Arts Commission Community Interest Announcement Name of Event People’s Gallery Opening Exhibition and Arts & Humanities Kickoff October 2, 2026 (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) Austin City Hall 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas 78701 A quorum of the Arts Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Arts Commission business will occur. For more information, please contact: Jesus Varela 512-974-2444 Jesus.Varela@AustinTexas.gov
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION September 21, 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, 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 July 20, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the August 3rd and September 14th Art in Public Places Panels by Commissioner Schmalbach. 3. Update on actions taken at the August 19th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston. 4. Presentation on Creek Show by Stephanie Bergara, Senior Manager of Community Engagement & Programs at Waterloo Greenway. 5. Presentation by Austin Creative Alliance on their organization and function. 6. Discussion on Hispanic Quality of Life recommendations. STAFF BRIEFINGS 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, ACME Cultural Funding Supervisor. 8. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, ACME Cultural Funding Supervisor. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, ACME Division Manager, Cultural Affairs & Investments. 10. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, ACME Art in Public Places Manager. 11. Staff briefing regarding an update on ACME gallery spaces by Marjorie Flanagan, ACME Division Manager, Cultural Education & Programs DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 12. Discussion and possible action to plan an Arts Commission Retreat 13. Establish a Fiscal Sponsorship working …
Upcoming Dates Ticket announce and on sale: Mid-September 2026 Installation dates: November 9-12, 2026 Show dates: November 13-21, 2026 www.creekshow.com
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | September 21, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – August 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 August $35,076 $5,967,403 $6,002,479 $573,237 Year-to-date $795,943 $172,528,867 $173,324,810 $16,553,387 • Total HOT Collections August 2026 = $6,002,479 • 104% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund July 2026 = $573,237 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • World Cup Activities • Austin Symphony Independence Day and Fireworks • Willie Nelson's Annual 4th of July Picnic • Blues on the Green Concert Series • Hot Summer Nights AUS Passenger Totals: 2,102,655 (July 2026) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress CAF Actuals $16,553,386 Approved Budget $15,968,425 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $14,000,000 $12.9 M $3,967,678 $4,181,190 $4,014,342 $4,264,989 $4,529,604 Q4 (July, Aug, Sept) Q3 (April, May, June) Q2 (Jan, Feb, Mar) Q1 (Oct, Nov, Dec) $4,298,427 $4,045,329 $4,150,573 $3,982,424 $4,075,609 $4,112,939 $4,397,401 $3,398,832 $3,266,808 $3,058,166 $3,361,392 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,317,350 $3,112,547 $4,000,000 $3,066,137 $2,000,000 $0 $2,374,915 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 5 Questions? 6
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | September 21, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 3. Review Panels 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 9/21/26) 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%) 228 (99%) 219 (96%) 102 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 88 (86%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 34 (97%) 32 (91%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 32 (77%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,209,250 (99%) $9,265,000 $503,500 (99 %) $510,000 $3,787,500 (98%) $3,118,500 (81%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 FY24 Final Report Status (as of 9/21/26) 10 of 229 Elevate Final Reports Incomplete (4%) • Deadline: January 31, 2026 • 4 not submitted (non-compliance process implemented) • 4 need revisions • 1 returning unused funds • 1 deceased 5 FY25 Final Report Status (as of 7/17/26) 17 of 101 Nexus Final Reports Incomplete (17%) • Deadline: May 31, 2026 • 15 not submitted (non-compliance process implemented) • 2 need revisions 6 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Short Films, Long Journeys: Screening & Panel September 24 Austin Asian American Film Festival (District 10) – ArtsUs Co Still. Here. Now September 25 – 26 Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre (District 3) – Carver Museum Dress Rehearsal August 29 – September 26 Yuliya Lanina (District 10) – GrayDuck Gallery Zimbabwean Marimba Festival September 26 Rattletree School of Marimba (District 8) – Casa de Luz 8 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Physical Theatre in the 20th Century September 28 La Fenice (District 2) – Dougherty Arts Center Typewriter Poetry October 8 Austin Typewriter Poets Collective (District 2) – Cherrywood Center Eastside Kings Festival October 18 Eastside Kings Foundation (District 8) – Various Welcome to Terror Terrace: A Halloween Variety Show October 11 – November 1 Early Era Collective (District 4) – Dougherty Arts Center 9 Review Panels Funding Programs: Guidelines Clearer definitions Clearer criteria Simplified processes More accessible resources across all programs Learn More: austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding English Guidelines Spanish Guidelines 11 Open Funding Programs: Overview Austin Live Music Fund • $5,000 - $70,000 • Music Industry (musicians, independent promoters, venues) Thrive • Up to $80,000 - …
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | Sept 21, 2026 FY26 Funding Disbursement Status (as of 9/21/26) Program Total Awardees Total Funds # of Awardees Paid % of Awardees Paid $ of funds disbursed % of funds disbursed ALMF Elevate CSAP HPG Thrive Nexus 396 277 22 22 35 76 $7,045,000 $12,616,773 $1,320,000 $3,000,274 $3,850,000 $505,000 384 273 21 19 32 57 97% 99% 95% 86% 91% 75% $4,517,500 $10,776,474 $781,741 $1,497,763 $3,118,500 $328,500 TOTAL 829 $28,337,047 755 91% $21,020,478 64% 85% 59% 50% 81% 65% 74% 2 2027 ACME Grants Overview Applications Window: July 7, 2026 – August 18, 2026, at 6:59 PM Contract Period: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027 (or December 2028 for 2-year contracts) $23 Million in Funds Available Austin Live Music Fund Elevate Heritage Preservation Thrive • $6 million • $11 million • $3 million • $3 million • ~290 awards • $5,000 - $70,000 • Musicians, independent promoters, live music venues • ~250 awards • $30,000 - $80,000 • Arts organizations, individual artists, creative businesses • ~30 awards • $50,000 - $250,000 • Preservation projects and activities • ~30 awards • $160,000 - $250,000 • Arts nonprofits deeply rooted in diverse cultures 4 Total 2027 Grant Applications Program Austin Live Music Fund (English) Austin Live Music Fund (Spanish) Elevate (English) Elevate (Spanish) Heritage Preservation (English) Heritage Preservation (Spanish) Thrive (English) Thrive (Spanish) TOTAL Submitted 1,059 10 946 21 57 2 164 1 2,260 5 Breakdown by Program Type (removing test apps) Austin Live Music Fund: Heritage Preservation Grant: Venues - 56 Independent Promoters- 65 Ineligible - 2 (no award was chosen) $20,000 - 45 $5,000 - 18 Professional Musicians- 923 Ineligible - 7 (no award was chosen) $20,000 - 545 $5,000 - 371 Heritage Events – 40 Capital Projects – 13 Elevate: 501(c)(3) – 257 Arts Groups – 179 Individual Artists – 418 6 Spanish Language Support Enhancements in Action Summary of Community Priorities Expand Spanish-language Outreach and Support Reduce barriers to applying Improve translation quality and consistency Strengthen community trust and relationships Provide language access throughout the grant lifecycle 8 Language Used For Spanish translations of the word grant: ACME will use subsidio because it is a more familiar and commonly understood term among the communities we serve. While subsidio …
