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 September 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, 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 August 18, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on future funding by Dr. Lilia Rosas of Red Salmon Press 3. Presentation on a nomination to the Rally Austin Board of Directors by Theresa Alvarez, President and CEO of Rally Austin. 4. Presentation on the 2026 Bond Measure by Eric Bailey, Deputy Director, Capital Delivery Services. 5. Update on actions taken at the September 17th Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 6. Update on actions taken at the September 17th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston 7. Discussion on Arts Commission Roles including Bylaws 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 on the Artist in Residence Program for Our Future 35 by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 11. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. 12. Staff briefing on the recommended changes to Ordinance Chapter 7-2 per Resolution No. 20250306-029 by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 13. Approve the Final Design for the Duncan Park Art …
Capital Delivery Services Capital Delivery Services Public Improvement Bond Program Public Improvement Bond Program Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Arts Commission Update Arts Commission Update Eric Bailey Eric Bailey Deputy Director Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services Capital Delivery Services September 22, 2025 September 22, 2025 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 AGENDA Improved Bond Development Process • CDS Overview • What is a General Obligation Bond Program? • • Staff Work Completed to Date • Guiding Principles, Technical Criteria, & Scoring Matrices • Progress to Date & Upcoming Milestones “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Created in 2023 with the goal of reducing project delivery time Who we are • Engineers • Architects • Project managers • Community Engagement Our partners • Consultants • Contracting teams • City asset owners • Community members • Mayor & Council Role in 2026 Bond Program One City – One Team – One Approach to effectively and efficiently deliver quality public projects. • Convene asset owner departments to develop needs assessment • Guide the process to ensure projects are vetted and scopes/schedules/budgets are accurate and realistic • Coordinate projects across departments to achieve mutual benefits What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Typical Bond Projects: • Flood and Erosion Control Improvements • New or Replacement City Facilities • Rehabilitation of Existing Facilities • Housing Infrastructure/Housing Projects • Street and Thoroughfare Improvements o Sidewalks o Traffic Signals • Park and Recreation Facilities • Public Safety Facilities (Fire/EMS/Police) • Land Purchase 4 What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Types of work NOT included: • Routine operations and maintenance activities o Potholes o Minor street repair o Landscaping maintenance o General building maintenance Improvements for short term leased space • • Code enforcement initiatives • Employee salaries (including police & fire) • AE/AW Capital Projects typically funded by using debt are funded via AE and AW revenue bonds, not General Obligation debt and thus are not for the 2026 GO Bond Program City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach to Capital Delivery 5 Improved Bond Delivery Process for 2026 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Council calls for Bond Election (Aug) Bond Election (Nov) BEATF Meetings, Council, and Public Engagement HOW WE’VE DONE BONDS …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission Meeting September 22, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – August 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget August w/ Encumb Year-to-date w/Encumb Year-End Estimate Total Revenue $169,901,585 $169,901,585 $41,199,921 $160,546,805 $165,125,757 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $16,217,879 $16,217,879 $3,934,592 $15,332,220 $15,762,004 • Total HOT Collections August 2025 = $41,137,300 • 94% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund August 2025 = $3,934,592 C I TY O F A U S T I N Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Independence Day – July 3-4 o Texas Music Scene Independence Eve Party featuring Reckless Kelly o Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert and Fireworks o Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks • Zilker Summer Musical – July 11-August 16 • Wellness Wonderland – July 12 • Bob Bullock Birthday Bash – July 13 • Hot Summer Nights – July 18-20 • Classic Game Fest – July 25-27 AUS Passenger Totals: 2,036,077 (July 2025) 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 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) C I TY O F A U S T I N Questions? Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME)
Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Cultural Arts Funding Update September 22, 2025 Agenda 1.Contracts & Payments 2.Cultural Arts Funding Updates 3.Grant Funded Activities Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (As of 9/19/25) FY23 Elevate FY24 Elevate FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) 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 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 198 (99%) 194 (98%) 230 229 (99%) 229 (99%) 229 (99%) 216 (94%) 57 (25%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 49 (96%) n/a Total Dist. to date $6,221,000 (99%) $8,386,000 (91%) Total Allocation $6,250,000 $9,265,000 $245,000 (96%) $255,000 35 33 (94%) 34 (97%) 33 (94%) 32 (91%) 1 (3%) $3,268,500 (85%) See year 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A (N/A) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. Cultural Arts Funding Updates Launch Update • October 21 – AACME grant funding opportunities launch • December 4 – Final deadline to submit Eligibility Form Grant Funded Activities FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities ICMCA presents renowned Sitarist - Pandit Kushal Das October 5 ICMCA (MSA) – Unity Church of the Hills Deaf Film Festival October 11 – 12 Deaf Film Festival (District 3) – Texas School for the Deaf Creative Fusion October 12 Angela Thornton (District 1) – Kenny Dorham’s Backyard C I TY O F A U S T I N FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Yollotl: Encuentro del Corazón October 17 – 19 colectivo IN SITU (District 1) – Multiple venues Eastside Kings Festival October 18 – 19 Eastside Kings Foundation (District 8) – Multiple venues Groundwork Music Project's Second Sunday Concert Second Sunday monthly through December 2 Groundwork Music Project (District 2) – Cherrywood Coffee House C I TY O F A U S T I N Questions? Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Thank You For Your Partnership
• Project: Duncan Park • Artist(s): Andre Fuqua • Phase: Final Design • Sponsoring Department: Parks and Recreation • Project Budget: $48,000 • Council District: District 9 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #5 DATE:8/4/2025 AIPP Corridor Construction - Duncan Park Mirror of the Earth, 2025 A low profile, metal sculpture that represents the power, presence, and importance of water in shaping Austin’s Downtown community Artist: André Fuqua | andrefuqua.com | @drefuqua Community Engagement In Person and Virtual Meetings Group Community Redesign Presentation Individual Charles Peveto, Community Member Date June 7 2025 Date May 19 2023 Ivey Kaiser, Executive Director, Shoal Creek Conservancy April 26 2023 Sierra DaSilva, Watershed Coordinator, Shoal Creek Conservancy Jon Rookstool, Retail Sales Manager, REI Ted Siff, President, OANA April 21 2023 Michael Portman, resident of Nokonah Building, Board Member, OANA Todd Moon, 9th Street Jumps, Long-time Volunteer & Advocacy Lead April 19 2023 Archival research at Austin History Center on Shoal Creek and flooding in Austin Artist: André Fuqua | andrefuqua.com | @drefuqua A park with many perspectives T E E R T S H T 9 Duncan Park Site Visit 7/26/2023 2008, 9th Street BMX, Photo Archive Duncan Park Site Visit 8/30/2023 2008, 9th Street BMX, Photo Archive Artist: André Fuqua | andrefuqua.com | @drefuqua Inspiration - Water and Reflectivity Puddling water on landscape at Duncan Park, 2025 Artist: André Fuqua | andrefuqua.com | @drefuqua Looking North towards 10th Street NOTE: The work will be flat and elevated 4 - 5 in above the ground Reflective Stainless Steel puddle pieces Note: This is a detail for (1) distinct piece of the sculpture. The full art work will be composed of 5 distinct shapes to create the full sculpture 316L Stainless Steel waterjet cut 1 8 thick 316L SS #8 mirror polished face epoxy layer 1 4 in thick sheet threaded leveling rod U-channels welded to base plate of each piece leveling rods embedded in concrete to attach plates nuts and washers used to attach plates to leveling rods Leveling Mechanism Note: All pieces of leveling mechanism fabricated from 304 stainless steel 1 8 inch thick #8 mirror finish 316 stainless steel face plate 1 4 in thick 304 stainless steel base plate 4 in 2 in depth of rod 6 in depth of concrete U-channel welds 2 in nut and leveling washer nut and flat washer threaded rod Concrete and …
• Project: Givens Pool • Artist(s): Melissa Borrell • Phase: Final Design • Sponsoring Department: Parks and Recreation • Project Budget: $170,000 • Council District: District 1 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #8 DATE:9/8/2025 Making Waves at Givens Pool Melissa Borrell Final Design Making Waves at Givens Pool Making Waves artwork is a tribute to Dr. Givens, providing much needed shade at the pool that has been and continues to be a favorite community gathering spot for generations of residents of the neighborhood. The title alludes to both the changes that Dr. Givens fought for and made in the city as well as the literal waves that happen in the pool as people play, cool off, and splash. The colorful artwork has a kinetic visual element that changes depending on the viewing angle. The red and yellow colors represent the movement of the sun over the course of the day from sunrise to sunset. Viewed from one direction the background of yellow daytime sun will be more visible and red will be more apparent from the opposite side referencing the sunset hours. Making WavesMelissa Borrell -Givens Pool Final Design Making Waves at Givens Pool - Various Views Making WavesMelissa Borrell -Givens Pool Final Design 1 2 3 4 5 47'-3 5/8" 17'-4 3/8" 1'-4 7/8" 41'-5" 5" CONCRETE SLAB-ON-GRADE REINFORCED W/ #4 @ 12" O.C. EA. WAY, SEE STRUCTURAL NOTES FOR BUILDING PAD PREPARATION 16'-0" 44'-5 1/8" 40'-6 7/8" " 6 - ' 1 1 " 2 - ' 4 1 " 0 1 - ' 1 1 " 6 6 S307 SHADE CANOPY FOUNDATION BY SHADE CANOPY MFR. 7.00° 5 1 1 ' - 6 7 / 8 " 0'- 0 " = 1 R 6 S307 6 S307 16'-0" 13'-7 3/8" 26'-8 1/8" 19'-6" 19'-6" NEW POOL DECK ON GRADE 2 S304 6 S304 SHADE CANOPY FOUNDATION BY SHADE CANOPY MFR. R = 1 0 '- 0 " 6 S307 / " 8 1 7 - ' 8 19'-6" 153'-5 1/2" " 2 - ' 3 . Q S 1 S305 A B 6 S307 R= 10'-0" 11'-5 3/4" SHADE CANOPY FOUNDATION BY SHADE CANOPY MFR. 4 5 . 0 0 ° 6 S307 19'-6" 18'-11 1/8" 27'-5 5/8" / " 4 1 0 - ' 9 1 " 6 13'-5 5/8" 12'-11 5/8" " 0 - ' 5 1 EXISTING 2'-0"W X …
• Project: Montopolis Pool • Artist(s): Britt Johnson • Phase: Final Design • Sponsoring Department: PARD • Project Budget: $100,000 • Council District: 3 • Project Manager: Bryana Iglesias MAP AIPP PROJECT BRITTANY JOHNSON MURALIST • PAINTER • DESIGNER JANUARY 2025 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT OVERVIEW Community-Centered Focus: Reflecting Montopolis’ values and aspirations. Engagement Activities: Surveys, workshops, and events for input. Key Themes: Diversity, joy, unity, and connection to nature. Project Goal: Celebrate Montopolis through community-inspired art. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT ACTIVITIES Held workshops & Events: Spray Paint Workshop at Something Cool Studios. Community tabling event at Montopolis Rec Center. Targeted workforce development skills in the arts while gaining feedback. Surveys: I helped people answer questionnaires in English and Spanish. 36 responses were collected. Canvassing: Group discussions with community members and staff. Attended Varisty painting class. Community Input: Desire for vibrant colors, inclusivity, family life depictions, nature, and unity. CONCEPT & NARRATIVE PRELIMINARY MURAL CONCEPT The proposed mural, titled "Flowing Together: Celebration of Montopolis Pool & Park," is inspired by Community Engagement results. will depict families enjoying the pool, surrounded by local flora and fauna. Designed with bright, realistic colors transitioning through a gradient, the mural will evoke love, belonging, and nostalgia. Combining abstract and realistic elements, the artwork aims to reflect the community’s identity, creating a meaningful and uplifting centerpiece for Montopolis. Concept A1 • Woman and child gathering wildflowers, wearing backpacks from activities between families afterschool • Mexican textile patterns in background • Eastern Blue bird native to austin migrating to Mexico symbol of hope and happiness • Pink evening primrose Concept C1 • Woman swimming underwater • Freshwater fish and turtle native to austin lakes • Mexican textile patterns • Surreal abstract elements Concept A3 • Boy and adult holding hands at park • Purple coneflowers • Monarch and bats • Kids playing with Austin skyline • African textile patterns Concept C3 • Senior woman swimming • Ruby throated humming bird, native to austin and symbol of goodluck • Agave plant and trumpet flowers • African textile patterns SITE LOCATION C3 A3 C1 A1 C1 A1 C3 A3 Edge to Metal Box 26” Edge to Panel 19.75’ 8” 10” 26” Edge to Panel 8” 10” WALL ART PANEL Metal Box WALL ART PANEL A1 C1 26” Edge to Panel 26” Edge to Panel 26” Edge to Panel 8” 10” 8” 10” WALL ART PANEL WALL ART PANEL FORM & …
Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (AACME) Artist In Residence (AIR) Program Update September 22, 2025 Agenda 1.Program Overview 2.Timeline 3.Selected Artists Program Overview Our Future 35 Artist Residence Our Future 35 Artist in Residence, a program developed and launched in Partnership with Austin Transportation and Public Works Residency Goals: To use art as a method to foster connection among • community • • To integrate the rich cultural history of neighborhoods su rrounding IH-35 into the OF35 planning process To benefit Austin's local art community Ideal Applicants: • From or with experience of East Austin • Has worked with and among community • Is aware of IH-35's history and cultural context • Can demonstrate social practice in their art • Can produce art that shares stories, preferable in multiple mediums Artist in Residence Timeline Opened call July 2024 Top Artist Interviews September 2024 Contract process paused for Council Action on Our Future 35 Caps November 2025- May 2025 New funds allocated, Artists under contract August 2025 August 2024 October 2024 May 2025 August 2026 Application Deadline Artist Selected NEA Rescinded Award Final Reports Due Selected Artists Cat Carter Cat Carter is a multidisciplinary creative director, artist, and founder of SuperWoman Records, a nonprofit record label empowering women through music, storytelling, and community-driven initiatives. Her work bridges art, culture, and equity—using music, events, and publishing to create platforms that amplify marginalized voices and inspire new possibilities. • Founder & CEO of SuperWoman Records, the first Black woman–led nonprofit record label and festival in Austin. • Recipient of the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity’s ERA program, attending the world’s leading creative festival to represent women-led innovation in music and culture. • Creative producer and visionary behind SheXSW and the SuperWoman Records Festival, merging music, fashion, and community to create groundbreaking cultural experiences. Launched SuperWoman Records Publishing and published its first book, The House the 90s Built, expanding into literature and cultural storytelling. • Proposed Event: Candy Coated 35 The 35 Project is a cultural storytelling campaign rooted in rhythm, memory and reclaiming space. It will include music, oral histories, live performance and visual art TENTATIVE Activation Timeline (Nov 2025 – Mar 2026) November Slowed, Throwed & Candy Coated — Live KAZI DJ Set December The Chrome Mirror — Kya Monee at Riches Art Gallery January The Divide Cypher — Rooftop or Lot Overlooking I-35 February Black Girl Future — Film Night …
