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 19, 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 October 5th Art in Public Places Panels by Commissioner Schmalbach. 3. Update on actions taken at the September 16th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, ACME Cultural Funding Supervisor. 5. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, ACME Cultural Funding Supervisor. 6. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, ACME Division Manager, Cultural Affairs & Investments. 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, ACME Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Establish an Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) Funding Appeals Working Group to review appeals from organizations who were not chosen for funding. 9. Approve a recommendation for the Northeast Service Center: Suspended 3D Art in Public Places Artist Selection. 10. Approve a recommendation for the Northeast Service Center: Cistern Murals Art Call. 11. Approve a recommendation of the Special Meeting of the Art in Public Places Deaccession Review, Art in Public Places artworks at …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | October 16, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – September 2026 Approved Budget September Year-to-date H/MOT Penalties & Interest Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Total Revenue $511,252 $166,777,013 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 $19,027 $387,821 $406,848 $38,854 $814,970 $172,916,688 $173,324,810 $16,592,241 • Total HOT Collections September 2026 = $406,848 4% above FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • • Cultural Arts Fund September 2026 = $38,854 • 4% above FY26 Approved Budget of $15,968,425 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Austin Pride Parade & Festival • Zilker Summer Musical • The Drop-In, a Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series, powered by KUTX AUS Passenger arrivals: 874,638 (Aug 2026) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M $3,967,678 $4,181,190 $4,014,342 $16.59 M $4,303,843 $4,317,350 $3,112,547 $4,298,427 $4,045,329 $4,150,573 $4,529,604 $3,982,424 $4,075,609 $4,112,939 $4,397,401 Q4 (July, Aug, Sept) Q3 (April, May, June) Q2 (Jan, Feb, Mar) Q1 (Oct, Nov, Dec) $4,000,000 $3,066,137 $2,000,000 $0 $2,374,915 $3,398,832 $3,266,808 $3,058,166 $3,361,392 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 4 Questions? 5
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | Oct 19, 2026 FY26 Funding Disbursement Status (as of 10/16/26) 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 $505,000 385 273 21 20 32 61 97% 99% 95% 91% 91% 80% $4,695,000 $11,000,089 $919,741 $1,904,021 $3,208,500 $374,500 TOTAL 829 $28,337,047 792 96% $22,101,851 67% 87% 70% 63% 83% 74% 78% 2 2027 ACME Grants 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) 2027 Grant Panel Process! ▪ 60 Panels (Elevate, Heritage Preservation, Thrive) ▪ 330+ trained Panelists (panelists score against a detailed rubric) ▪ 900+ applications moved to Panel Process ▪ 12-26 applications reviewed per Panel Meeting ▪ 20 interpreters scheduled throughout the month (Spanish and American Sign Language) ▪ 5-8 Panelists review every application (Olympic scoring before final scores) ▪ 2-3 Panels Meetings per day ▪ 5 weeks (Tues-Saturday) ▪ NOTE: Full Scores, Comments, and Panel Meeting Recordings will be available to applicants when Notification letters go out in November. 4 120 Ineligible Applicants (not moving to Panel Meetings) Elevate (88 ineligible) Thrive (19 ineligible) • Insufficient 2-year Austin-based • Annual expenses below arts production history • Not primarily arts-focused • Unclear or unverifiable documentation (un-dated or incomplete work samples) • Ineligible activities proposed (studio build out, events outside the Austin, events not open to the public) $60,000. This was verified with documented IRS filings. • Geographic ineligibility (outside the Austin MSA) • Not meeting the definition of an arts nonprofit • Duplicate lead applicants Heritage Preservation (13 ineligible) • Sites not historically designated, or lack of evidence confirming eligibility status. • Incomplete bid packages or missing required documentation. • Applicant type not eligible under program rules. • Insufficient organizational operating history. • Activities proposed outside the contract period. 5 $23 Million in Funds Available in 2027 $65+ million in requests Austin Live Music Fund Elevate Heritage Preservation Thrive • $6 million • $11 million • $3 million • $3 million • ~290 awards ($5k - $70k) • 1,044 Applicants • 56 Venues • 65 Promoters • 923 Musicians • ~250 awards($30k- $80k) • 854 Applicants • 257 Arts 501c3s • …
