Artist Selection Memo to File March 25, 2023 Date: From: Artist Selection Panel (Jurors and Advisors): Chris Taylor (Arts Professional); Lynn Osgood (Arts Professional); Terrence Moline (Arts Professional); Miguel Santana (Arts Professional); Xochi Solis (Arts Professional); Travis Timm (AFD representative); Chelsea Caloia (AFD representative); chief Eric Jakubauskas (EMS representative); Michelle Noriega (Capital Delivery Services). Art in Public Places Panel: Chair Stephanie Lemmo: Vice Chair J Muzacz: Arts Commission Liaison Monica Maldonado: Panel members Sarah Carr, Taylor Davis, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Lisa Woods. 3 AFD/EMS Loop 360 Stations AIPP Project – Selection Recommendations for AFD52/ EMS41 (Davenport); AFD53/EMS42 (Goodnight Ranch) and AFD54/EMS43 (Canyon Creek). Copy: Subject: Background: AIPP panel approved a Request for Qualifications for the 3 AFD/EMS Loop 360 Stations AIPP Project on September 12, 2022. Notice of the public art opportunity was sent directly to eligible artists. The original submission deadline of December 7, 2022 was extended to January 31, 2023. The Artist Selection Panel reviewed 56 artist applicants. The Jury was supported by staff Constance Y. White, AIPP Program Manager, Frederico Geib, AIPP Project Manager, and Ryan Runcie, AIPP Project Manager. 1. Recommended Artists: -Adrian Aguilera and Betelhem Makkonen for AFD52/EMS41 (Davenport); -RE:Site Studio for AFD53/EMS42 (Goodnight Ranch); -Rudy Herrera for AFD54/EMS43 (Canyon Creek). "Aguilera/Makonnen Previous AIPP/TEMPO project in 2018, demonstrates ability to fulfill expectations. Portfolio demonstrates professional quality of work that expresses creativity. Their presentation fully demonstrated their intention for a site-specific work that reflects the mission of AFD/EMS, as well as one that specifically speaks to the themes of the roles of first responders. I also appreciated their sensitivity to social themes and storytelling making them a compelling candidate that stood out amongst all others." "RE:Site Studio More than 10 years of experience working as a collaborative design studio have done so many monuments around the country, but their eagerness to fully immerse themselves in a project’s location and spend time with stakeholders left an indelible mark on me and overall really sold the proposal. The scale of their studio allows them access to a network of contractors to acquire the best materials for the project. I particularly enjoyed that their art is meant to be interactive and durable enough to play in and around." "Rudy Herrera Portfolio of large-scale murals demonstrates ability to effectively utilize the public art sites in the brief. Ex: [The Last Parade]. Commitment to community and art experiences being part of the …
Sound Assessment & Disclosure Requirements Proposal Presentation to City of Austin Arts Commission April 15, 2024 Background • Council approved Resolution No. 20181018- 038 directing the City Manager to propose programs, rules, and ordinances necessary to improve compatibility between residents, lodging establishments, and music-related businesses. • The resolution was part of Council efforts to support music, arts and culture. Purpose • Policy related to residential development responsibility is still outstanding. • In addition to the sound ordinance and enforcement, the sound management system should also anticipate and address quality of life issues for residences in proximity to nightlife and entertainment establishments and districts. Ensure Accurate Expectations Policy Goals • Improve compatibility between entertainment uses with amplified sound and residential and hotel uses. • Anticipate, plan for, and minimize common conflicts between residential and hotel uses and entertainment-related amplified sound. • Ensure residential and hotel development projects understand the sound levels in the area so they can design and construct the building considering the sound impact from nearby code-compliant entertainment uses. • Provide residential development projects and new residents with accurate expectations about the level of sound that will be present in the environment, and the information they need to make informed decisions. Approach A commonsense solution that is not prescriptive and focuses on education and awareness Sound Assessment & Disclosure Requires residential and hotel developments near Outdoor Music Venues and Performance Venues to: • conduct a sound assessment • disclose to future residents when they sell or lease units about the presence of nearby venues, and that a sound assessment was conducted Description and Intent • Does NOT mandate building standards. • Requires residential developers to: Promotes Education and Informed Decisions 1. document that they have studied the sound levels in the area they are building. • This includes assessing the impact of legally compliant sound from nearby music and nightlife establishments. 2. disclose to future residents the presence of nearby music and nightlife establishments, and that a sound assessment has been conducted. Description and Intent • Residents are encouraged to ask questions about sound mitigation efforts, make informed decisions Promotes Education and Informed Decisions • Does NOT require anything further from Outdoor Music Venue Permit Holders or Performance Venues. • Their sound level is already regulated with a fixed sound level standard that is appropriate for the context, is predictable and doesn’t change when new residential is built nearby. …
