REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION June 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards 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 jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Michael Vernusky, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on May 20, 2024. 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the May 6, 2024 meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado Update on actions taken at the May 15, 2024 Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy by Matthew Schmidt, Global Business Expansion Division Program Manager III Staff briefing regarding the National Endowment for the Arts grant for Our Future 35 by Laura Odegaard Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Laura Odegaard, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager Staff update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the Final Design for the North Lamar Corridor Art in Public Places Project Approve the Final Design for the Emma Long Park Art in Public Places Project Approve the Final Design for the Oertli Park Art in Public Places Project Approve the Artist Selection Process Recommendation for the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase II Art in Public Places Project Approve slate of Proposed Elevate/Thrive Review Panelists 12. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from joint Arts/Music Commission Working Group on …
Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy Economic Development Department June 17, 2024 History City of Austin and Economic and Cultural Districts • The City of Austin lacks a holistic approach to the recognition and development of Economic and Cultural Districts • Specific “District” Planning/Policy’s Recognized include: Small Area Planning Historic District Designation Public Improvement Districts C I T Y O F A U S T I N Prior District Council Actions • Resolution No. 20071213-058 establishes the African American Cultural Arts District, the City of Austin’s first Cultural District • Resolution No. 20110825-067 establishes the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor • Resolution No. 20131017-036 establishes the Red River Cultural District • Resolution No. 20230702-128 establishes the South Shore Cultural District C I T Y O F A U S T I N Souly Austin is a place-based economic development program focused on creating and retaining strong, vibrant, culturally rich and diverse neighborhood business districts throughout Austin through the development of Merchants Associations. Souly Austin Program Purpose: Program Details • 2014 Program began with a focus of forming Neighborhood Business District Merchant Associations • $362,500 annual allocation (2015) • 6 Neighborhood Business District Merchant Associations formed to date • Intent to onboard 2 new districts during 2019 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Purpose Purpose • Framework aims to leverage economic benefits of concentrated activity in defined • Districts serve as tourist attractions, offering diverse experiences. • Framework provides guidance for organizing and resourcing economic and cultural districts. districts in Austin. • Well-defined districts support thriving commerce and cultural preservation. • Unified management, branding, programming, and improvements amplify economic impact and foster synergy among stakeholders. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Defining Districts Economic and Cultural District Definition • Economic and Cultural districts (ECDs) are compact areas (¼ to 1 ½ mile) rich in creative, cultural, and commercial assets. • ECDs contain concentrations of creative, cultural, entertainment, heritage, or commercial assets that contribute to neighborhood supportive commerce • ECDs make use of a variety of economic, value capture, and focused regulatory tools • ECDs are typically stewarded by district management entities independent of the City of Austin. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Types of Districts • Economic - Contain a high proportion of commercial, entertainment, or cultural uses that help anchor …
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE JUNE 17, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – May 2024 o Total HOT Collections May 2024 = $12,304185 o 77% towards FY24 Approved Budget of $152,172,894 o Cultural Arts Fund May 2024 = $1,175,056 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY24 Approved Budget for FY24: $14,525,594 FY24 HOT Cultural Arts Fund in the bank: $11,258,748 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor Cultural Arts Division Economic Development Department June 17, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 1 Status Reports Contracts and Payments Funding Programs Grant Funded Activities for June and July C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 2 Contracts and Payments Contracts and Payments Update Elevate Nexus Thrive Year 1 Thrive Year 2 Arts Ed Relief Grant Total Contracts 51 36 See year 1 19 200 199 (99%) 199 (99%) 199 (99%) 169 (85%) (6%) Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued Total Dist. to date 16 (31%) 12 (24%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) n/a 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 See year 1 34 (94%) - (0%) n/a 19 (100%) 19 (100%) 19 (100%) - (0%) n/a $5,288,500 (85%) $249,500 (98%) $3,901,500 ( 100%) $3,330,000 (85%) $427,500 (90%) Total Allocation $6,250,000 $255,000 $3,901,500 $3,901,500 $475,000 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 4 Funding Programs FY24 Nexus Summer Friday, May 31 • Awards announced • 51 recipients June 1-Sept 30, 2024 application platform October 31, 2024 • Activities must occur within the grant period • Shorter than usual grant period to accommodate transition to new • The latest a Final Report is due • Final Reports are due 30 days after the final activity has concluded, rounded to the end of that month Visit austintexas.gov/Nexus to learn more. C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 6 Program Launches Live Music Fund • Launched May 21, 2024 • Closes June 18, 2024 Thrive/Elevate • Launches June 25, 2024 • Closes July 23, 2024 • Elevate: for activities occurring October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025 for activities occurring January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 • Thrive: …
• Project: North Lamar Corridor • Artist(s): Ernesto Hernandez • Phase: Final Design VOTE • Project Budget: $85,000 • Council District: 4 • Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens • Sponsoring Department: Transportation & Public Works AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #4 DATE: MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024 4 Elements Ernesto Hernández Ramírez Project Goals Support AIPP corridor goals, which is to make stretches of roads accessible to different types of transportation; bikes, autos, pedestrians, cyclists. This art piece will be viewed at different speeds of movement from various perspectives. Create an art piece that the diverse population of this community can feel a connection to. Meet the expectations of the community who gave their input. Bring art and design to people’s everyday life, as they are on the go. An art piece that integrates into the design and flow of the corridor. Community Engagement Talked to over 100 people of all ages, cultures, bilingual and had them in engage in a visual manner. ● NACA - North Austin Civic Association ● YMCA - North Austin Community Rec Center ● Little Walnut Creek Library ● Timothy Alvin Brown Elementary ● Local businesses Questions asked during engagement What colors would you like to see in the art work: monochromatic, limited colors, many colors? What style do you prefer: abstract, figurative, realistic? Questions that came up Are you aware that Payton Gin Pocket Park is there? Do you want to be invited to the unveiling? Would you like to see more public artwork in your community. Community Engagement Each sticker on the board was a vote Community Engagement Each sticker on the board was a vote New food truck park, across Payton Gin Pocket Park. Business owners and employees. Art students and their parents from Timothy Alvin Brown Elementary, exhibiting at Little Walnut Creek Branch library. Community Engagement Results ● More abstract and figurative design than realistic. ● Overwhelmingly, want many colors and vibrant color scheme. ● A design that catches their attention. Answers for questions that came up: ● Many people don’t know that Payton Gin Pocket Park is a public park and part of their community. There isn’t anything that catches their attention towards the park. People would like to attend the unveiling. They want more art in their community. ● ● ● Proposed sighting Narrative Inspiration The initial idea stems from creating an art piece that can represent the multicultural and population …
• Project: Emma Long Park • Artist(s): Ryah Christensen • Phase: Final Design VOTE • Project Budget: $48,000 • Council District: 10 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie • Sponsoring Department: Parks & Recreation (PARD) AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #5 DATE: MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024 The Dogtail Mushroom can be found in places which are loved Final Design Presentation by Ryah Christensen The Dogtail Mushroom - model ● The "Dogtail Mushroom" is a whimsical sculpture designed to intrigue and delight people who frequent Emma Long Park's popular Turkey Creek Trail. ● It celebrates the very important role Dogs play in the lives of those whom they love, and who love them. ● It calls our attention to the complex ecosystem thriving at Emma Long Park, which is home to many flora and fauna as well as several endangered species. It reminds us that whenever we hike the Turkey Creek Trail, we become an intimate part of that ecosystem. Simplified 1/10 scale model 3 views Simplified Model - 3 views 7’ 13.5’ 4’ 4.5” Back 18” Front Side Full Scale Pattern - 3 views WHAT IS THE STORY? The mythical "Dogtail Mushroom," which resembles a leaping dog, grows from a nurse tree which, during its lifetime, was loved by many for its food, shade, and shelter. The mushroom's long tendrils travel deeply into the tree's carcass, turning the wood into rich dirt that will grow many new trees. Like many other mushrooms, the Dogtail helps the plants around it communicate and share nutrients with one another. It grows strong by helping its neighbors grow strong as well. You can find it in places which are loved. It helps to have a dog with you, for a dog's nose is so powerful, it can smell the mushroom deep inside the earth. A dog will know the mushroom is there even when we can't see it. Joon - Dog at Walnut Creek, Austin TX HOW DID WE GET HERE? Joon - Dog at Guerrero Park, Austin TX COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - We spent a day last spring interviewing and surveying Turkey Creek Trail hikers about their relationship to Emma Long Park and their thoughts on Public Art at the trailhead. We discovered that nearly everyone who visits that trail has at least one dog, and that walking that trail regularly with their dog is, for many, akin to a religious practice. People who cherish …
Art in Public Places City of Austin Cultural Arts Division 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Suite 400 Austin, TX 78741 512.974.7700 / aipp@austintexas.gov PROCESS SUMMARY Oertli Neighborhood Park AIPP Projects Project Summary The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is undertaking a series of park improvements throughout Austin, including Brownie Neighborhood Park, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, Highland Neighborhood Park and Reznicek Fields, and Oertli Neighborhood Park. These parks are located in Austin City Council Districts 4, 10, 4, and 1, respectively, and are funded by the 2012 and 2018 Bonds. To best meet the needs of the community, as well as Capital Improvement Park projects, with the approval of the AIPP Panel and the Austin Arts Commission, AIPP staff issued prospectuses outlining a joint artist opt-in period and a joint selection process. This will more easily facilitate an artist’s ability to opt-in to multiple commission opportunities at once and allow a single jury, consisting of community members from each park area, to select multiple artists with fewer meetings and a quicker timeline. Project Backgrounds & Public Art Goals Oertli Neighborhood Park Project Background The six-acre property is currently a vacant field divided by a fence row of trees. The park is surrounded by single-family homes and apartments with access from Blaine Road and Pearl Retreat Drive. The neighborhood park was acquired through parkland dedication funding and will focus on providing park space to the community within a half-mile radius. The property was historically a pasture, owned by the Oertli Family, who operated local dairy farms in Austin and Travis County from 1923-2001. A Texas Historical Marker is located on-site, adjacent to Pearl Retreat Drive. The neighborhood park is expected to include a loop trail, picnic tables and benches, shade trees, play features, and additional amenities in line with the needs of the community. The project will provide ADA-accessible open space and amenities to the adjacent neighborhoods. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) anticipates installing shade trees, walking paths, and identifying what active recreation is preferred by anticipated community park visitors. Public Art Goals & Priorities The AIPP program seeks to commission works of art of redeeming quality that advance public understanding of visual art and enhance the aesthetic quality of public places. This can be accomplished through the selection of a qualified artist or artist team who can innovatively and thoughtfully design within the context of this project. To engage local …
Summer 2024 Panel-Facil First Name Last Name BIO Vanessa Alvarado Flores Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Vanessa AlvaradoFlores is a proud fronteriza. She is an actor, performing artist, dance theater producer and aspiring singer/songwriter. For the last five years, Vanessa has dedicated her 9-5 to building donor and community relations as well as planning and executing fundraising initiatives for nonprofits in the areas of social justice organizing and the performing arts. A proud alumna of the Atlantic Acting School Conservatory in NYC, Vanessa also earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Texas A&M University - College Station and a Master of Liberal Arts from St. Edward’s University. Role Review Panelist Willie Anderson Review Panelist Originating from Tennessee and firmly established in the Austin, Texas area for over three decades, my professional trajectory embodies a deep commitment to equity in education and communication. Drawing from a diverse array of experiences and continuous professional growth, I've cultivated a rich skill set tailored to fostering inclusive environments. As an educator, I've held various roles, including Special Education Department Chair and Adjunct Professor, dedicated to creating equitable learning environments. Within the Austin Independent School District and Austin Community College, I've championed diverse learners, led online instruction, and curated engaging Social and Emotional Learning activities. My passion for community outreach and empowerment is exemplified through my work with Portfolio Resident Services, where I've coordinated educational enrichment programs and forged partnerships with local organizations. Additionally, my tenure as an Educational Associate with Pflugerville ISD underscored my commitment to student support and collaborative instruction. In the realm of media and communication, I've contributed to various platforms, serving as a contributing writer, social media editor, and manager for organizations such as Soul Citi, Ballet Afrique, and Can I Live. Professional endeavors also include roles as a professional scorer with Evaluation Systems Pearson and as a Special Education Consultant for Texas Empowerment Academy. My academic journey, culminating in a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, alongside certifications in ESL and Special Education, reflects a dedication to lifelong learning and equity. Rooted in my Tennessee origins and nurtured by Austin's dynamic cultural landscape, I am poised to continue championing equity and inclusivity across all facets of my professional endeavors. Ibiye Anga is the founder and CEO of Anga Haus, a leading creative technology agency. She brings artistic visions to life while simultaneously …
Artist Selection Memo to File Date: From: Copy: May 30, 2024 Artist Selection Panel (Jurors and Advisors): Nayeli Miranda (Arts Professional); Gerardo Genry (Arts Professional); Chale Nafus (Arts Professional); Claudia Zapata (Arts Professional); Connie Arizmendi (Arts Professional); Herlinda Zamora (PARD representative); Marie Ortiz (ESB-MACC representative); Bud Franck (JV Team representative); Heidi Tse (Capital Delivery Services). Art in Public Places Panel: Chair Stephanie Lemmo: Vice Chair J Muzacz: Arts Commission Liaison Monica Maldonado: Panel members Sarah Carr, Taylor Davis, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Lisa Woods. Subject: ESB-MACC Phase II AIPP Project – Selection Recommendation Background: AIPP panel approved a Request for Qualifications for the ESB-MACC Phase II AIPP Project on September 04, 2023. Notice of the public art opportunity was sent directly to eligible artists on November 6, 2023. The submission deadline was December 19, 2023. The Artist Selection Panel reviewed 19 artist applicants. The Jury was supported by staff Laura Odegaard, Cultural Arts Division Acting Manager; Frederico Geib, AIPP Project Manager; Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Project Manager; and Sean Harrison, AIPP Collections Manager. 1. Recommended Artist/Team: -Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel "Telley and Esquivel presented a robust community engagement vision that demonstrated their understanding of the ESB-MACC's mission and its relevance for Mexican Americans, Latinos and the public community at large. I enjoyed Telley and Esquivel’s approach and use of sustainable materials in their proposal and their interest in creating a piece that is universally accessible to all ages and can be interacted with in several ways. I also felt like Telley and Esquivel demonstrated a high level of sensitivity to the site and its long-term impact. " 2. Recommended Alternate: Oscar Alvarado "Oscar’s portfolio of large-scale sculptural work in a diversity of environments demonstrates his ability to effectively utilize the site to create a unique experience for the public. His architectural and cultural understanding is comprehensive and evocative. His extensive experience and excitement to work with the MACC’s public is well suited for this project. Recommended Artist Team: Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel CURRICULUM VITAE KATHERINE TALLEY Kat is a visual artist based in Austin, Texas, with a multidisciplinary background in graphic design, large-scale sculpture, and painting. Her creative journey is deeply rooted in her Mexican American heritage, influencing her work with vibrant elements from Hispanic culture and the southwest landscape of her hometown of El Paso. Kat’s portfolio features captivating large-scale sculptures and dynamic paintings, reflecting her passion for art and …
Arts Commission June 17, 2024 I-35 TODAY The East/West Divide I-35 AT 5TH STREET I-35 UPPER & LOWER DECKS OUR FUTURE 35 The Opportunity Our Future 35 will provide transformational new infrastructure for Austin that is of regional and national significance • • TxDOT project lowering the main lanes allows the City to deck over the highway • Over 30 acres of new urban real estate Local enhancement can provide an array of community benefits and change the landscape of Austin IMAGE: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF FREEWAY CAPS • Reconnect East and West Austin • Change the landscape of Central Austin • Create marquee public space for citywide use • Support / incubate local businesses • Address local noise and air quality concerns • Create climate resilient public spaces CAP AND STITCH OVERVIEW Potential Cap Locations Potential UT Cap Locations Potential Stitch Location 5 NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS Grant for Art Project Recipient! • How can an artist help support this transformational infrastructure? • Economic Development Department and Transportation Public Works applied in July 2023 • Grant for Arts Project – selected recipient ($75,000) announced by NEA in May 2024 • Our Future 35 Artist-in-Residence Program (modeled after the 2018 COA AIR pilot with Watershed Protection Department) AIR PROGRAM Purpose & Goals Purpose: Goals: The OF35 AIR Program will strive to engage community members who have been impacted by and excluded from past infrastructure decisions, contributing to the desired outcome that future cap and stitch amenities are dynamic, sustainable, and serve communities of all races and identities. Just as importantly, the OF35 AIR Program will celebrate the historical and cultural fabric of past and present communities surrounding I-35 while acknowledging the highway’s history of fracture. The program will collect and amplify these narratives through art, making space for the art sector in the City of Austin and State of Texas government programs and processes. 1. Fostering innovative community engagement through creative expression that results in a meaningful exchange of ideas; 2. Furthering the City’s stated mission to engage with the cultural significance of the neighborhoods surrounding I- 35 early in the project process; and 3. Benefitting the local artistic community by adding depth to the selected artist’s social practice and portfolio. AIR PROGRAM Budget • The selected Artist is allotted a maximum of $70,000 for time spent working on the residency, inclusive of residency-related expenses (supplies, …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION June 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission room 1101. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 17, June 2024 at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission room 1101. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Gray called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Acia Gray, Gina Houston Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Heidi Schmalbach, Monica Maldonado, Nagavalli Medicharla, Faiza Krachen Board Members Absent: Celina Zisman, Michael Vernusky, Felipe Garza ,Amy Mok CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Michael Vernusky, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on May 20, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 20, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Houston’s motion, Commissioner Medicharla’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioner’s Zisman, Vernusky, Garza, and Mok absent DISCUSSION ITEMS Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the May 6, 2024 meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado No update given Update on actions taken at the May 15, 2024 Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok No update given STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy by Matthew Schmidt, Global Business Expansion Division Program Manager III The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Global Business Expansion Division Program Manager III Staff briefing regarding the National Endowment for the Arts grant for Our Future 35 by Laura Odegaard The presentation was made by Laura Odegaard, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Laura Odegaard, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager The presentation was made by Laura Odegaard, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager Staff update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor The presentation was made by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the Final Design for the North Lamar Corridor Art in Public Places Project Approve …
