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 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, …
ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20260921-14 Date: September 21, 2025 Subject: Request for a Public Meeting on Proposed Amendments to City Code Chapter 7-2 (Art in Public Places) Motioned By: Commissioner Schmalbach Seconded By: Commissioner Banskota Recommendation The Art in Public Places Panel requests that the Arts Commission make a formal recommendation to council for a dedicated public meeting on the proposed amendments to City Code Chapter 7-2 (Art in Public Places Ordinance) and the Art in Public Places Guidelines before the ordinance returns to City Council, currently scheduled for Economic Opportunity Committee on Sept. 25, 2026 and Full City Council meeting on Oct. 22. The changes under consideration will shape the program for decades and they deserve a hearing open to the full community the program serves. Rationale Since Council adopted Resolution No. 20250306-029 in March 2025, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) has run a year-long, staff-led review process. They created a multi-phase plan which would include engagement with the broader arts community, but that process has been stalled due to issues arising from discrepancies about percent calculations that came up while engaging with other internal departments. A formal engagement process surrounding these changes has yet to occur. ACME's Creative Reset initiative, which lists the AIPP ordinance among the funding programs it is “reimagining,” has not yet extended its citywide survey and listening-session process to these specific ordinance changes. We should not be considering major changes to the ordinance and guidelines before the arts community has been given an opportunity to meaningfully participate in this process. We ask for ACME leadership to host a public meeting dedicated to the proposed Chapter 7-2 amendments, held with adequate public notice and scheduled with enough lead time for artists and arts organizations to participate, before the item returns to Council. If this cannot feasibly occur before the September 2026 council meetings, these items should not go in front of 1 of 2 council until the public meeting happens. The meeting should cover, at minimum: 1. AIPP staff briefing about the resolution and process for ordinance updates 2. Concerns about the process for calculating the 2% and what potential impacts that could have on the program 3. Findings and recommendations from the AIPP ordinance and guidelines working group Austin's Art in Public Places program exists today because Austin artists and residents organized for it. The 1985 ordinance, and the 2002 increase from one …
ACME Funding Panels: 2027 Grant Cycle Review Panelist Short List + Bios Why We Use Panels Peer review panels are considered the gold standard in public-sector arts and cultural funding. National best practices (NEA, NEH, and all 56 state/territorial arts agencies) recommend peer panels because they ensure: • Objectivity & Fairness – Reduces influence of individual bias and increases trust in outcomes. • Transparency – Public meeting recordings, reviewer bios, and clear rubrics. • Accountability – Documented scoring, written comments, and conflict-of-interest protections. • Equity & Representation – Diverse reviewer pool supports culturally competent evaluation. • Scalability – Distributed review allows hundreds of applications to be evaluated thoroughly. Austin has consistently used a panel-based model since the late 1990s, evolving the process over time with improvements in training, transparency, scoring, and public access. Panelist Recruitment & Composition • 814 Total Review Panelist applications • 357 Review Panelists needed (estimate based on applications expected) • 365 Potential Review Panelists on this Short List (due to availability and conflicts of interest, we always aim for a buffer) Location • 324 from the Austin-MSA (89%) • 41 are from outside the MSA (11%) ACME Funding Applicants? • 234 are NOT applying for funding (64%) • 75 are applying for funding (21%) • 56 not sure if they will apply for funding (15%) Gender Identity: • 252 women (69%) • 89 men (24%) • 19 non-binary (5%) • 5 Prefer Not to Answer (1%) Race/ Ethnicity: • 137 White (38%) • 79 Hispanic/Latine (22%) • 76 Black/African American (21%) • 27 Asian (7%) • 25 Multi-race/ethnicity (7%) • 8 Prefer Not to Answer (2%) • 6 Native American (2%) • 4 Race/Ethnicity Not Listed (1%) • 2 Middle Eastern/Arab/North African (0.5%) • 1 Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (0.2%) Age: • 56 in their 20s (15%) • 110 in their 30s (30%) • 109 in their 40s (30%) • 50 in their 50s (14%) • 36 are 60+ (10%) • 4 Prefer Not to Answer (1%) Non-English Languages Spoken: • 67 Spanish • 12 French • 5 Hindi • 17 other languages with 3 or fewer speakers Potential Review Panelists (alphabetical by first name) Adam Adolfo ADAM ADOLFO is a producer, stage director, choreographer, and designer, having directed Shakespeare, musicals, opera, and staging several world premiere plays across the country. He was honored with a Fort Worth Weekly Visionary Award for his outstanding contributions to the Artistic …