sharon maidenberg Ernest and Sarah Butler Executive Director and CEO • Arrived in Austin September 2020 • 20+ years non-profit arts experience Mission Vision Values We invite you to discover contemporary art in settings that provoke thought and joy. Our programs join art with place in pursuit of a deeper experience, a bigger conversation, and a closer community. We believe in the capacity of art to transform lives. We dream of a future where more eyes, ears, hearts and minds are opened by contemporary art in all of its forms. Extending the welcome • • • Socially mindful • Always caring Staying curious • Making progress • Being here • Trying new things MUSEUM HISTORY TFAA establishes downtown presence (700 Congress) Art School opens Laguna Gloria Art Museum founded Laguna Gloria Art Museum becomes Austin Museum of Art (AMOA); establishes downtown space AMOA-Arthouse renamed The Contemporary Austin Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park established AMOA and Arthouse merge Texas legend Clara Driscoll donates estate Texas Fine Arts Association (TFAA) formed TFAA changes its name to Arthouse at the Jones Center TFAA / The Jones Center for Contemporary Art opens Construction is completed for The Moody Pavilions and Visitor Center at Laguna Gloria 1911 1943 1961 1983 1995 1996 1998 2002 2011 2013 2019 JONES CENTER • 15,630 sq ft • Gallery space with outdoor mural, rooftop space and sculpture in the heart of downtown Austin • Dynamic schedule of exhibitions with related public programming LAGUNA GLORIA • 14 acres on Lake Austin • Art-in-nature sculpture park • Community art school • Historic villa & property AT A GLANCE • $10.3M operating budget • 80 staff members, across 13 departments • 29 trustees • 70 artist instructors OUR IMPACT: 2023 4,000+ people served through family and community programs ≈89,609 people visited the Jones Center and Laguna Gloria 4,250+ people served through more than 50 public programs 6,700+ people attended art-making classes over 31K times 31 K–12 tours given to over 1,000 students from 22 schools INCOME by % (based on 2023) 12% 29% 59% SIGNATURE EVENTS Art Dinner Oct 25, 2024 • Annual event -- in its 11th year • Raised $1.4M in 2023 • Draws on eclectic group of guests, including the museum’s Trustees, business and thought leaders, art collectors, and internationally- renowned artists SIGNATURE EVENTS The Very ‘Rary Nov 3, 2024 • Annual afternoon of art and amazement • …
Implementing inclusive and equitable public development services as a non-profit partner to the City of Austin Arts Commission Austin Economic Development Corporation April 15, 2024 New Community Creativity Center at City of Austin Permitting and Development Center Thank You
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION April 15, 2024, 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 15, April 2024 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Zisman called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Celina Zisman, Acia Gray, Michael Vernusky, Gina Houston Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Faiza Kracheni, Heidi Schmalbach, Monica Maldonado, Nagavalli Medicharla Board Members Absent: Kate Csillagi, Amy Mok, Felipe Garza CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Kate Csillagi, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Michael Vernusky, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Natalie Earhart from Almost Real Things spoke on their second annual Touch the Art exhibit and their Community Amplifier evens for the Nexus grant APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on March 18, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of March 18, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Gray’s motion, Commissioner Houston second on a 8-0 vote with Commissioner’s Csillagi, Mok, and Garza absent DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of Chair’s Report on Continuing the Conversation by Chair Zisman An update was provided by Chair Zisman. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the April 1, 2024 meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado An update was provided by Commissioner Maldonado Update on actions taken at the March 20, 2024 Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok An update was provided by Chair Zisman. Presentation by Sharon Maidenberg, Executive Director and CEO of The Contemporary Austin, on their strategic plan, the leadership role the Contemporary would like to continue to play within the ecosystem, observations, and concerns. A presentation was provided by Sharon Maidenberg, Executive Director and CEO of The Contemporary Austin, Presentation by Fred Evins, Project Manager with the City of Austin Economic Development Department assisting the Austin Economic Development Corporation, on the new community creativity center planned for the City’s Permitting and Development Center. A presentation was provided by Fred Evins, Project Manager with the City of Austin Economic Development Department, and Nick Harbaugh, Co-founder, Seven Mile Media STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by …