Overview of ACME Exhibition Opportunities Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Arts Commission, August 17, 2026 ACME Exhibit Locations and Current Hours* AACME Galleries African American Cultural and Heritage Facility AUS Galleries (Airport) - 12 exhibit spaces Historical Dedrick-Hamilton House Gallery Hours Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm Galleries in pre-screening areas open 24/7 Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm Asian American Resource Center – 6 exhibition spaces Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm Susanna Dickinson Museum Dougherty Arts Center (Julia C. Butridge Gallery) Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm Monday – Thursday 10am – 10pm, Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 12 – 5pm George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (museum space + 1 exhibit space+ front contemporary/shop space) Monday – Wednesday, Friday 10am – 6pm, Thursday 10am – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm Elisabet Ney Museum Wednesday – Friday 12 – 5pm, Saturday – Sunday 10 – 5pm Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (Sam Z. Coronado Gallery, Community Gallery, Atrium) Monday – Friday 10am – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm Old Bakery & Emporium (Fine Art Gallery) Wednesday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 12 – 5pm People's Gallery (City Hall) Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm *Operational hours will be adjusted in FY27 based on community feedback 2 How are exhibits recruited for? 3 How does the City support exhibits? 4 Approximate Timeframes for Exhibition Open Calls FALL 2026 MACC AACHF Early/mid 2027 AARC June 2028 (Biennial) AIPP People's Gallery November 2026 DAC May 2027 AIPP AUS Changing Exhibit ▪ Carver, OBE, Brush Square, and Elisabet Ney Museum have curated shows. 5 How many exhibitions do you hold per fiscal year? 6 What stages of artists do you exhibit? 7 What's next? ▪ACME's strategic and cultural plan process ▪FY27 Budget ▪Creative Reset: Streamlined and coordinated services 8 QUESTIONS? Cross departmental opportunities! ▪ Arts and culture facilities ▪ Art in Public Places ▪ Aviation Marjorie.Flanagan@Austintexas.gov Matrex.Kilgore@Austintexas.gov 9
AIPP WORKING GROUP AUGUST 2026 DEFINING AIPP PROJECT DELIVERY Aligning Funding, Responsibility & Project Outcomes Funding Transparency Project Coordination Clear Contractural Responsibilities AIPP Projects and the structures in which they reside benefit from a clearly defined relationship with the Project Design and Construction Team prior to finalization of contracts. Early coordination on scopes and responsibilities leads to clearer contracts and better work flows for both Project Teams and AIPP Support Staff. Why ThisDiscussionMatters Defined from the start Two Project Delivery Models Independent v. Integral An Integral AIPP Project is one that is fully coordinated with the Building Design and Construction Team. It is supported by and coordinated with that team and becomes integral to the architecture of the project itself. ex: Austin Convention Center An Independent AIPP Project is executed independently of the project design team and project construction. There is no integration of artwork into the structure and it may be sited separately from the structure. ex: Waste Water Facilities IntegralIndependent Project Delivery determines how the AIPP allocation is calculated IndependentCapital Project2% AIPP AllocationRemaining Project BudgetA&E FeesIntegralCapital ProjectA&E FeesRemaining Project Budget2% AIPP Allocation Fee Calculation for AIPP as INDEPENDENT Fee Calculation for AIPP as INTEGRAL Here is what that looks likeusing a $1 million projectProject Cost1,000,0002% for art(subtract fee)20,000(980,000)10% for A&E98,000Remaining882,000Project Cost1,000,00010% for A&E(subtract fee)100,000(900,000)2% for art18,0000Remaining800,000 Fee Calculation for AIPP as INDEPENDENT Fee Calculation for AIPP as INTEGRAL 10% reduction in AIPP fee Here is what that looks likeusing a $1 million projectProject Cost1,000,0002% for art(subtract fee)20,000(980,000)10% for A&E98,000Remaining882,000Project Cost1,000,00010% for A&E(subtract fee)100,000(900,000)2% for art18,0000Remaining800,000 Fee Calculation for AIPP as INDEPENDENT Fee Calculation for AIPP as INTEGRAL 2% reduction in A&E fee Here is what that looks likeusing a $1 million projectProject Cost1,000,0002% for art(subtract fee)20,000(980,000)10% for A&E98,000Remaining882,000Project Cost1,000,00010% for A&E(subtract fee)100,000(900,000)2% for art18,0000Remaining800,000 Independent Project Benefits • Some public works projects are not well suited for public visitors. A remote site for the artwork can provide better opportunities for viewing. • Some project types may be such that art is exceedingly difficult to integrate and an independent timeline or site is required. • Some areas of our community do not host many public projects. Independent AIPP work can be better distributed through the greater community. • Independent projects can activate areas of the project site that are apart from the built structure. Integral Project Benefits • Artwork that is complimentary to the structure and/or site and integrated …
Northeast Service Center Campus Sculptures Art Call Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | August 3, 2026 NESC Campus Sculptures Project Phase Selecting: Artist Selection Artist(s) Name TBD Art Commission $600,000 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 2 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: campus sculptures is the third project • Construction began fall 2025 • Campus opening fall 2027 North Campus: Austin Resource Recovery 3 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 4 NESC Campus Sculptures – Art Call Scope of Work: • 3D site-specific permanent artwork • 7 optimal locations identified, minimum of 5 • Artworks should work alone and as a series • Artworks to speak to the day-to-day work of the essential workers at ARR and AFMS • Highly encouraged use recycled, upcycled, and/or reclaimed materials • Engage stakeholders and community • Artwork integrated into campus design, including coordination with project team and AIPP artists Considerations: • Users and visitors of the site • Longterm maintenance, campus is open 24/7 Administrative Building Eligibility: Texas-based mid-career public artist 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. 5 NESC Campus Sculptures 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 • Shortlist 3 artists for interviews • Artist interviews 6 Next Steps Timeline* (subject to change): • AIPP Panel (Art Call) • Arts Commission …
Davenport Ranch AFD / ATCEMS Station Adrian Aguilera & Betelhem Makonnen Final Design Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | September 21, 2026 AFD / ATCEMS Davenport Ranch Project Phase Designing (Final) Artist(s) Name Adrian Aguilera & Betelhem Makonnen Art Commission $196,000 Funding Type CIP/Bond Sponsor Dept Austin Fire & Austin Travis County EMS Council District 10 Concept Design Presentation – September 8, 2025 Location: 4601 Westlake Drive, Austin TX 78746 2 AFD/ATCEMS 3 Station Cohort All events 12:00 to 1:00 pm Wednesday, March 4 – AF52/ATCEMS41 Davenport Ranch, artists Adrian Aguilera and Betelhem Makonnen 4601 Westlake Dr, Austin, TX 78746 Thursday, March 5 – AF53/ATCEMS42 Goodnight Ranch, Re:Site Studio 9400 Capitol View Dr, Austin, TX 78747 Friday, March 6 – AF54/ATCEMS43 Canyon Creek, artist Rudy Herrera 9804 N FM 620, Austin, TX 78726 AIPP Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens 3 DAVENPORT RANCH Survey Results What is a story or idea you think of while looking at this artwork? "LOVE. COMMUNITY. Appreciation for our firefighters." "I think of care, I really enjoy the simplicity and universality of the X and O. It’s really cool to see a technology of fire fighting used in an artwork, it’s new and exciting to see." "I think how its a waste of money and boring." "Why don't we pay a real artist to actually paint a piece of art? These are just TVs." 4 Noteable quote: "I love the symbolism of using infrared light, light of life, heat, seeing in the dark... I really appreciate the way the artists have connected the artwork to the firefighters and the community they serve. It is a reminder to love and take care of each other." AIPP Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens DAVENPORT RANCH ToDo's Artists: Program: - Establish and enforce AIPP Ordinance - Maintenance plan, including process for both care of artwork and reporting issues - Address light pollution DONE - Material - Design of video content - Schedule - Plan and describe electrical access and amount of use (see shop drawings) DONE - Plan and describe artwork attachment DONE - State weather resilience of material (see spec sheets and conservation report) DONE - Future community engagement at site: ie. Filming content, Dedication DONE AIPP Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens 5 CITY OF AUSTIN I ART IN PUBLIC PLACES DAVENPORT RANCH AFD52 / EMS41 STATION Adrian Aguilera I Betelhem Makonnen untitled (xo, sweet dreams) video wall, …