Arts Commission Staff Briefings Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Arts Commission | October 19, 2026 Exhibition Updates Two Live by Star, Angel Alcala AIPP Exhibition Update People’s Gallery at City Hall Opening Reception - October 2, 2026 782 attendees Exhibition runs October – May 2028 Over 150 of Artworks 105 artists + 2 community organizations 3 Collection Updates Nightwing, Dale Whistler Collection Updates Item 11 Deaccessions at AUS • Timeline implications • Relocation options • Legal and regulatory considerations • Funding and feasibility • Artist follow up 5 Project Updates The Gathering Place, Samara Barks Absolute Equality: Unity Tunnel by Reginald Adams 2026 CODAworx Winner for Best Collaboration! The CODAawards honor excellence in commissioned art around the world. This year’s jurors were particularly impressed by the collaborative spirit behind “Unity Tunnel,” describing the project as “the very definition of collaboration.” 7 Absolute Equality: Unity Tunnel by Reginald Adams 2026 IAP2 Project of the Year for Creativity and Innovation! The IAP2 judges highlighted the project’s innovative use of sound baths, quiet reflection, and guided meditation to build trust and create culturally appropriate spaces for community voice, an approach they described as both unique and deeply effective. They noted that community enthusiasm “went above and beyond decision-making and led to their investment into the art-making,” resulting in physical contributions literally embedded into the final artwork. 8 Diplomatic Souvenir Sanctuary Collection by Lys Santamaria Artist Narrative: These handcrafted souvenirs represent Austin’s spirit of migration, diversity, connection, and community, offering international partners a meaningful piece of Austin to take with them. • Monarch Butterfly: A symbol of migration, hope, freedom, and the universal search for belonging and sanctuary. • Open Hands: Represent Austin’s diverse community and the exchange of giving and receiving between people and the land. • Together: The imagery reflects Austin as a place where individual journeys are celebrated and communities come together to create a more connected future. 9 Program Updates Tau Ceti by Josef Kristofoletti AIPP Resolution No. 20250306-029 Economic Opportunity Committee September 25, 2026 Art in Public Places Panel Arts Commission City Council October 5, 2026 October 19, 2026 October 22, 2026 November 5, 2026 11
ACME Funding Appeals Process ▪ Appeals: Applicants have 10 business days after award announcements to submit official appeal. Form Link will be in Award Notifications ▪ Only three reasons for an eligible appeal (Appendix C of Guidelines) ▪ Panel Administration error ▪ Conflict of Interest ▪ Reviewer or staff error ▪ Appeals Process ▪ Appeal Eligibility Review – ACME staff screens the appeal to determine whether it meets the established grounds. If eligible, the appeal moves to the next step. ▪ Appeal Considerations – Appeal requests are reviewed by ACME staff and the Appeals Working Group. ▪ Recommendation and Decision – ACME staff to the Appeals Working Group make decisions on the appeals based on the above criteria. The decision is then communicated in writing to the appellant. ▪ All decisions are final. ▪ Appeals Working Group (2 Arts Commissioners, 2 Music Commissioners) ▪ Working Group Recommendations will go to Arts Commission meeting for approval 1
NESC Suspended 3D Artwork Artist Selection Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places Panel | October 5, 2026 Item # 5 Artist Selection October 5, 2026 Tau Ceti by Josef Kristofoletti NESC Suspended 3D Artwork Project Phase Selecting: Artist Selection Artist(s) Name Digital Artist (Carlyn Ray) Art Commission $300,000 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 3 NESC Project Overview Northeast Service Center: • Public Private Partnership (P3) • AFS: managing dept, Austin Public Facilities Corporation • 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 AIPP Participation: • Second AIPP project within P3 delivery model • $3 million in Art Commissions • AIPP developed opportunities & budgets • Phased approach: second oppoertunity, additional opportunities in 2026 NESC location: 8301 Johnny Morris Rd 4 NESC Site & AIPP Opportunities North Campus: Austin Resource Recovery Garage Façade Interior Hanging Artwork $1,800,000 $ 300,000 Cistern Murals x 2 Sculptures x 5 Total AIPP Opportunities South Campus: Austin Fleet Mobility Services $ 300,000 $ 600,000 $3,000,000 5 NESC Suspended Artwork – Art Call Scope of Work: • Site-specific permanent artwork • Suspended 3D artwork on the grand staircase • Encouraged use of recycled materials • Engage stakeholders and community • Artwork integrated into building design, including coordination with project team • Artist(s) that can meet installation timeline Considerations: • Users and visitors of the site (administrative building is open to the public) • Longterm maintenance, building is open 24/7 Eligibility: • Texas-based mid-career public artist Administrative Building Lobby, Grand Staircase 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. 