REGULAR MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Monday, April 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may participate by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 participation. To register to speak, call or email lindsay.hutchens@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-3788. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair – J Muzacz, Sarah Carr, Taylor Davis, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Lisa Woods, Monica Maldonado – Arts Commission Liaison CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on March 4, 2024. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from March 18, 2024, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Terminal Expansion Phase II / West Gate Expansion AIPP Project – Kat Quay ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Dove Springs Health Center AIPP Project – Mai Gutierrez ACTION: Approve the Selection Process Recommendation for three Austin Fire Department/Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Station AIPP Projects – Loop 360 / Davenport Ranch Station, Goodnight Ranch Station, and Canyon Creek Station. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Art in Public Places Staff Updates on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones by Art in Public Places Staff Frederico Geib, Sean Harrison, Lindsay Hutchens, Bryana Iglesias, Alex Irrera, and Ryan Runcie FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Lindsay Hutchens at the Economic Development Department at lindsay.hutchens@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-3788 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas at 711.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, April 1, 2024, via Zoom. Chair Stephanie Lemmo called the Meeting to order at 6:02 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Chair Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair J Muzacz, and Panel Members Taylor Davis, Sarah Carr, and Kristi-Anne Shaer. Panel Member Woods and Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado absent. Staff in Attendance: EDD staff: Cultural Arts Division Manager Meghan Wells. AIPP staff: Project Coordinators Alex Irrera, Ryan Runcie, Frederico Geib, Sean Harrison, and Lindsay Hutchens. Guests in Attendance: Kat Quay, Mai Gutierrez, Lys Santamaria (Artists); Paul Bielamowicz (Page); Ryan Stoltz (Structures); Angel Gomez (Bercy Chen Studio); Constance White (Department of Aviation); Kalpana Sutaria (Capital Delivery Services Department); Peter Teliha (Austin Fire Department); Eric Jakubauskas (Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, were approved on the motion of Panel Member Carr and Vice Chair Muzacz seconded. Passed 5-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from March 18, 2024, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado. No report given. 3. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Terminal Expansion Phase II / West Gate Expansion AIPP Project by Kat Quay. Discussion ensued. Approved on the motion of Panel Member Carr, Panel Member Davis seconded. Passed 5-0-0. 4. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Dove Springs Health Center AIPP Project by Mai Gutierrez. Discussion ensued. Approved on the motion of Chair Lemmo, Panel Member Shaer seconded. Passed 5-0-0. 5. ACTION: Approve the Selection Process Recommendation for three Austin Fire Department/Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Station AIPP Projects – Loop 360 / Davenport Ranch Station, Goodnight Ranch Station, and Canyon Creek Station. AIPP Staff Frederico Geib presented the Selection Process Recommendations for three Austin Fire Department/Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Station AIPP Projects. Discussion ensued. Approved on the motion of Vice Chair Muzacz and Panel Member Shaer seconded. Passed 4-0-0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Art in Public Places Staff Updates on Current Projects, and Milestones by Art in Public Places Staff Frederico Geib, Sean Harrison, Lindsay Hutchens, Bryana Iglesias, Alex Irrera, and Ryan Runcie. Frederico Geib noted that a successful dedication event for the Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park AIPP Project by …
REGUALR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION March 18, 2024, 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: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Kate Csillagi, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Michael Vernusky, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, 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 Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on February 26, 2023. 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of Chair’s Report on Staying Engaged by Chair Zisman Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the February 26, 2024 meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado Discussion of actions taken at the February 28, 2024 meeting of Austin Economic Development Corporation/Cultural Trust Advisory Committee’s last meeting by Board Chair Carl Settles 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. STAFF BRIEFINGS Update on actions taken at the February 21, 2024 Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok Presentation by Brie Franco from the Intergovernmental Relations Office on the 2023 Texas Legislative Session Presentation by Matthew Hinsley on the history of Austin Classical Guitar Presentation by Allison Orr of Forklift Danceworks on attending the first-ever White House Convening on Arts and Culture. Presentation by David Fuentes of Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) on their services and programing. Presentation by Amanda Johnston, Founder and Executive Director of Torch Literary Arts on the impact the Thrive Grant has made on Torch Literary Arts and the growing community of writers they serve. Staff update on the Community Navigator program by Robert Lucio, Contract Management Specialist II Staff update on …