Art in Public Places Asian American Resource Center Artist Selection Recommendation Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Arts Commission | September 21, 2026 AIPP Standard Process & Project Goals ▪ Eligibility • at least 18 years of age • Experience creating permanent artwork in materials suitable for the outdoors • 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. ▪ Submission Requirements • CV/Resume • 10-images of completed relevant artworks with descriptions • Short response questions • 3 professional references ▪ Selection Criteria • Artistic merit, creative capacity, technical expertise of past work • Enthusiasm and ability in creating site-specific public artwork and working • Demonstrated experience in the field of public art with local communities ▪ Selection Process • 3 visual arts professionals voting panelists • Additional community and City staff advise by providing knowledge about the • 1 round; score offline for short list, live discussion and vote site, the community, the neighborhood, and the sponsor project 1. A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places 2. Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that integrates with the site and surrounding natural environment Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years 3. 4. 2 Asian American Rescource Center (AARC) Budget $90,000 Funding Type Capital Improvement Project Sponsor Dept Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) Address 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754 Council District 1 3 AARC 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 4 AARC Eligibility: • Austin-based - visual artists in the seven counties bounding the Austin metro area (Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 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: September 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 Andrew Danziger Camille Jobe AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lindsey Millikan, Vice Chair Fatima Carbajal Bernardo Diaz 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 August 3, 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. 4. 5. 6. 7. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from August 17, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. Discussion of Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Creative Reset. Presentation by Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, and Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Discussion of the Northeast Service Center: Garage Façade Art in Public Places Concept Design. Presentation by Bridge Projects, Art in Public Places Artist, and Rebecca Rende, Art in Public Places Coordinator Senior, Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Art in Public Places Projects 50% Final Design Update. Presentation by Alex Irrera, Art in Public Places Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Uplifted Ground Art in Public Places Project. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 9. 10. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the AFD / …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION August 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Board and Commission, Room 1101. 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, 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 July 20, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the August 3rd Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach. 3. Presentation by Austin Creative Alliance on their organization and function. 4. Discussion on Hispanic Quality of Life recommendations. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, ACME Cultural Funding Supervisor. 6. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, ACME Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, ACME Division Manager, Cultural Affairs & Investments. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, ACME Art in Public Places Manager. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on ACME gallery spaces by Marjorie Flanagan, ACME Division Manager, Cultural Education & Programs 10. Staff briefing regarding ACME facilities: Asian American Resource Center by Tony Vo, ACME Arts & Education Program Manager, Cultural Education & Programs DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and possible action to plan an Arts Commission Retreat 12. Establish a Fiscal Sponsorship working group to better understand the different Fiscal Sponsorship types. 13. Discussion and …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 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: August 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 Andrew Danziger Camille Jobe AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lindsey Millikan, Vice Chair Fatima Carbajal Bernardo Diaz 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 July 6, 2026 and Art in Public Places Special Called Meeting on July 13, 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. 4. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from July 20, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. Discussion of Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Creative Reset. Presentation by Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. 8. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the Northeast Service Center: Campus Sculptures Art Call. Presentation by Rebecca Rende, Art in Public Places Coordinator Senior, Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion and possible action to coordinate updates on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Art in Public Places Projects to the Art in Public Panel in advance of Final Design presentations. Art in Public Places Panel Guidelines and Associated Polices Working Group report and possible action. Approve a recommendation regarding updates to the Art in Public Places Guidelines and Jaime Policies per City Council Resolution No. 20250306-029. Presentation by Castillo, AIPP Manager, …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, virtual regular meeting. Chari Kristi-Anne Shaer called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Kristi-Anne Shaer – Chair, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison, Bernardo Diaz, Andrew Danziger, Fatima Carbajal, and Camille Jobe. Panel Members Absent: Vice Chair – Lindsey Millikan. Staff in Attendance: AIPP Manager: Jaime Castillo; AIPP Coordinator Senior: Rebecca Rende and Alex Irrera. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular meeting on July 6, 2026 and Art in Public Places Special Called Meeting on July 13, 2026. Commissioner Schmalbach made a motion to approve of the minutes from Art in Public Places Regular Panel Meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026 and Art in Public Places Special Called Meeting on July 13, 2026, Bernardo Diaz 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 July 20, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. 4. Discussion of Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Creative Reset. Presentation by Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Item pulled by Art in Public Places Manager, Jaime Castillo, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. 8. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the Northeast Service Center: Campus Sculptures Art Call. Presentation by Rebecca Rende, Art in Public Places Coordinator Senior, Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Commissioner Heidi Schmalbach made a motion to approve the Northeast Service Center: Campus Sculptures Art Call. Camille Jobe seconded. Motion passes 6-0. Discussion and possible action to coordinate updates on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Art in Public Places Projects to the Art in Public Panel in advance of Final Design presentations. No Action taken. Art in Public Places Panel Guidelines and Associated Polices Working Group report and possible action. Commissioner Heidi Schmalbach made a motion to approve the Art in Public Places Guidelines and Associated Polices Working Group draft report and letter requesting a public meeting to the Arts Commission, including a presentation for the Guidelines …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION July 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 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 June 15, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the July 6th Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach. 3. Update on actions taken at the July 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on Fiscal Sponsorships and ACME Staff Conflict of Interest policy by Morgan Messick, ACME Assistant Director, and Laura Odegaard, ACME Acting Division Manager. 5. Staff briefing on ACME Strategic plan by Candice Cooper, ACME Interim Chief Administrative Officer, and Marjorie Flanagan, ACME Division Manager, Cultural Education & Programs. 6. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, ACME Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, ACME Cultural Funding Supervisor. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, ACME Acting Division Manager. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, ACME Art in Public Places Manager. 10. Staff briefing regarding an update on ACME Museums and Cultural Facilities by Guiniviere Webb, Culture & Arts Program Manager, Dougherty Arts Center and Zilker Hillside Theater. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS …
Fiscal Sponsorship & Conflict of Interest Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | July 20, 2026 Purpose of Today’s Briefing Fiscal Sponsorship in ACME Grant Funding Review staff, Law, and Auditor findings Conflict of Interest rules Appropriate Reporting Processes 2 Fiscal Sponsorship ACME Guidelines ▪ Fiscal Sponsor: A Fiscal Sponsor is a nonprofit organization with a 501(c) tax-exempt status that applies for financial support on behalf of another organization or individual, allowing the sponsored project to benefit from the sponsor’s tax-exempt status. A Fiscal Sponsor manages financial transactions and reporting responsibilities for the Sponsored Project. Please note that all Fiscal Sponsors must be headquartered in Austin and are responsible for ensuring that all funding is used for tax-exempt, charitable purposes as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. (page 40 of ACME Funding Guidelines) ▪ Sponsored Project: The individual or group that is under the umbrella of a Fiscal Sponsor, which is a 501(c) organization. (page 43 of ACME Funding Guidelines) ▪ Applicants may apply with a Fiscal Sponsor for the Elevate and Nexus funding programs. 4 Create Austin Resources ▪ A Fiscal Sponsor is a 501(c) organization that provides support to projects that lack nonprofit status. ▪ The Fiscal Sponsor handles financial transactions and supports reporting duties on behalf of the Sponsored Project. ▪ A single Fiscal Sponsor may sponsor multiple Sponsored Projects during each grant cycle. 5 Create Austin Resources Cont. *This resource collection provides non-exhaustive information on fiscal sponsorship practice. It is not a requirement to follow but references some forms of fiscal sponsorship and best practices to consider. 6 Sponsorship Agreement (required for application) 7 Fiscal Sponsorship Eligibility Review ▪ Sponsored Project starts and completes application as “lead applicant” ▪ Award type/ request amount is what the Sponsored Project is eligible for (i.e. $15,000) not what the Fiscal Sponsor might be eligible for (i.e. $50,000) ▪ Fiscal Sponsor becomes “owner” of the Sponsored Project account if SP is awarded ▪ Fiscal Sponsorship Requirements include: ▪ 501(c) status located in Austin or ETJ ▪ Salaried Executive Director ▪ In existence for ▪ At least 1 year with $50,000 operating budget, OR ▪ At least 5 years and have at least a $35,000 operating budget 8 Application Eligibility Review ▪ How does the Eligibility Review happen? ▪ Eligibility Review Form in Submittable ▪ Filled out for every application ▪ The Form includes verifying ▪ Application answers ▪ Uploads ▪ IRS …
ACME Strategic Plan Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment July 2026 The Creative Reset > ACME Strategic Plan VISION Where Culture, Creativity, and Community Thrive 3 Mission We serve Austin by investing in creative people, cultural spaces, programs, and partnerships that expand access, strengthen community, and celebrate our city’s diverse cultural identity. 4 Framework for success Strategic Outcomes • Cultivate Access & Belonging • Invest in Cultural Spaces • Advance Creative Careers • Celebrate Vibrant Cultural Experiences • Curate Strategic Partnerships 6 Investment Priorities • Cultural and Community Assets • Direct Funding • Artist and Organizational Support • Community Access and Experience Delivery • Creative Ecosystem Leadership 7 Citywide goals and targets • Percent of participants who indicated the program / activity / visit enhanced their connection to art culture music entertainment or history • Percent of participants engaging with ACME programs and services for the first time • Number of public art collection pieces repaired and/or restored • Number of visits to educational and cultural facilities • Number of contracts with arts professionals and arts organizations • Percent of recipients who report satisfaction with AACME programs and services 8 Thank you! ACME
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | July 20, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 7/17/26) 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%) 227 (99%) 216 (94%) 102 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 81 (79%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 34 (97%) 29 (83%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 28 (77%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,181,250 (99%) $9,265,000 $499,500 (97 %) $510,000 $3,712,500 (96%) $2,803,500 (73%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 FY24 Final Report Status (as of 7/17/26) 14 of 229 Elevate Final Reports Incomplete (6%) • Deadline: January 31, 2026 • 6 not submitted • 5 need revisions • 2 returning unused funds • 1 deceased 5 FY25 Final Report Status (as of 7/17/26) 20 of 101 Nexus Final Reports Incomplete (20%) • Deadline: May 31, 2026 • 15 not submitted • 1 submitted not reviewed • 4 need revisions 6 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Poetry Club with the East Austin Writing Project Monthly, June 1 – January 1 East Austin Writing Project (District 3) – Houndstooth Coffee Really Small Museum presents Yevghenia Davidoff June 3 – July 31 Really Small Museum (District 1) – Austin Nature & Science Center AZL Brazilian Zouk Series Wednesday July 15 – August 5 Austin Brazilian Zouk & Lambada Cultural Heritage Project (District 9) – Charles Johnson House 8th Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera July 17-25 One Ounce Opera (District 4) – dadaLab 8 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) I Scream Social July 24 Host Publications (District 7) – Alienated Majesty Books Mujer Manifesto Zine Volume 6 July 28 The Gallery ATX (ETJ) – Moontower Cider Co Speak No More: Lovecraft July 31 – August 23 La Fenice (District 2) – The Tavern 9 Questions? 10
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | July 20, 2026 FY26 Funding Disbursement Status (as of 7/18/26) Program Total Awardees Total Funds # of Awardees Paid % of Awardees Paid $ of funds disbursed % of funds disbursed ALMF Elevate CSAP HPG Thrive Nexus 396 277 22 22 35 77 $7,045,000 $12,616,773 $1,320,000 $3,000,274 $3,850,000 $510,000 377 264 20 15 28 0 95% 95% 91% 64% 80% 0% $3,902,500 $7,184,007 $655,741 $807,062 $2,803,500 $0 TOTAL 829 $28,342,047 704 85% $15,352,810 55% 57% 50% 27% 73% 0% 54% 2 Nexus Grant Updates Nexus Grant Updates Application Window: March 10, 2026 – April 16, 2026 Contract Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 Nexus Award Updates 451 applicants; $4.5 million requested 17% awarded – very competitive! 77 Awardees (76 English/1 Spanish) – Awardee list on Nexus page here 35 Arts Groups (from 140 applicants) 42 Individuals (from 311 applicants) $510,000 Awarded (double previous cycles) 25 at $10,000 (13 individual artists, 12 arts groups) 52 at $5,000 (29 individual artists, 23 arts groups) External Reviewer Model: 2 reviewers per application; Scored against Rubric; Scores averaged; No Panel Meeting; No Appeals Evaluation of reviewer performance/scoring models is ongoing 4 Nexus Applicant/Awardee Breakdowns Artistic Discipline Applicants Awardees District # Applicants Awardees Art/ Music Therapy Arts Education Arts Service Organization Cultural Heritage/ History Dance Design Arts Film, Video & TV Production Folk & Traditional Arts Legacy and Small Business Literary Arts Media Arts Multidisciplinary Music Theater/Musical Theatre/Opera Visual Arts Other 12 18 12 25 23 7 45 2 2 7 8 68 137 32 44 9 1 6 1 7 8 0 9 0 0 2 2 15 10 9 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Austin ETJ Outside of Austin Unknown 63 41 59 34 41 11 37 24 54 31 13 36 7 12 6 10 6 9 2 9 3 6 9 1 3 1 5 2027 ACME Grants Overview 2027 ACME Grants Overview Applications Window: July 7, 2026 – August 18, 2026, at 6:59 PM Contract Period: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027 (or December 2028 for 2-year contracts) $23 Million in Funds Available Austin Live Music Fund Elevate Heritage Preservation Thrive • $6 million • $11 million • $3 million • $3 million • ~290 awards • $5,000 - $70,000 …
Art in Public Places Staff Briefings Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Arts Commission | July 20, 2026 Public Art Open Calls austintexas.gov/AIPP • Asian American Resource Center • Shared Streets • NESC Suspended 3D Artwork (TX) • Public Artist Pre-qualified List (TX) Apply at PublicArtist.org before August 3, 2026 Virtual Open Office Hours (VOOH) Every Tuesday 10am-12pm Info Sessions www.eventbrite.com/o/austin-arts-culture-music-and- entertainment-108376071991 AIPP Coordinators – Lindsay Hutchens & Rebecca Rende 2 AIPP Resolution No. 20250306-029 Next Steps & Timeline • Align Ordinance and Guidelines (May-August) 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 Economic Opportunities Committee o Arts Commission o City Council Meeting • AIPP Guidelines Approvals July 31 September 14 September 18 September 21 September 24 October 3 AIPP Process 1. SCOPING 2. SELECTING 3. DESIGNING 4. IMPLEMENTING 5. ARCHIVING a. Project Set Up a. Artist Selection a. Artist Research (30%) a. Construction Drawing a. Close Out b. Art Call b. Approval: Artist b. Concept (60%) b. Artwork Fabrication b. Maintenance Repair/Restoration c. Approval: Art Call c. Artist Contract c. Final (90%) c. Artwork Installation c. Deaccession/Relocation 4 AIPP Process Partner Departments (Sponsor & Managing Departments) 1. SCOPING 2. SELECTING 3. DESIGNING 4. IMPLEMENTING 5. ARCHIVING a. Project Set Up a. Artist Selection a. Artist Research (30%) a. Construction Drawing a. Close Out b. Art Call b. Approval: Artist b. Concept (60%) b. Artwork Fabrication b. Maintenance Repair/Restoration c. Approval: Art Call c. Artist Contract c. Final (90%) c. Artwork Installation c. Deaccession/Relocation 5 AIPP Process Community (stakeholders, AIPP Panel, Arts Commission) 1. SCOPING 2. SELECTING 3. DESIGNING 4. IMPLEMENTING 5. ARCHIVING a. Project Set Up a. Artist Selection a. Artist Research (30%) a. Construction Drawing a. Close Out b. Art Call b. Approval: Artist b. Concept (60%) b. Artwork Fabrication b. Maintenance Repair/Restoration c. Approval: Art Call c. Artist Contract c. Final (90%) c. Artwork Installation c. Deaccession/Relocation 6 AIPP Process Artists 1. SCOPING 2. SELECTING 3. DESIGNING 4. IMPLEMENTING 5. ARCHIVING a. Project Set Up a. Artist Selection a. Artist Research (30%) a. Construction Drawing a. Close Out b. Art Call b. Approval: Artist b. Concept (60%) b. Artwork Fabrication b. Maintenance Repair/Restoration c. Approval: Art Call c. Artist Contract c. Final (90%) c. Artwork Installation c. Deaccession/Relocation 7
OUR MISSION The Mission of the Dougherty Arts Center is to provide support and opportunities for emerging though established artists and arts enthusiasts in a welcoming and safe place to experience the arts firsthand. OUR VISION The Dougherty Arts Center is Austin’s cultural living room where all people are invited to gather and create community through the arts. OUR IDENTITY We are Austin’s oldest community arts center, 100% of staff are artists – a site run by artists, for artists and arts enthusiasts. We celebrate Austin’s diverse arts community by hosting classes, events, workshops, exhibits, and performances, and provide paid experience for artists in a warm and nurturing environment in the heart of downtown Austin. BY THE NUMBERS OCTOBER 1, 2025 – JULY 1, 2026 7,490 SAW A PERFORMANCE 20,077 CAME TO EXIHIBITS AND GALLERY EVENTS 54,300+ PARTICIPATED 1,580 YOUNG ARTISTS SERVED 1,710 HOURS OF PROGRAMS 1,997 ENJOYED FREE SPECIAL EVENTS 500 CREATIVE SPACES SUPPORTED THE ARTS 5,746 ADULT STUDIO USES $1.5 MILLION GENERAL FUND $281,000 FY26 REVENUE 28,800 SQ FT 8.5 FULL TIME STAFF DOUGHERTY ARTS CENTER & BEVERLY SHEFFIELD HILLSIDE THEATER 1 2 3 4 Julia C. Butridge Gallery Theater and Events Adult and Youth Studio Classes Artist Professional Development PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES Art In Cahoots caregiver and child program Creativity Club Afterschool Summer Camp Works in Progress Teen Internship DAC to Go Senior and Recreation Center outreach Adaptive Ceramics satellite program Adult Studio painting, drawing, ceramics, darkroom, and textiles Gallery Exhibitions Artist Talks and Demos Artist Professional Development DAC Nights monthly public events Artist Access Program Theater Rentals and Performances Art-O-Rama annual signature event Volunteer Program Zilker Hillside Theater MARKETING Focus strategies to increase the participation and attendance to events and spaces IMPLEMENTATION Collaborate with stakeholders and outside organizations to attract new audiences Promote awareness of DAC offerings through social media and cross-marketing TARGET AUDIENCES Artists Tourists Community organizations Young professionals Students Families Seniors CREATIVITY BELONGS TO EVERYONE! 1-3 YEARS Stronger and happier arts community Reach more arts deserts Create more jobs Increase offerings for underserved artists More collaborations Bring more people together 3-5 YEARS Sustainable art practices A “third space” for artists Arts visibility within and beyond Austin Artist Lifecycle New Building
Spicewood Springs Corridor Final Design Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | 7.06.2026 Spicewood Springs Mobility project Project Phase Final Design Artist(s) Name Christine Rojek Art Commission 182,000 Funding Type CIP project Sponsor Dept Council District TPW 10 near 4501 Spicewood Springs Road 2 Spicewood Springs Mobility Project Overview Project Overview: Identified in the City of Austin’s 2016 Mobility Bond as a key project, the site currently is missing water quality facilities as well as safety features such as continuous sidewalks, curbs, buffer zones and there is no continuous center turn lane. Project Goals: • Expand the roadway to two lanes in each direction, adding a center median with left-turn bays • Create a shared-use path on both sides of the road for pedestrians and bicyclists, and stormwater quality and detention facilities. Construction Timeline: • Work began Dec. 2023 • Substantial Completion: EOY 2026 3 Spicewood Springs AIPP Project Overview Project Overview: • Create a site-specific artwork that enhances the community’s experience of the Spicewood Springs Road corridor. Project Goals: • Respect wildlife and integrate with the natural beauty of the corridor; • Be safe to people and animals, easily maintained, and vandal-resistant in an exterior environment. • Align with the character of the community and human history of the site. Timeline: • Fabrication: Summer - Fall 2026 • Installation: EOY 2026 TBD 4 Spicewood Springs Corridor – Scope of Work Scope of Work: • Engage with community to understand the important values and desires to reflect in the artwork. • Design a sculpture that honors the natural landscape and the local community. • Fabricate and Install the sculptures onsite in accordance with the ongoing site construction. Eligibility: • Corridor Pre-Qualified Artist Pool • Austin-based visual artists who reside in the seven counties bounding the Austin metro area (Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet, and Blanco counties) • At least 18 years of age Add Image ?? 5 Spicewood Springs Road AIPP Project Artist Christine Rojek “Taming of the Surge” –Norfolk, VA “Rubber Tipped Crane” – Town Center, Schaumburg, IL 6 Community Engagement SPICEWOOD SPRINGS BRANCH LIBRARY EVENT 10/20/24 • • VISITS TO NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANTS & SHOPS: INTRODUCED MYSELF, PASSED OUT FLYERS, TALKED ABOUT UPCOMING AIPP COMMISSION. • CONVERSATIONS WITH LOCALS: TOMLINSON’S PET STORE, SHIRLEY MCFAIL SCHOOL OF DANCE, GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL, ANOTHER BROKEN EGG, TROY MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT, EPOCH COFFEE. • DOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: FEEDBACK FROM NEIGHBORHOOD …
Deaccession Process for “Crosswalk on the Lake” Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | July 20, 2026 AIPP Process 1. SCOPING 2. SELECTING 3. DESIGNING 4. IMPLEMENTING 5. ARCHIVING a. Project Set Up a. Artist Selection a. Artist Research (30%) a. Construction Drawing a. Close Out b. Art Call b. Approval: Artist b. Concept (60%) b. Artwork Fabrication b. Maintenance Repair/Restoration c. Approval: Art Call c. Artist Contract c. Final (90%) c. Artwork Installation c. Deaccession/Relocation 2 Deaccession Crosswalk on the Lake Artist: Mery Godigna Collet Location: 3710 Lake Austin Boulevard Austin, TX 78703 Accession Number: CH.2016.003 Accession Date: 7/21/2016 Crosswalk on the Lake, by Mery Godigna Collet and Luis R. Gutierrez, was installed in 2016 and accessed into the City of Austin’s public art collection. 3 Deaccession Process Summary & Next Steps Art in Public Places (AIPP) and Austin Transportation & Public Works (ATPW) artwork deaccession from Lake Austin Boulevard. June 2016 • Artwork presented as a part of the Urban Crosswalk Project, donated by a private citizen, for $6,000.00 to produce • Donation Approved by Arts Commission October 2025 • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) issued directive for all cities in the state to remove any street- based artwork, painting, or signs not approved for transportation safety, in order for cities roadways to be in compliance with state grants. This included the AIPP managed artwork Crosswalk on the Lake. May 2026 • TxDoT denies City of Austin’s exemption request ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ June 2026 • AIPP presented plan to formally deaccess artwork • Arts Commission formed Deaccession Jury July 2026 • Deaccession Jury to review deaccession request • Arts Commission to review AIPP Panel deaccession recommendation August 2026 • City Council to review deaccession recommendation • Upon approval for deaccession the artwork will be removed by TPW crews 4
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SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, JULY 13, 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: July Virtual Special Called 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 Andrew Danziger Camille Jobe AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lindsey Millikan, Vice Chair Fatima Carbajal Bernardo Diaz 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 July 6, 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. 4. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Sensory Lounge Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Rakhee Jain Desai, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Quiet Energy Space for Children Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Lucas Aoki, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission as the Deaccession Jury of Art in Public Places artwork Crosswalk on the Lake by Mery Godigna Collet and Luis R. Gutierrez. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, AIPP Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for the Spicewood Springs Corridor Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Christine Rojek, Art in Public Places Artist, and Frederico Forte, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Special Called Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a Special Called meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, virtual Special Called meeting. Vice-Chari Lindsey Millikan called the meeting to order at 6:06 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Vice Chair – Lindsey Millikan, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison, Fatima Carbajal, Bernardo Diaz, Andrew Danziger and Camille Jobe. Panel Members Absent: Kristi-Anne Shaer – Chair. Staff in Attendance: AIPP Manager: Jaime Castillo; AIPP Coordinator Senior: Rebecca Rende, Frederico Forte, and Alex Irrera. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on July 6, 2026. Vice-Chair Lindsey Millikan made a motion to move approval of the minutes from Art in Public Places Regular Panel Meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, to the Art in Public Places Regular Panel Meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, Camille Jobe seconded. Motion passes 4-0. 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. 4. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Sensory Lounge Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Rakhee Jain Desai, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Quiet Energy Space for Children Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Lucas Aoki, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Vice-Chair Lindsey Millikan made a motion to move Item 6, Spicewood Springs Corridor Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Arts Commissioner, Heidi Schamlbach seconded. Motion passes 6-0. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission as the Deaccession Jury of Art in Public Places artwork Crosswalk on the Lake by Mery Godigna Collet and Luis R. Gutierrez. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, AIPP Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Andrew made a motion to not approve the deaccession of Art in Public Places artwork Crosswalk on the Lake by Mery Godigna Collet and Luis R. Gutierrez, and provide written rationale for keeping the artwork in the Art in Public Places collection to the Arts Commission. Bernie Diaz seconded. Motion passes 6-0. Approve a recommendation to Arts …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, JULY 6, 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: July 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 Andrew Danziger Camille Jobe AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lindsey Millikan, Vice Chair Fatima Carbajal Bernardo Diaz 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 June 1, 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. 4. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from June 15, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Tunnel Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Saya Woolfalk, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. 5. 6. 7. 8. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Barbara Jordan Terminal-Tunnel Interface Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Jim Campbell, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Concourse B-Tunnel Interface Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Yvette Mayorga, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Concourse B North Marketplace Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Virginia Montgomery, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 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 – Lindsey Millikan, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison, Bernardo Diaz, Andrew Danziger and Camille Jobe. Panel Members Absent: Fatima Carbajal. Staff in Attendance: AIPP Manager: Jaime Castillo; AIPP Coordinator Senior: Rebecca Rende and Alex Irrera. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on June 1, 2026. Lindsey Millikan made a motion to approve of the minutes from Art in Public Places Regular Panel Meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, Bernardo Diaz seconded. Motion passes 4-0. Arts Commissioner Heidi Schmalbach and Camille Jobe abstained. 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 June 15, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Tunnel Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Saya Woolfalk, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Barbara Jordan Terminal-Tunnel Interface Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Jim Campbell, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Concourse B-Tunnel Interface Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Yvette Mayorga, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Concourse B North Marketplace Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Virginia Montgomery, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Discussion of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport High Energy Space for Children Art in Public Places Project Concept Design. Presentation by Tabria Williford, Art in Public Places Artist, and Alex Irrera, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve a …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION June 15, 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 May 18, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Dr. Claudia Zapata on the Artist in Residence Program offered by ACME and Transportation and Public Works (TPW) titled “Memorias Project 2026: An Immersive Art Experience Based on Austin's Mexican American Communities.” 3. Update on actions taken at the June 1st Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach. 4. Update on actions taken at the May 20th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston. 5. Explore a Special Called joint meeting with the Music Commission. 6. Discussion on organizations possibly receiving duplicate ACME awards. 7. Discussion on stipends amounts at City owned galleries. STAFF BRIEFINGS 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 9. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 10. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, ACME. 11. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. 12. Staff briefing regarding an update on ACME Museums and Cultural Facilities by Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager and Michelle Rojas, Acting …