6 NESC Suspended Artwork – Art Call Artwork location on grand staircase in administrative building lobby 7 NESC: Suspended 3D Artwork Artist Selection Panelists Voting Panelists: Megan Echols, Austin Visual Artist Ender Martos, Austin Visual Artist Kimberly Mirelez, Art Administrator, San Antonio Public Art Program Manager Advisors (non-voting panelists): Richard McHale, ARR Director, Sponsor Representative Rick Harland, AFMS Assistant Director, Sponsor Representative Paul Suttles, STG Design, Design Team Representative AIPP …
OPEN CALL FOR PUBLIC ART Art in Public Places Project Northeast Service Center Cistern Murals - District #1 Call open – [DAY, DATE] Deadline for Submissions – [DAY, DATE, TIME CENTRAL] Submit all information via PublicArtist.org Call Summary Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) Program in partnership with Austin Financial Services (AFS), Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) and Austin Fleet Mobility Services Department (AFMS), seeks to commission one Austin-based emerging artist or artist team to work with our partners, design team and community stakeholders to design, fabricate, and install a two murals on cisterns sited at the north and south campus for the new Northeast Service Center (NESC) campus at 8301 Johnny Morris Rd, Austin, TX 78724. Budget Description | Budget $300,000 As per City of Austin Ordinance, 2% of capital project costs are set aside to commission public art through the AIPP Program. The total award for the artist contract is $300,000 ($150,000 per mural) and is paid over the course of the commission with milestones at community engagement, design, fabrication, installation, and closing. AIPP recommends that selected artist or artist-led teams budget 10% for contingency, and budget the remainder for all other project expenses including but not limited to: insurance, promotion, community engagement, design, all engineering, fabrication, materials, subcontractors, travel, transportation, shipping, permits and installation. Project Description AIPP in partnership with AFS, ARR, and AFMS seeks an artist or artist team to create two site-specific murals for the NESC campus. The selected artist will work with ARR, AFMS, other City Departments, project consultants, and community stakeholders to develop, design, fabricate and install artworks to enhance the NESC campus. The public art opportunity includes two site-specific artworks that will be applied to new corrugated metal water tanks (cisterns). The two cisterns are located at the north and south campus and can be seen from Johnny Morris Road. The two murals should stand alone and work together with a cohesive theme. The selected artist should take into consideration the users of the site, public who visit the site, as well as pedestrian and vehicular traffic from the street. Additionally, the selected artist will be asked to take into consideration themes of the campus mission and goals when developing an artwork theme. The campus completed design and began construction in 2025 with a tentative operation start date for August 2027. The selected artist is responsible for all …
To: Arts Commission From: Art in Public Places Panel Date: October 14, 2026 Re: Recommendation on Art in Public Places Ordinance Amendments The Art in Public Places (AIPP) Panel recommends that Council preserve its preferred allocation of 2% of total capital project cost, with no deductions, and adopt the administrative improvements proposed in the ordinance update. Recognizing the need to resolve the ongoing disagreement over the calculation method and establish a clear, consistent, auditable policy, the Panel is also presenting a compromise: an allocation of 1.75% of total capital project cost, with no deductions. This compromise accepts a reduction in the percentage in exchange for a transparent formula applied consistently across City capital projects. It does not represent the Panel's preferred outcome, nor does it diminish the need to reconcile historical discrepancies in AIPP allocations. The Panel has unanimously voted on three occasions not to accept the proposed ordinance amendments. Our disagreement has been narrow and specific: the proposed changes to the allocation calculation and the addition of eligible cost deductions, in the context of unresolved discrepancies and incomplete historical accounting. The information provided by City staff indicates a meaningful gap between the intent of