88TH STATE LEGISLATURE Intergovernmental Relations Office – Brie L. Franco, Officer WHERE WE STARTED: 2022 PRE-FILED LEGISLATION • Multiple Austin-specific and General City bills were pre-filed in 2022, indicating a tough session ahead for Austin and Cities in general. • Austin Specific • District of Austin – HB 714 by Patterson • DPS Takeover of Austin Police Department – HB 880 by Slawson • Guaranteed Income Preemption – HB 553 by Troxclair • Paid Sick Leave Preemption – SB 130 by Campbell; HB 121 by Vasut • City Specific • Intra-state Commerce Preemption • Municipal Permitting • Community Advocacy (i.e. taxpayer funded lobbying) • By the time the Session began, additional bills concerning significant issues impacting Cities had been filed, such as ETJ regulation, permitting, anddisannexation. 1 88TH REGULAR SESSION STATISTICS • A total 8,153 bills and joint resolutions were filed in the 88th Regular Session, with 1,020 bills and joint resolutions filed on the final day of filing alone. • For context, a total of 7,148 bills and joint resolutions were filed in the 87th Regular Session in 2021. • IGRO tracked 1,678 bills • IGRO identified 81 priority bills that would have had a highly negative impact on City. By the end of the 88th Session, 75 of the priority negative bills failed to pass and 6 finally passed. • Governor Abbott vetoed 76 bills, many of which he said could be taken up again in a special session. 2 88TH SPECIAL SESSIONS: STATISTICS 1st Called Session 2nd Called Session 3rd Called Session • May 29 – June • June 27 – July 27 Filed. 13 Filed • Oct. 9 – Nov. 7 JRs Filed • 66 Bills and JRs • 94 Bills and JRs • 287 Bills and • No bills passed • 3 bills passed • 2 bills passed 4th Called Session* • Nov. 7 – Dec. 5 • 161 Bills and JRs Filed • 2 bills passed * First time a Texas governor has called a fourth special session the same year as the regular session 3 88TH SPECIAL SESSION(S) • The Governor called a total of four Special Sessions on a range of topics, including: • Cutting property-tax rates • Increasing or enhancing the penalties for criminal conduct involving the human smuggling or the operation of a stash house • Border security infrastructure and border wall funding • Creating a criminal offense for illegal …
3/18/24, 2:53 PM Executive Order on Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services | The White House SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 Executive Order on Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. The arts, the humanities, and museum and library services are essential to the well-being, health, vitality, and democracy of our Nation. They are the soul of America, reflecting our multicultural and democratic experience. They further help us strive to be the more perfect Union to which generation after generation of Americans have aspired. They inspire us; provide livelihoods; sustain, anchor, and bring cohesion within diverse communities across our Nation; stimulate creativity and innovation; help us understand and communicate our values as a people; compel us to wrestle with our history and enable us to imagine our future; invigorate and strengthen our democracy; and point the way toward progress. It is the policy of my Administration to advance the cultural vitality of the United States by promoting the arts, the humanities, and museum and library services. To that end, my Administration will advance equity, accessibility, and opportunities for all Americans, particularly in underserved communities as defined in Executive Order 13985 of January 20, 2021 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government), so that they may realize their full potential through the arts, the humanities, and access to museum and library services. Additionally, we will strengthen America’s creative and cultural economy, including by enhancing and expanding opportunities for artists, humanities scholars, students, educators, and cultural heritage practitioners, as well as the museums, libraries, archives, historic sites, colleges and universities, and other institutions that support their work. Under my Administration, the arts, the humanities, and museum and library services will be integrated into strategies, policies, and programs that https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/09/30/executive-order-on-promoting-the-arts-the-humanities-and-museum-and-lib… 1/6 3/18/24, 2:53 PM Executive Order on Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services | The White House advance the economic development, well-being, and resilience of all communities, especially those that have historically been underserved. The arts, the humanities, and museum and library services will be promoted and expanded to strengthen public, physical, and mental health; wellness; and healing, including within military and veteran communities. We will enhance access to high-quality …
