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 October 20, 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 September 22, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Rally Austin’s Proposal for the 2026 City of Austin Bond Election by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. 3. Presentation on Art for All by Raasin McIntosh, Founder & CEO, and Mike Kim, COO of Raasin in the Sun. 4. Discussion on Commissioner Keys’ concerns coming from artists and arts advocates and discuss some quicker payment processes 5. Discussion on Commissioner Keys’ request/need for a City public and public/private space utilization report to access the current state, use, and costs of some public and public- private multiuse, creative, and recreational facilities/spaces. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on the AACME Funding Programs Application Cycle by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Sunset the Community Feedback on most recent release of the Cultural Funding Programs Working Group 11. Establish a Working Group to review/update Arts …
KEEP AUSTIN OURS! 2026 City of Austin Bond Proposal THINK BIG & COLLABORATIVE Rally Austin is the first multi-purpose local government corporation, requested by the community and created by the Austin City Council in October 2020 ▪ Community driven, Equity focused ▪ Designed to be agile, mission-driven, collaborative and flexible ▪ Bring new financial tools and resources to the table and generate consistent revenues ▪ Professional approach to community investment and project delivery 2 MISSION Facilitating equitable development for economic growth while preserving Austin's unique culture. VISION A culturally resilient and economically integrated Austin where diverse communities thrive without risk of displacement. Leading investments in our community, as a community Rally will focus its efforts to unite and drive progress across three critical areas of development in Central Texas: ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE COMPLETE COMMUNITIES CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT 3 OUR COMMUNITY AT WORK Board of Directors Collaboration of community leaders and nominating bodies who represent local organizations and asset holders. WHO WE ARE 4 ACTIVE COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS Real estate projects valued at approximately $160M, securing an estimated 293,000 square feet of affordable space: ▪ 180,000 SF Affordable housing ▪ 86,000 SF Cultural spaces ▪ 14,000 SF Commercial spaces ▪ 13,000 SF Outdoor and shared spaces Collective economic impact projected between $320 to $400M, also providing community benefits: ▪ Job creation and tax revenues ▪ Property value increases ▪ Tourism and cultural preservation ▪ Soul and vitality OUR RALLY FOR COMPLETE COMMUNITIES OUR RALLY FOR ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE OUR RALLY FOR CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT Mixed-use development Seven real estate Rally moves large-scale, for Blocks 16 & 18 on development projects multi-million-dollar East 11th Street in the valued at $37.5M with an development and African American estimated $75M-$94M infrastructure projects Cultural Heritage District, return on investment. and serves as a flexible building thriving small This area of focus has bridge between public, businesses, cultural led to the successful private, and community anchors and affordable negotiation of a new 20- interests to unlock housing. With a current year lease for historic diverse funding sources project value estimated music venue The Hole in and deliver value and at $128M, and an the Wall and several benefits for all partners. estimated impact of other arts and culture $256-320M. venues. 5 RALLY AUSTIN PROPOSED 2026 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT BOND ▪ Overview of Process ▪ Problem Statement ▪ Proposed Solutions ▪ Rally’s Approach ▪ Invest in Our Identity: Keep …