the current ordinance and the allocations recorded in practice. Without a complete reconciliation, the Panel cannot confidently determine the full extent of that gap or establish that the proposed calculation will correct it. The Panel is concerned that the proposed amendments could formalize a calculation that further reduces the effective investment in public art without first resolving these discrepancies. The Panel recommends one clear formula: calculate the AIPP allocation as a fixed percentage of the total capital project cost, without deducting categories of expense before applying that percentage. This approach provides a consistent, auditable standard for every department and every eligible capital project. The Panel's compromise of 1.75% is not offered lightly. It represents a meaningful concession intended to resolve the disagreement over the calculation base while preserving a substantial and predictable investment in public art. We ask Council to consider this compromise rather than adopt a construction- cost calculation that risks further reducing the program's allocation. The City's own benchmarking supports a simplified calculation. According to the City's survey of peer cities, more than 70% calculate their public art allocation on total project cost without first carving out categories of expense. A consistent, no-deduction formula would align Austin with this prevailing approach while making …
Art in Public Places Resolution No. 20250306-29 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Arts Commission October 19, 2026 Resolution No. 20250306-029 Directives Policy Updates Include 2% Public-Private Partnerships Encourage 2% Other Private Developments Allow flexible use of funds for artwork care, relocation, and re-installation Art Placement Flexibility Curatorial Services for major projects Programmatic Updates Communication Updates Address obstacles to local participation Clearly explain rights & responsibilities to artists Support for artists on private property Engage stakeholders (artwork removal) Chapter 7-2 review and associated program 2 Stakeholder Engagement External Engagement AIPP Panel Working Group + Arts Commission • Community advisory committee of the Arts Commission • Austin community arts professionals in design/architecture and visual arts fields Targeted focus groups and 1-1 conversations • Artists who experienced deaccessions, removals, and relocation of artworks • Curators, fabricators, and developers working in public art Internal Engagement Cross-Departmental Working Group • 17 departments reviewed recommended changes City Council Offices + CMO • Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Vela, Council Members Alter, Qadri, and Ellis Improve program clarity and communications Key Takeaways • • Clarity around the AIPP program • Define roles and responsibilities • Where to find resources • Simplified visual flowcharts • Information sessions 3 Public-Private Partnership (P3s) Directive: Include public-private partnership capital projects (P3), while exempting affordable housing costs, where applicable, and providing a process for alternative compliance that meets or exceeds City standards • AFS explained what city council referred to as a P3 project is more accurately described as an alternate delivery model that utilizes a Public Facilities Corporation. • Ordinance update requiring capital projects utilizing alternate delivery models (including the use of a Public Facilities Corporation); allocate 2% of project cost (affordable housing exempt) • Policy updates to incorporate clear definitions (Public Facilities Corporation) • Allow alternate delivery models to utilize AIPP’s prequalified artist pool for faster delivery method • Develop a decision tree to collaborate with AFS Redevelopment team for AIPP inclusion Big Chiller Buses by Ann Adame; Austin Convention Center 4 Alternate compliance fees (donation to public art fund) collected can be utilized for maintenance of the AIPP collection Private Developments Directive: Include a review of public art requirements in other private development regulations and programs, including but not limited to planned unit developments, density bonus programs, and Cultural Districts • Ordinance update encouraging private developments to incorporate public art, providing an option to incorporate public art into the …
Art in Public Places Panel Panelist Reappointment Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Arts Commission | October 19, 2026 Bernardo Diaz – Artist / Art Professor Art in Public Places - Panel Applicants Bernardo Diaz – Artist / Art Professor Art in Public Places - Panel Applicants Bernardo Diaz – Artist / Art Professor CV – Bernardo Diaz, b. 1983 Rochelle, IL Southern Methodist University – Master of Fine Arts – 2011 Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi – Master of Arts – 2009 Texas A&M International University – Bachelor of Arts – 2007 Solo Exhibitions – 2014 - 2024 Group Exhibitions – 2008 – 2023 Juried Exhibitions – 2008 – 2021 Projects – 2011 – 2020 #1 Please describe your past experience with or interest in public art: I have a strong interest in public art and public space, both formally and theoretically. My experience includes community arts and socially engaged art initiatives with grassroots organizations, non-profits, and higher education institutions. This work earned me a nomination for Texan of the Year by Loray Polk and the Dallas Morning Times. I have taught courses in Art as Social Practice at SMU and currently serve as an Art Appreciation Professor. In my lectures and discussions, I cover topics such as the rhetoric of art and space, murals, graffiti, street art, public art and performances, land art, and issues related to hostile architecture. While I'm not as familiar, I also have a growing interest in the role of new media processes in public space, especially as it relates to nomadic deployment of new media works. Art in Public Places - Panel Applicants Bernardo Diaz – Artist / Art Professor #2 Describe any special qualifications or experience you have that is related to the duties of an AIPP Panel member: With a BA, MA, and MFA in Studio Art, I bring a comprehensive knowledge base that may complement that of the current AIPP Panel Members. My experience as a juror and curator for various art projects is detailed in my CV and I can happily share more details about these experiences. I have also been a practicing artist for over two decades, not including my early creative endeavors as a child. :) #3 Please indicate your affiliations with any arts organization(s) and your role, such as Board of Directors, Advisory board, Staff, Member, or Volunteer. Please also indicate if any are Austin org. …
ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20261019-12 Date: October 19, 2026 Subject: Recommendation to Art in Public Places Ordinance Amendments include 2% Allocation of Total Project Cost with No Deductions. Motioned By: Commissioner Schmalbach Seconded By: Commissioner Hussaini Recommendation Recognizing the need to resolve the ongoing disagreement over the calculation method and establish a clear, consistent, auditable policy the Arts Commission recommends that City Council decline to support the proposed Ordinance amendments at this time. We further recommend that the City: 1. Preserve the AIPP Panel and Arts Commission preferred allocation of 2% of total capital project cost, with no deductions. If Council does not adopt that recommendation, the Arts Commission offers 1.75% of total capital project cost, with no deductions, as a compromise. 2. Adopt the proposed administrative improvements to strengthen the AIPP program, including greater flexibility in fund use and artwork placement, alternative delivery methods, and expanded opportunities for public art in private development. 3. Require a complete, publicly accessible reconciliation of historical allocations before taking action on the funding calculation. This should include project-level figures and a side-by-side comparison of the 2002 ordinance method, the City's actual calculation practices, and the proposed calculation. Any remaining gaps or limitations in the historical data should be explicitly identified. 4. Hold a dedicated public hearing on the funding calculation, with the supporting reconciliation and comparative calculations made available in advance, so the arts community and public can meaningfully participate in the decision. 5. Require annual public reporting of the AIPP allocation for each eligible capital project, including total capital project cost, the calculation base, any deductions, and the resulting allocation. This will provide consistent oversight and prevent future uncertainty about how the ordinance is being implemented. 6. Confirm that the AIPP allocation is established during project budgeting, allowing public art to be integrated early in project planning and design rather than treated as an afterthought. 1 of 3 Rationale The Arts Commission voted unanimously to follow the Art in Public Places (AIPP) Panel recommendation to request Council preserve its preferred allocation of 2% of total capital project cost, with no deductions, and adopt the administrative improvements proposed in the ordinance update. Recognizing the need to resolve the ongoing disagreement over the calculation method and establish a clear, consistent, auditable policy, the AIPP Panel and Arts Commission are also presenting a compromise: an allocation of 1.75% of total capital project cost, with no deductions. …