Torch Literary Arts Amplifying Black Women Writers TorchLiteraryArts.org ABOUT TORCH Founded in 2006, Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to create advancement opportunities for Black women writers. We publish contemporary writing by emerging and experienced writers alike in our online publication, Torch Magazine. Our features have gone on to be nominated for the Emmy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, and have received notable honors including the NAACP Image Award, National Book Award, Lambda Literary Award, and more. Torch has featured work by Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Ebony Stewart, Lisa B. Thompson, Crystal Wilkinson, Sapphire, Evie Shockley, Natasha Trethewey, Shay Youngblood, and many others. Our programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, creative writing and professional development workshops, an annual retreat, and special events with community partners like the Texas Book Festival. “...if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. ” ― Toni Morrison THE ISSUE Black women writers live and create at the intersection of race, gender, and class. Representation and visibility remain scant across the literary landscape. Creating and supporting spaces for the advancement of Black women writers is vital to ensure our voices are heard and our stories are available for all readers. While Toni Morrison was an editor at Random House, their first female Black editor, the number of Black authors published increased to 3.3 percent. However, the percentage dropped quickly after her departure. Of 512 books published by Random House between 1984 and 1990, only two were by Black authors: Morrison's Beloved and Sarah Phillips by Andrea Lee. One person cannot be responsible for changing the systems that continue to marginalize and silence diverse voices. From hiring publishing executives of color to supporting emerging writers finding their way to the page, we must encourage, empower, and nurture writers of color for inclusive representation on and off the page. Torch Literary Arts works to combat these disheartening statistics and make a meaningful impact in the lives of Black women by encouraging and amplifying their work as writers and industry leaders. 11% In 2018, only 11% of books published were by people of color. New York Times 5.3% In 2023, just 5.3% of people in publishing identified as Black or being of African Decent. Diversity Baseline Survey, Lee & Low Books 8% Only eight percent of literary journals pay contributors. The Millions …
Community Navigator Program Update March 18, 2024 Community Navigator Program Overview Program Intent: The Economic Development Department’s (EDD) Community Navigator Program supports local businesses, non-profit organizations, and creative professionals impacted by the COVID- 19 pandemic. Clients can register for no-cost assistance from Community Navigators, including one-on-one coaching, virtual classes, and help applying for government and philanthropic support. This program was approved by Austin City Council, and it is funded through Austin’s allocation of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Client Eligibility: To be eligible, local entities must be located in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Austin-Round Rock MSA includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. Community Navigator Program Overview Community Navigators: EDD and partners informed the community about the program Interested clients will register for services using the Portal System EDD will refer clients to partners based on clients’ interests, or clients can select their preferred partner Partners will render services and leave “service notes” in the Portal System on service notes. Partners will invoice EDD for services; EDD will pay invoices based The Community Navigator Program has been ongoing since March 2022. Community Navigator Program Overview Austin Revitalization Authority will provide registration assistance for any help in setting up an account. Community Navigators Austin Revitalization Authority Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) Mission Capital On the Money Finance LLC The Volt Studios Visual Matters Consulting Task Category Target Client Base Vendor Name A: One-on-One Technical Assistance A: Technical Assistance Cohort Classes B: Application Assistance for Grants Small Businesses Non-Profits Creative Professionals Austin Revitalization Authority Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) Health Alliance for Austin Musicians Mission Capital On the Money Finance LLC The Volt Studios Visual Matters Consulting No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Funding Exhausted Funding Exhausted (Federal Health Coverage) Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No No Current Program Results To Date: -327 Applications received -$326,800 expensed as of 03/18/2024 Community Navigator Program We look forward to working with you!
