Arts Commission Regular Meeting of the Arts Commission - This meeting will be held with some members attending in person and others attending remotely.
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION May 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on April 21, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the May 5, 2025 meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding update on the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager 4. Staff briefing regarding update on the Govalle Cultural District by Donald Jackson, Business Process Consultant and Zac Traeger, Executive Director of The Museum of Human Achievement 5. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager 6. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor and Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Action to Approve the Selection Process Recommendations for the Substandard Streets Art in Public Places Project – Johnny Morris Road and Ross Road Projects 9. Action to Approve the the Art in Public Places Panel’s process to select two new panel members, including review of applications submitted through June 8, 2025, and forwarding of …
Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy Arts Commission Meeting May 19, 2025 Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy • Resolution No. 20240926-014 • Purpose: Provides community and policy makers guidance to identify, organize, and resource Economic and Cultural Districts in the context of the City of Austin, while continuing their commitment to recognizing and cultivating unique cultural and economic value for the public benefit of our communities. • Focuses on cultural preservation, local economy, and community identity C I T Y O F A U S T I N Existing Economic and Cultural Districts Existing Districts African American Cultural Heritage District 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Red River Cultural District East 12th Street District East Cesar Chavez District North Lamar International District South Congress District Aldrich Street at Mueller South First Street District 2nd Street District Seaholm District Southshore Cultural District* C I T Y O F A U S T I N Role of Boards and Commissions • Review new Cultural District proposals • Evaluate alignment with City goals and cultural asset presence • Make recommendations to Council via B&C process • Support ongoing district performance and equity monitoring C I T Y O F A U S T I N Economic and Cultural District Considerations • Cultural Identity: Does the district reflect a meaningful cultural or historical story? • Organizational Capacity: Is there a managing entity in place? • Community Support: Do residents, artists, and businesses support this? • Cultural Asset Map: Are key spaces and traditions clearly documented? • Alignment with Citywide Plans: Imagine Austin, Cultural Tourism Plan, Thriving in Place • Resiliency: Does the district demonstrate long-term strategies for cultural preservation, economic adaptability, and climate responsiveness? C I T Y O F A U S T I N Questions? C I T Y O F A U S T I N
Presentation to the Austin Arts Commission Presented by: The Museum of Human Achievement / Zac Traeger Date: 5/19/25 Additional Attachments: Full Proposal, Letter of Endorsement from Govalle Principal Welcome to Govalle East Austin neighborhood with deep creative history Anchored by MoHA, Bike Texas, Canopy, 979 Springdale, Govalle Elementary Major hub for EAST and First Saturdays Vision: A thriving, inclusive district where art, education, green space, and community converge. Five-Year Headline: In 2029, the Govalle Cultural District will continue to be known as a neighborhood where creativity and community thrive—preserving the past, shaping the future, and making space for all to belong. Stakeholder Engagement 3 public meetings, 35 participants 12 in-person interviews, 9 calls Live editing via Google Docs Petition with 87 signatures and volunteer offers SWOT analysis 60 | Individual Artist, Organizer, or Community Member 22 | Small Business 21 | Creative Business 15 | Property Owner 11 | Non-profit Cultural Organization Core Values Grouped into key themes: Youth and intergenerational programming Public art, walkability, and cultural storytelling Affordable space and artist retention Artist economic stability and event activation Community-led planning and green infrastructure Organizational Capacity Fiscal sponsor: The Museum of Human Achievement 13 years of service to East Austin Supports 22 artists + 22 organizations No-fee fiscal sponsorship model via Open Collective $2.2M in grants secured for local creatives (2023–24) Programs, Tools, & Partners City and external support we’re engaging: Identity District Agreement, CAMP updates, planning assistance Creative District Overlay + TCA designation Future advocacy and state/federal grant alignment Collaborations with AISD, private foundations, and local orgs Timeline Overview 2025–26: Pilot youth programs, affordability work, walkability 2027–28: Infrastructure improvements, storytelling, events 2029–30: District legacy, tenure tools, cultural preservation Summary Ready with a plan and community support Aligns with City affordability, and arts goals Unlocks additional public/private funding Builds a replicable model for neighborhood-based district Next Steps Share with City staff and other departments contacts Stay involved as implementation begins Thanks! Questions?