OVERVIEW OVERVIEW OCT 2025 OCT 2025 WELCOME WE’RE hERE TO buIld an InClusIVE, TRauma InfORmEd PROGRam ThaT suPPORTs bOTh aRTIsTs and OuR unhOusEd nEIGhbORs. PG 2 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 “ Our Mission We transform spaces into places of belonging—through art, culture, and community. RaasIn mCInTOsh fOundER raasininthesun.orgart For aLL 2025-2026 OuR TEam RaasIn mCInTOsh fOundER | CEO mIKE KIm COO TIffany KOWalsKI dIRECTOR, PROJECT manaGEmEnT ChRIs TObaR hEad Of dEsIGn, bRand COdI COPyWRITTER naI’lah bEll WayfIndInG aRChITECT JEnnIfER WEb dEV PG 4 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Our VISION We envision a city where every space reflects the spirit of its people—vibrant, inclusive, and alive with creativity. raasininthesun.orgart For aLL 2025-2026 Art for All To cultivate safe, respectful, and creative spaces that engage unhoused participants while uplifting our community through art. PG 6 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Project Vision Art for All envisions murals and creative spaces that go beyond beautif ication—cultivating connection, reducing stigma, and building trust across Austin’s diverse communities. PG 7 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 OUR PARTNERS PG 8 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 fuTuRE muRals WIll bE lOCaTEd hERE! ausTIn CEnTRal lIbRaRy, ausTIn PublIC lIbRaRy PG 9 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Central Library Garage Transforming the Central Library parking garage into a series of storytelling murals that reflect Austin’s community values. PG 10 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 How It Works • CREaTE PublIC aRT: Participants experiencing housing or economic insecurity collaborate with local artists on mural installations. • EaRn samE day Pay: Up to $250 for 6–8 hours of creative work, exceeding Austin’s living wage. • aCCEss suPPORT sERVICEs: Peer Specialists connect participants to resources such as housing, food, behavioral health, and employment. • OnGOInG lOTTERy sysTEm: 20–30+ work slots per program day. *Dates and details are subject to change due to APL schedules. PG 11 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Juice Consulting PR TEam Founded in 2007 by Heather Wagner Reed, former Senior Product Manager for Beyoncé, Juice Consulting is an award-winning PR and marketing agency known for bringing “f resh-squeezed vitality” to every campaign. Based in Austin, Juice specializes in arts, culture, and creative industries—crafting buzzworthy strategies, press outreach, and branding that position partners as the talk of the town. hEaThER WaGnER REEd PG 12 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Key Dates & Timeline PG 13 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Key Dates & Timeline We Will provide Bi - Weekly/ Monthly Updates via Email/Text. sEPT 2025 Kickoff …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission | October 20, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – September 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget September w/ Encumb H/MOT Penalties & Interest $584,562 $584,562 Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax $169,317,023 $169,317,023 Total Revenue $169,901,585 $169,901,585 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $16,217,879 $16,217,879 $53,846 $978,315 $1,032,161 $98,571 Year-to-date w/Encumb $520,879 $161,058,087 $161,578,966 $15,430,791 • Total HOT Collections September 2025 = $978,315 • 95% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund September 2025 = $98,571 Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Austin City Limits Hall of Fame – August 1 • Central Texas Flood benefits o Resound x Mohawk – August 2 o Lyle Lovett at Heart of Texas Flood Benefit – August 12 o Band Together Texas – August 17 • Blues on the Green – August 5-6 • Zilker Summer Musical – July 11-August 16 • Abbey Lights Up COTA Gala – August 16 • PBR Gambler Days – August 22-24 • Austin Pride Parade – August 23 AUS Passenger Totals: 1,772,810 (August 2025) HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY25 CULTURAL ARTS FUND FY 25 January February March April May June July August September October November December $4,500,000 $4,000,000 $3,500,000 $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 December $60,961 November $559,306 October $2,437,899 March $169,486 February $1,108,764 June $57,730 May $1,234,509 January $2,834,689 April $2,858,334 Q1 Q2 Q3 $98,571 August $3,934,592 July $79,750 Q4 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) Questions? Learn More: www.austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding
Cultural Arts Funding Update Arts Commission | October 20, 2025 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 10/20/25) 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%) 199 (100%) 195 (98%) 230 229 (99%) 229 (99%) 229 (99%) 217 (94%) 65 (28%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 50 (98%) n/a Total Dist. to date $6,221,000 (99%) $8,445,250 (91%) Total Allocation $6,250,000 $9,265,000 $245,000 (96%) $255,000 35 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 32 (91%) 1 (3%) $3,318,500 (86%) 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. Grant Funded Activities FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Esplendor y Cultura de Panama November 1 Folklore y Ritmos de Panama (MSA) – Wyndham Garden Fuego Friday – Weekly Afro-Latin Social Dance Series Every Friday through December 26 Austin Latin Dance Cultural Heritage Project (District 1) – Corazon Latino Dance Studio Groundwork Music Project at Hive Austin 4th Saturday of the month through December 27 Groundwork Music Project (District 2) – Hive Austin Urban Echo Writers Workshop Every Monday and Wednesday through December 31 Urban Echo (District 1) – Austin Central Library Questions? Learn More: www.austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding
Funding Programs Update Arts Commission | October 20, 2025 The Creative Reset: Phase I Funding Program Guidelines • Clearer definitions • Clearer criteria • Simplified processes • More accessible resources across all programs Learn more: austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding English Guidelines | Spanish Guidelines Program Launch Memo to Mayor and Council (Creative Reset, Funding Guidelines, Application opening)– October 8th Formal Launch of Information via website and direct communication Application Process thelongcenter.submittable.com/submit Intake Form Eligibility Form Application Form Key Dates • October 14: Intake and Eligibility Verification Forms (10am) • October 21: Application Opens (10am) • December 4: Application Intake Form Deadline (6:59pm) Application Timeline Planned Launch Calendar 2025 October 21st Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program Elevate Heritage Preservation Grant 2026 March Nexus 2027 March Nexus July Austin Live Music Fund Elevate Heritage Preservation Grant Thrive July Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program Elevate Heritage Preservation Grant September Nexus September Nexus Application Assistance Workshops (recordings posted on website after event) • Virtual • October 21st at 6pm; November 5th at 6pm; November 17th at 11am • In-Person • October 22nd at 11am (Pleasant Hill Branch Library; 211 E William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745) • October 23rd at 6pm (5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78741) Open Office Hours • Every Tuesday, 10-Noon (virtual) • Special sessions 10am – 4pm (virtual and in-Person): December 4th, 9th, 11th 1:1 Meetings via Booking Link The Long Center: Email ApplicationHelp@thelongcenter.org; (512) 457-5161 (M-F, 9-11am) Community Events (Nov 1: MACC Dia de Los Muertos; Nov 7: AARC Fall Exhibit Reception; etc) Language Access Available Resources Languages Available Contact Us Technical Application Support ENG and SPN, others upon request Editable Application Forms English, Spanish, Chinese (simple), Vietnamese, and Korean, others upon request ApplicationHelp@TheLongCenter.org or 512-457-5161 www.CreateAustin.org/resources Workshop Recordings ENG and SPN, others upon request bit.ly/AACMEYouTube Language assistance Other than ENG and SPN Call 3-1-1 Austin’s Creative Community Resources ENG and SPN, others upon request www.CreateAustin.org/resources ASL Interpretation American Sign Language TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711 Questions? Learn More: www.austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding
ARTS COMMISSION: CANDIDATES FOR BOARD NOMINATION Kathryn (Kate) Meehan Kate Meehan offers a distinctive combination of arts leadership, strategic operations, and community-centered development experience. With a master’s degree in Theatre History and Criticism from Texas State University and a career that bridges the arts, design, and business strategy, Kate has built a reputation as an innovative and systems-minded leader. As Partner and Director of Operations at Rhode Partners Inc., she has led including overhauling human resources processes, refining client engagement systems, and driving organizational transformation efforts, marketing and business development initiatives. Her experience demonstrates a rare ability to merge creativity and efficiency, qualities that have tangible impact on both team culture and the broader Austin arts ecosystem. In her submission, Kate’s voice reflects deep curiosity, optimism, and a clear commitment to community building. She describes herself as a relentless community builder and process nerd, highlighting a belief that thoughtful systems and inclusive collaboration are the foundation of sustainable cultural and economic growth. Her work with arts-related organizations such as the Writers’ League of Texas and her leadership