Live Music Venue and Creative Space Regulatory Incentives Phase II March 2024 Council Actions Resolution No. 20220728-094: Establish the criteria to be a Live Music Venue Create live music venue bonus and incentive program for new and existing venues, Initiate changes to Land Development Code Section 25 Resolution No. 20220901-089: Develop and adopt clear creative space land use definitions Create creative space bonus and incentive program for new and existing including venues Create new code elements to "Diversify, sustain, and cultivate the city's culture, music, and arts communities and industries“ Criteria for designation of Arts Districts Initiate changes to Land Development Code Section 25 Resolution No. 20230921-102: Develop LDC amendments with incentives for cultural space preservation and creation by Spring 2024 Bring an ordinance establishing a Cultural District Overlay initiated in Resolution No. 20220728-094 and Resolution No. 20220901-089 by Spring 2024 Guidance from Resolutions Resolution No. 20220728-094: Fee Waivers Modified Parking requirements Expanded facilitation of affordable commercial space... in new construction Prioritization of music venue or creative space as a community benefit for density bonuses or other overlays within the Red River Cultural District, East 6th Street Entertainment District, and Warehouse Entertainment District Resolution No. 20220901-089: Fee waivers Modified parking requirements Expedited permitting process "increase in floor to area ratio (FAR) in square footage or other appropriate development incentive related to what is provided for the dedicated creative space" "Prioritization of creative space as a city-wide community benefit as it relates to density bonus programs, Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning, or within other regulatory plans Increased flexibility in development regulations and opportunities for modification of policies, rules, codes, or design standards Permit accessory use as a theater, art gallery, or art workshop in all commercial and industrial/warehousing zoning districts Goals Develop a paper district that is not mapped; no change to a property’s zoning will be made through initial district adoption After adoption, owners of eligible properties may then request a rezoning to incorporate “Creative District (CD)” code string Goals and Timeline Milestones Codes and Ordinances Backup Due: March 13 Arts Commission: March 18 Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee (COJC): March 20 Music Commission (tentative): April 1 PC Backup Due: April 16 City Council Set Date: April 18 Planning Commission …
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE MARCH 18, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – February 2024 o Total HOT Collections February 2024 = $10,560,588 o 50% towards FY24 Approved Budget of $152,172,894 o Cultural Arts Fund February 2024 = $1,008,583 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY24 Approved Budget for FY24: $14,525,594 FY24 HOT Cultural Arts Fund in the bank: $7,275,248 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor Cultural Arts Division Economic Development Department March 18, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 1 Status Reports • Contracts and Payments • Arts Education (ARPA) • Grant Funded activities this month • • • • Elevate • Nexus Thrive • Nexus Elevate Thrive C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 2 Elevate Grant Status – 200 awardees • 199 Contracts sent (TLC holds the contract) • 198 Contracts signed/processed • 199 test payments issued • 199 test payments verified • 198 First payments issued (50% of award) - 99% of awardees • 143 Second payments issued (40% of award) - must complete Miles Partnership Marketing class (+take survey) or post to Visit Austin (+tell COA staff) to be eligible. • 5 Third payments issued (10% of award) - successful Final Report closeout • $4,999,000 Total Distribution to date ($6,250,000 total) • COA staff working with TLC re: outreach to non-responsive awardees. C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 3 Nexus Grant Status – 51 awardees • 51 Contracts sent (COA holds the contract) • 51 Contracts signed/processed • 42 test payments issued • 42 test payments verified • 50 First payments issued (90% of total award = $4,500) • 8 Second payments issued (10% of award) - successful Final Report closeout • $189,000 Total Distribution to date • TLC invoiced 11/1; takes 2-3 business days to process; Nexus funds will be distributed when it hits TLC account to those who have signed an agreement/ submitted financial information/ verified a test payment. C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 4 Thrive Grant Status – 36 awardees • 36 Contracts sent (COA holds the contract) • 36 Contracts signed/processed • 36 test payments issued; 36 test payments verified • 36 First payments issued • 36 Second payments issued • 26 Third payments issued • $3,823,000 Total Distribution to date ($3,935,000 total in year 1) • Grant Administrator has met with each organization individually to set their strategic growth goals for Year …
