approve a recommendation for the Faulk History Center Art in Public Places Project Final Design - Suzy Gonzalez. 12. Discussion and possible recommendations to Spanish language contracts for Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME) grants. 13. Discussion and possible action to elect new Vice Chair. …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, JANAURY 5, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. VIRTUAL MEETING Some members of the Art in Public Places Panel may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Art in Public Places Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7852. CURRENT PANEL MEMBERS: Kristi-Anne Shaer, Chair Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison Camille Jobe Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular meeting on December 1, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Art in Public Places Program, including Conservation, Current Projects and Milestones. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from December 15, 2025, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the Colony Park Pool Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Chirs Tobar and Celica Ledesma, Art in Public 5. 6. 7. Places Artists and Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Coordination, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the Faulk History Center Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Suzy Gonzalez, Art in Public Places Artist and Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Coordination, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a letter from the Art in Public Places Panel to the Arts Commission to support the clarification of how the AIPP 2% allocation is calculated. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for recommended updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance, Guidelines, and Policies per …