within architecture and design firms illustrate her understanding of the intersections between the arts, real estate, and community development. Kate’s enthusiasm to serve on the Rally Austin Board shines through her recognition that the arts play a vital role in shaping Austin’s evolving urban identity, bridging creative expression with civic and economic vitality. Sara Vanderbeek Sara Vanderbeek brings more than two decades of experience as an artist, curator, and arts advocate whose work has profoundly shaped Austin’s creative landscape. As the Founding Executive Director and Curator of DORF, she has cultivated a dynamic, community-driven platform for emerging and established artists, recognized by The Austin Chronicle as the Best New Experimental Gallery in 2018. Sara’s work extends beyond curation into civic engagement and public art leadership, and she has served as an independent curator for the Texas Municipal Retirement System, Zilker Point, and the University Health public art collections. Her experience spans major arts institutions including Christie’s Auction House, the McNay Art Museum, and The Contemporary Austin, underscoring her deep understanding of the art world’s institutional and market dimensions. Sara’s submission emphasizes her belief in the power of creative collaboration and her commitment to equitable cultural and economic development. She currently serves as a consultant for the City of Austin’s Urban Core Land Use Working Group, where she brings an artist’s perspective to conversations …
Art in Public Places New Panelist Recommendations October 2025 Camille Jobe – Architect Art in Public Places – New Panelist Recommendations Camille Jobe – Architect [Camille Jobe] brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as an architect and working in Austin. She will fill a gap in the technical design evaluation of projects that is currently missing on the panel. - Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison to Art in Public Places Panel Excellent and broad experience as an architect and in community engagement; a "big picture thinker" to use her words; able to be strategic in the real work. - Acia Gray, Arts Commission Vice Chair When I review the criteria for a top score, Camille clearly demonstrates mastery of the required competencies. She would serve as a role model, inspiring and training others through both her breadth of experience and her impressive record of service. In addition, she brings highly valued technical expertise that would be an asset to the panel. - Kristi-Anne Shaer, Art in Public Places Panel Chair Camille's impressive career as an Architect and years of leadership in our community will be helpful in executing the responsibilities of the AIPP Panel. Her experience with complex public projects will be a valuable contribution to this program and its Artists. - Andrew Danziger, Art in Public Places Vice Panel Chair Art in Public Places – New Panelist Recommendations Lindsey Millikan – Artist Art in Public Places – New Panelist Recommendations Lindsey Millikan – Artist While all the candidates we interviewed for the visual arts seat were excellent, Lindsey stood out to me for the way she talked about belonging and public art and because she has had the experience of being an AIPP artist. This perspective will be extremely valuable to the makeup of the panel. - Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison to Art in Public Places Panel Experience within the AIPP process as an artist as well as community knowledge of Austin will be a good voice for the panel. - Acia Gray, Arts Commission Vice Chair As a public artist herself, Lindsey has deep expertise in the process of public art making. Her perspective on the function of public art, as well as her vision for the possibilities within Austin’s public art program, were both thoughtful and refreshing. - Kristi-Anne Shaer, Art in Public Places Panel Chair Lindsey's technical knowledge with painting murals will be a …
2026 Draft Meeting Schedule Arts Commission The montly meeting schedule is as follows: MEETING DATES Monday, January 26, 2026 Monday, February 23, 2026 Monday, March 23, 2026 Monday, April 20, 2026 Monday, May 18, 2026 Monday, June 15, 2026 Monday, July 20, 2026 Monday, August 17, 2026 Monday, September 21, 2026 Monday, October 19, 2026 Monday, November 16, 2026 Monday, December 14, 2026 All meetings take place at 6 pm. CANCELLED DATES January 19, 2026 (holiday) February 16, 2026 (holiday) March 16, 2026 Monday, December 21, 2026 LOCATION TBD TBD TBD City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall