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Artist in Residence Program offered by ACME and Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Artist: Claudia Zapata Memorias Project •An immersive art experience based on Austin’s Mexican American communities. AN EXPERIENCE IN THREE MOVEMENTS • Movement One • Images and footage reference Austin’s early Mexican population that resided, worked, and formed cultural communities in downtown’s Republic Square, known as Austin’s Mexico. • Mexican and Mexican American residents began Diez y Seis celebrations (Mexico’s Independence Day), and many worked at the Walker’s Aus-Tex Chili factory. • Eventually, the 1928 City Plan displaced Black and Mexican American communities to East Austin Front Cover of the 1928 City Plan. AN EXPERIENCE IN THREE MOVEMENTS • Movement Two • Austin’s Mexican American communities flourish with community centers, public murals, and restaurants. • Since 1942, the Pan American Recreation Center has been serving East Austin, and the later Hillside Theater, with its Chicano murals, highlights Mexican American histories. • For over sixty years, Joe’s Bakery, Cisco’s Restaurant and Bakery, and La Perla have served as staples of Tejano and Tex-Mex food and drink on the east side. PICA 35906, Alfonso Ramos Band plays for a wedding reception at the San Jose Community Center, 1970. Austin History Center AN EXPERIENCE IN THREE MOVEMENTS • Movement Three • Chicano activists, including the militant group the Brown Berets, contest Austin’s annual Aqua Fest and boat races. • Damage, trash, and noise pollution led to demonstrations and protests. • Other Chicano protests and demonstrations occurred throughout Austin against gentrification, police brutality, and in solidarity with the farmworkers’ movement. • Activist figures like Pablo Hernandez and Joanne Salas are memorialized in murals and photos The Chicana por mi Raza Digital Memory Project and Archive 1401_0011NDLSR_111014_082 Nancy de los Santos Brown Beret Joanne Salas on Capital steps, Austin Texas The Audience Experience Research Austin History Center The Chicana por mi Raza Digital Memory Project and Archive Preservation Austin 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District Mexic-Arte Museum/Sylvia Orozco AR. 2002.008-012 Gloria and Mel Pennington, Austin History Center Artist Website: https://www.claudiaelisazapata.com/ Project Site: https://memoriasproject.com/ Instagram: @claudiaezapata
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | June 15, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – May 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 May $40,245 $8,864,057 $8,904,302 $850,381 Year-to-date $660,004 $127,160,430 $127,820,434 $12,207,720 • Total HOT Collections May 2026 = $8,904,302 • 76% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund May 2026 = $850,381 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Texas Relays • Austin Reggae Festival • Old Settler’s Music Festival • Trail of Lights Half Marathon & 5K AUS Passenger Totals: 1,808,534 (April 2026) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $12,207,720 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 | June 15, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 6/12/26) 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%) 227 (99%) 216 (94%) 102 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 74 (73%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 33 (94%) 29 (83%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 27 (77%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,181,250 (99%) $9,265,000 $496,000 (97 %) $510,000 $3,712,500 (96%) $2,713,500 (70%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 FY24 Final Report Status (as of 6/12/26) 15 of 229 Elevate Final Reports Incomplete (7%) • Deadline: January 31, 2026 • 6 not submitted • 2 submitted, not reviewed • 5 need revisions • 1 returning unused funds • 1 deceased 5 Pre-Agreement Status (as of 6/15/26) 6 incomplete Pre-Agreements •2% of the FY 26 Elevate grants •5 revisions requested •1 submitted but has outstanding ALMF Final Report 6 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Soul 2 Sole International Tap Festival June 17-21 Tapestry Dance Company (District 5) – Long Center Stories About Pizza June 18 Color Arc Productions (District 8) – AFS Cinema & Event Hall Tirgan Summer Festival June 20 Austin Iranian Professionals Association (District 10) – Asian American Resource Center The Frontier June 20 Joshua Washington (MSA) – EvenGround Dance Studio 8 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Black Auteur Festival June 20 Black Auteur Film Festival (District 4) – AFS Cinema & Event Hall Auntie’s House June 21 Where Y’all At Though?! (MSA) – Pershing Hall I Scream Social June 20 Host Publications (District 7) – Alienated Majesty Books 9 Questions? 10
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | June 15, 2026 Funding Disbursement Status (as of 6/15/26) Program Total Awardees Total Funds # of Awardees Paid % of Awardees Paid $ of funds disbursed % of funds disbursed ALMF Elevate CSAP HPG Thrive 396 277 22 22 35 $7,045,000 $12,616,773 $1,320,000 $3,000,274 $3,850,000 356 222 16 12 27 77% 80% 73% 55% 77% $3,358,500 $5,037,799 $480,000 $626,242 $2,713,500 TOTAL 752 $27,832,047 633 84% $12,216,041 48% 40% 36% 21% 70% 44% 2 2027 Guideline Enhancements 2027 Enhancements ▪ Last month: Overarching priorities and enhancements related to ▪ Eligibility, Three-Step-Process, Communication, Tech, Documentation, Training, Timeline, Support, Marketing/Awareness, Language Access ▪ This month: Details on Guideline Enhancements ▪ Added minimum award amounts and structured ranges ▪ Added new or expanded scoring rubrics and tie-breakers across programs ▪ Added project summary question for all applications ▪ Strengthened definitions → especially “Applicant Entity,” “Arts Group,” and “Annual Expenses” ▪ Clarified anti-duplication rules (one application per program; no aliases) ▪ Maintained existing tourism marketing requirements but improved clarity, consistency, and alignment across programs. ▪ Deepened rigor across heritage and capital project requirements to strengthen preservation outcomes and documentation standards. ▪ Updated reading level of applications to 8th grade level for accessibility 4 Award Amounts for Thrive & Elevate ▪ What changed: ▪ FY27 Guidelines introduce structured award ranges with minimum and maximum award amounts for Thrive and Elevate. Previously it only included maximum cap. ▪ Thrive: Fully tiered award amounts by annual expenses with clear minimums per tier ▪ Elevate: Introduction of minimum award floors, creating structured, predictable ranges for all applicants ▪ How this enhances the Guidelines: ▪ Introduces transparency and predictability ▪ Reduces confusion and subjective interpretation by eliminating the ambiguous “up to” structure ▪ Aligns award amounts more closely with applicant capacity and operating size through tiering ▪ Set award amounts reduce administrative burden and helps with budgeting to know how many awards can be made within the amount of money available in the fund 5 Award Amounts for Thrive & Elevate Thrive Applicant Total Award over 2 years Annual Award 501 (c)(3) Arts Nonprofit with Creative Space Annual expenses of $125,000 or greater Annual expenses of $85,000-$124,999 Annual expenses of $60,000-$84,999 501 (c)(3) Arts Nonprofit without Creative Space Annual expenses of $85,000 or greater Annual expenses of $60,000-$84,999 $250,000 $125,000 per year $200,000 $100,000 per year $170,000 $85,000 per year $170,000 …
Art in Public Places Panel Staff Briefings Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places Panel | June 15, 2026 AIPP Exhibition Open Calls austintexas.gov/AIPP People’s Gallery at City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Exhibition will run Oct. 2026 – May 2028 Changing Exhibits at AUS airport 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719 12 galleries Exhibition will run Jan. 2027 – Dec. 2027 AIPP Coordinators – Jieun Beth Kim & Brittany Heinchon 2 Open Calls austintexas.gov/AIPP • Asian American Resource Center • NESC Suspended Artwork • Shared Streets • Public Artist Pre-qualified List Opens June 22, 2026 Closes August 3rd, at 5pm AIPP Coordinators – Lindsay Hutchens & Rebecca Rende 3 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 4