KB Brookins 1 Letter of support for establishing an Austin Poet Laureate program Dear Austin City Council, Since the 1600’s, poet laureate positions have existed in cities, states, and countries to be stewards of poetry in their communities through programs that positively impact the general public. As of 2022, Austin is the only major city in Texas without a Poet Laureate program, and we, the undersigned, are of the belief that Austin could benefit from a socio-politically engaged Poet Laureate who uses poetry as a way to promote literacy across the city and to integrate poetry into the fabric of Austin’s history, politics, and culture. According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Texas ranks 42nd among states supporting artists in the US1. As of 2003, 121,074 adults in Central Texas either cannot read or struggle with reading2. For decades, many local organizations have created and nurtured Austin’s poetry scene with little to no budget and recognition, yet, University of Texas at Austin has one of the most nationally recognized MFA programs34, and Austin markets itself as a mecca for Texas arts. Having a poet laureate program would keep Austin accountable to its promise of being the arts center of Texas, and assist with improving Austin’s literacy rate. Also, local poets deserve an opportunity to shine. An adult Poet Laureate program has the potential to inspire Austin residents to read and write; to celebrate Austin’s literary scene; to nurture and amplify Austin-based poets of all ages through performances, teaching, and public speaking; and to create new ways of understanding Austin’s policies and culture via poems written by the Poet Laureate. We, the undersigned, call on Austin City Council to please do the following: - - Pass a resolution that makes Austin Poet Laureate an official city program run by the Austin Public Library, and provides Austin Public Library the authority to choose a Poet Laureate. Set aside $27,000 biennially in the City of Austin's budget for the Austin Poet Laureate program in perpetuity. - Allow Austin Public Library to establish a City Poet Laureate Committee that includes a representative of the library, a representative of the arts commission, and members of the city’s literature community. The City Poet Laureate Committee will review applications and recommend City Poet Laureate nominees to the head of the public library. 1 https://nasaa-arts.org/research/funding/#nasaa_field_8 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=208375#:~:text=Why%20is%20literacy%20so% 20important%3F&text=121%2C074%20adults%20in%20Central%20Texas%20cannot%20read%20or%2 0struggle%20with%20reading.&text=43%25%20of%20all%20adults%20with%20lowest%20literacy%20le vels%20live%20in%20poverty. 3 https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/best-mfa-creative-writing-programs/ 4 https://designdash.com/2023/12/13/these-are-the-best-creative-writing-mfa-programs-in-the-u-s/ KB Brookins …
Arts Commission FY 24-25 Budget Recommendations DRAFT ● $548K for Cultural Arts Division staff and admin fees from General Fund, alleviating this expense from the limited Hotel Occupancy Tax reserved for CAD funding. $548,000 / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support for Service Organizations to be issued $500,000 / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support for Community Navigators in order to better support applicants during the cultural funding program application process, in particular for translation service providers. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support to continue the Austin Civilian Conservation Core program. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund ● Funding* to support the Austin Economic Development Corporation to continue implementing the Cultural Trust program, especially with Common Area Maintenance and other associated costs borne by operators who would be managing spaces for community use *Economic Development Department has provided funding to the extent feasible within their Department budget but cannot continue to contribute funding (see memo attached), so any funding for AEDC would need to be identified through another City source. (Amount?) Items from the Music Budget Requests to consider including: ● Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund