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission Meeting May 19, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – April 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget April w/ Encumb Year-to-date w/Encumb Year-End Estimate Total Revenue $169,901,585 $169,901,585 $34,223,840 $109,665,04 $169,901,585 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $16,217,879 $16,217,879 $2,858,334 $10,029,439 $16,217,879 • Total HOT Collections April 2025 = $34,223,840 • 64% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund April 2025 = $2,858,334 C I TY O F A U S T I N Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Significant Contributing Events • NASCAR Cup Series – March 1 - 2 • SXSW – March 7 – 15 • Rodeo Austin – March 14 – 29 • Spring Break – March 17 – 21 • University of Texas/Intercollegiate Athletic Events • NCAA Women's Basketball First and Second Rounds – March 22 - 24 • Texas Relays - March 26 - 29 AUS Passenger Totals: 1,851,308 C I TY O F A U S T I N HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 C I TY O F A U S T I N Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $10,029,439 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) C I TY O F A U S T I N Questions? C I TY O F A U S T I N
•Project: Ross Road Substandard Streets project •Artist: TBC •Phase: Artist Selection Recommendation •Sponsoring Department: Capital Delivery Services •Project Budget: $330,000 •Council District: District 2 •Project Manager: Frederico Geib AIPP Panel Meeting Date: 05/05/2025 •Project: Johnny Morris Substandard Streets project •Artist: TBC •Phase: Artist Selection Recommendation •Sponsoring Department: Capital Delivery Services •Project Budget: $190,000 •Council District: District 1 •Project Manager: Frederico Geib AIPP Panel Meeting Date: 05/05/2025 Substandard Streets AIPP projects • Project Background Substandard streets are publicly owned • roadways within the City of Austin’s jurisdiction that do not meet current City of Austin requirements because they have pavement widths that are less than 24 feet and typically lack some curb and gutter, drainage, bicycle accommodations, and sidewalk infrastructure. This project includes a review of existing • conditions, such as traffic counts, crash data, and pinch points, as well as a review of constraints, such as right-of-way and utilities, and coordination with the City’s adopted transportation plans and policies. AIPP in the area Johnny Morris Rd. Ross Rd. Substandard Streets Budget: Ross Road $330,000 - Sponsor Department – Capital Delivery Services Johnny Morris Road $190,000 Selection Criteria • Technical quality and aesthetic appeal of past work • Dedicated and consistent artistic practice • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability and enthusiasm to engage the community in which the artwork will be installed • Experience with public art projects of a relatively similar size and scope Artwork Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places • Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that integrates with the site and surrounding built and natural environments Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years • • Substandard Streets Application Results 27 applications were received AIPP Staff determined 18 applications were eligible Selection Panel Voting Panelists Courtney Arte Jimenez – Austin Artist and Ross area Resident https://latino.si.edu/exhibitions/healing-uvalde/ Lesley Chantal – Austin Artist https://www.chantallesley.com/ Liza Fishbone – Austin Artist https://www.lizafishbone.com/ Selection Panel Non-voting Advisors Jaime Castillo– AIPP Program Manager Rebecca Rende – AIPP Sr Project Coordinator Micheal Singleton – Sponsor Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Shivani Kesar – Sponsor Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Selection Results …
ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250519-010 Date: May 19, 2025 Subject: Recommendation for emergency response funding for arts and culture organizations impacted by federal grant terminations Motioned By: Commissioner Houston Seconded By: Commissioner Schmalbach Recommendation Austin arts and cultural organizations have been deeply and negatively impacted by the recent terminations of previously awarded federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Arts Commission recommends the City Council direct staff to determine the extent of the impact on local organizations and to establish an emergency fund to provide budget gap funding to impacted organizations within the next 90 days. Rationale In past two months, federal agencies including the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have terminated or rescinded previously awarded grants to organizations, artists, and scholars across the country. Austin’s organizations have been impacted, though the total extent of the impact has not been fully quantified. The Texas Commission on the Arts has been collecting data from impacted entities across the state and will be an important source of information for assessing the total immediate impact, as well as the potential ripple effects within the arts ecosystem and broader economy. Estimates from Austin Chronicle reporting specifically focused on NEA cuts, and information drawn from publicly accessible NEA databases suggest that more than 20 organizations, including the City of Austin itself, may have had NEA grants terminated. In some cases, terminated grants may have already been fully paid, while in others the termination leaves a large hole in an organization’s budget. In the worst cases, organizations may have incurred unreimbursed expenses on awards, as these grants operate on reimbursement or a maximum 30-day advance request. It will be important for City staff, with information from partners like Texas Commission on the Arts, to help determine the full extent of the damage of these terminations to design an appropriate response. The Arts Commission recommends the establishment of an emergency fund, similar to what was created to support organizations and artists during the Covid19 pandemic. The fund would be open by application to organizations that have been materially impacted by the federal terminations, who could then apply for some relief to mitigate the damage to their operations and, in the worst cases, their sustainability. We also ask the City Council and Mayor to leverage their significant influence to call …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION May 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 19, May 2025 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Houston called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Faiza Kracheni Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla Board Members Absent: Celina Zisman, Muna Hussaini CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • Calder Kamin spoke on their canceled AIPP corridor project • Amanda Johnston from Torch Literary Arts spoke on the positive impact the Thrive grant has had on their organization, and voiced their concerns around the arts working group recommendations that create additional barriers • Stephanie Patrick from Early Era Collective spoke on their history with cultural funding grants and wanted to tell the impact that the Elevate and Thrive grants have had on their organization including increased pay to artists and increased programming. They voiced their concerns around the funding caps and matching requirements in the arts working group recommendations • Margo Sawyer from spoke on their convention center works that was being decommissioned and wanted to request that the ACME pay for half of the cost ($15,000 of the total $30,000) of deinstalling their work • Zac Zulch from Almost Real Things spoke on the positive impact that the Elevate grant has had on their organization and voiced their concern around ACME’s Creative Reset. • Marisa Rivera from SIMS foundation spoke on the positive impact the Elevat grant has had on their organization and voiced their concerns around proposed changes to the existing funding programs. They voiced their for clear transparent process that ____ • Bonnie Cullum from The Vortex voiced their concerns around prioritizing “legacy” organizations when that term hasn’t been defined. They stressed that the organizational growth that was made capable by • Piper Lamoine Ranche Allegre spoke on the need to extend the reservation policy for the Doris Miller from no more than 6 months in advanced to …