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center ‹# › OUR MISSION The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation, and promotion of the cultural arts of Mexican Americans and other Latino cultures. ‹#› OUR VISION The arts, culture, and contributionS OF Mexican American, Indigenous, and Latino/a/e communities are acknowledged, recognized, and cherished as part of the past, present, and future of the City of Austin. ‹#› ALIGNMENT W /STRATEGIC PLANS High-quality Event, Program, & Revenue Generating Anchors LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY Adopt an operations culture of an agile organization. BRAND EQUITY & RECOGNITION Build consistent brand identity to drive participation and revenue. 360° GOALS 360° GOALS 360° GOALS INTEGRATED STRATEGIC APPROACH 01 BOLSTER PROGRAM PILLARS Prioritize space audits & launch: 02 BUILD VISIBLE MOMENTUM Increase attendance & space utilization: 03 EVALUATE BY DESIGN Integrate as an operations component. Data is: a) Intentional Space Activations b) Consistent Scheduled Programs c) Rentals Marketing Campaign a) Relatable Representative Marketing b) Maximize Cross Promotion Opportunities c) Language Accessibility a) collected, b) documented, and c) synthesized into actionable insights for continuous improvement. GRAND REOPENING JUNE 6, 2026 3K + ATTENDEES 100+ PAID PERFORMERS AND VENDORS 30+ VOLUNTEERS “ This was my first time at the MACC, and I was floored by the extent of the programs and services that are already being provided, knowing that there’s even more to come. Especially in these times, Austin is lucky to have the MACC uplifting and amplifying Mexican-Americans and Mexican-American culture, without which this city would be a very different place.” - FACILITY PRIORITIES 1 . C o m p l e t i o n o f P h a s e I I - A d d e d 1 9 , 0 0 0 s q f t o f n e w s p a c e w i t h e n h a n c e d w a y f i n d i n g , s h a d e s t r u c t u r e , A D A a c c e s s i b i l i t y , a d d i t i o n a l p r o g r a m m a b l e s p a c e s 2 . U p g r a d e …
AIPP - AFD 53 / ATCEMS 42 Goodnight Ranch Re:Site Studio Final Design – Item 15 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Arts Commission | June 15, 2026 AFD 53 / ATCEMS 42 Goodnight Ranch Project Phase Designing (Final) Artist Name Re:Site Studio Art Commission $240,000 Funding Type CIP Sponsor Dept AFD / ATCEMS Council District Eligibility ETJ (2) Texas AIPP Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens 9600 Capitol View Drive, Austin, TX 78747 2 Project Overview • artwork that integrates with the site, the interior or exterior architecture • artist will spend time observing and • researching the work of Austin’s first responders final artworks should reflect the mission of AFD/EMS: to create safer communities through prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response • physically and conceptually accessible • durable and is easily maintained AIPP Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens 3 4 Concept & Inspiration 5 Concept & Inspiration 6 Concept & Inspiration 7 Inspiration: Buddha the dog 8 AIPP Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens 9 GOODNIGHT RANCH Survey Results full results in backup What is a story or idea you think of while looking at this artwork? "Buddha who was always at the station all the time hanging out with the crews daily." "I will always be reminded of Buddha (RIP), our community dog, recognized and enjoyed by all. He will remind me of the earliest years of station 53." "We buried Buddha next to the station. This statue would mean a lot to every member of Medic 42 and AFD Engine 53. Buda was truly a unofficial member of station 42/53." Noteable quote: "Please put why the crews of medic 42 chose to have Buddha as their public art." AIPP Coordinator – Lindsay Hutchens "connected by dog lovers" 1 0 Previous Design Updates needed: - Address safety in regard to climbing and entrapment - Including lighting plan 1 1 Final Design 1 2 Elevations 1 3 Fabrication & Installation 1 4 Site Plan 1 5 Electrical Access 1 6 Engineering 1 7 Foundation details 1 8 Timeline 1 9 Budget 2 0
Diego Miro-Rivera ACCX Phase 1 Final Design Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | June 1, 2026 Austin Convention Center Redevelopment (Phase 1) Project Phase Designing (Final) Artist(s) Name Diego Miró-Rivera Art Commission $240,000 Design/ Oversight Funding Type HOT Sponsor Dept Austin Convention Center Managing Dept Council District CDS 9 Downtown Austin, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701 2 Project Overview Project Overview: • Create a site-specific, architecturally integrated artwork that enhances the visitor experience at the Convention Center. Project Goals: • will reflect the culture, creativity, and vibe that create our shared experience of Austin; • integrate seamlessly into the site, facility, building, finishes and/or infrastructure; • convey the mission of the ACC to promote Austin as a premier destination; • employ sustainable materials and processes in the creation of the artwork; • be easily maintained and vandal resistant in its environment; and • contribute to the depth/breadth of the City of Austin’s public art collection. Timeline: • Final Design Review: June 2026 • Fabrication: July 2026 • Installation: July 2027 3 Cornerstone (Working Title) Location: Site A: South-East corner along Cesar Chavez & Waterloo Greenway Considerations: The artwork is at the conjunction of Cesar Chavez downtown avenue, a park system (Waterloo Greenway), the Convention Center exhibition halls, the historic Trask House, and two other artworks. All these elements have been considered. 4 Past Work • Representing nature as is, life-size, true form • Collecting, composition and display • social and site-specific sculpture 5 Footprint Prints 6 Community Engagement CREWS 7 Community Engagement COHORTS 8 Community Engagement COLLABORATORS 9 Community Engagement COMMUNITY 10 Final Design: Inspiration Theme: What are the foundational natural elements of our city? PEOPLE WATER LIMESTONE 11 CONCEPT: making the invisible, visible 12 Last meeting… Barton Springs Concept… 13 Guiding Conceptual Question: What is the symbolic Cornerstone of the City of Austin? The heart of this installation is an exploration of the essential, yet often invisible, physical systems that sustain a city. Just as the Edwards Aquifer is the silent, subterranean structure that sustains Austin’s ecology, many of the people sustaining civic life and infrastructure are working behind the scenes. This artwork, Cornerstone, seeks to bridge the geological, the social, and the architectural using the city’s foundational stone to portray the urban ecosystem that resulted in this site being the way it is. 14 Final Design: Materials LIMESTONE • The only …
Initiating Deaccession Process for “Crosswalk on the Lake” Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | June 15, 2026 Crosswalk on the Lake Mery Godigna Collet and Luis Gutierrez Location: 3710 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703 Accession Number: CH.2016.003 Accession Date: 7/21/2016 2 Process Summary Art in Public Places (AIPP) and Austin Transportation & Public Works (ATPW) artwork deaccession from Lake Austin Boulevard. June 2016 • Artwork presented as a part of the Urban Crosswalk Project, donated by a private citizen, for $6,000.00 to produce • Donation Approved by Arts Commission October 2025 • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) issued directive for all cities in the state to remove any street-based artwork, painting, or signs not approved for transportation safety, in order for cities roadways to be in compliance with state grants. This included the AIPP managed artwork Crosswalk on the Lake. May 2026 • TxDoT denies City of Austin’s exemption request ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ June 2026 • AIPP presents plan to formally deaccess artwork • Arts Commission to form Deaccession Jury July 2026 • Deaccession Jury to review deaccession request • Arts Commission to review AIPP Panel deaccession recommendation August 2026 • City Council to review deaccession recommendation • Upon approval for deacession the artwork will be removed by TPW crews 3