REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To speak in person, registration is required at least 10 min prior to the start of the meeting. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov BOARD MEMBERS Angelica Navarro, Chair (D-8) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair (Mayor) Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (D-10) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) Lynda Quintana, Member (D,6) Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member (D-7) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Selma Sanchez, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) 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 (3) three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Regular Meeting of September 10, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, September and October programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager 4. Update on the permanent pocket park. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Daniel Yen, Capital Delivery Project Manager 5. Presentation on the updated guidelines and process resulting from the Creative Reset phase I. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Morgan Messick, Asst. Director Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Department 6. Presentation on Academia Cuauhtli’s fall rubric and plans. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenters(s): Angela Valenzuela, Ph.D., Co-founder, Academia Cuauhtli; Emilio Zamora, Ph.D., Co-founder, Academia Cuauhtli; María Del Carmen Unda, Ph.D., Researcher, Academia Cuauhtli; Patricia Núñez, UT student, La Colaborativa Cuauhtli DISCUSSION AND …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Permitting and Development Center – Event Center, First Floor, Room 1405 located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas 78752. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:19pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Angelica Navarro, Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (Arrived at 6:36pm) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Noemi Castro, Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member John Estrada, Member Board Members Absent: Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Lynda Quintana, Member Selma Sanchez, Member Staff in Attendance: Marjorie Flanagan, ACME Division Manager of Cultural Education & Programs Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Michael Mendoza, founder of Augzoo LLC introduced himself and shared details about his current project titled Bilingual Dinosaurs. A play involving interviewing cultural leaders with imaginative and metaphorical questions. Mendoza expressed interest in presenting a staged reading of the play at the MACC when an opportunity becomes available. He proposed scheduling the event in either the black box theater or the auditorium as a 1- or 3-day collaboration. Speaker 2: Mateo Hernandez, Board Member of Teatro Vivo, provided remarks on the organization’s longstanding relationship with the MACC. He shared a brief history of Teatro Vivo’s engagement with the 1 Center, highlighting the facilities role as a cultural home to them. As a long-time participant in the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP), Hernandez expressed enthusiasm about the reopening of the Center but voiced concern about the lack of clear communication regarding the return of LAAP participants. He stated that Teatro Vivo has not received information about when-or if-they will be able to resume performances at the MACC. Additionally, he pointed out that although the MACC website indicated the LAAP application would open in August with decisions expected in October, the application had yet to be made available. He questioned how the MACC can effectively serve as a hub for a thriving Latino artist ecosystem if certain artists are unable to apply. He emphasized that artist require consistency and, …
10.1.25 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook – Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsleter, and check out our upcoming events! Casa de la Cultura Past: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Attendance: 66 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Sunset Kayaking: Every Second Wednesday @ 6pm-7:30pm Austin Rowing Club Attendance: 20 Join us on Lady Bird Lake and paddle through the heart of Downtown Austin or paddleboard. . Choose a single or double kayak Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed of each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center Attendance: est. 5 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch Attendance: 7 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Upcoming: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Sunset Kayaking: Every Second Wednesday @ 6pm-7:30pm Aus�n Rowing Club Join us on Lady Bird Lake and paddle through the heart of Downtown Aus�n. Choose a single or double kayak or paddleboard. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed of each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Youth and Family Educa�on Past: El Grito – Fiesta de la Independencia de Mexico: Sept 15, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Republic Square The ESB-MACC provided children’s arts and cra�s ac�vi�es at the Aus�n Sister Ci�es El Grito celebra�on. Families created colorful jewelry, �ssue paper flags, and flower crowns, or picked up one of our coloring books highligh�ng the history of Mexican Independence Day. Approximately 80 families visited the ESB-MACC ac�vi�es throughout the evening. Peruvian Fes�val – Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept 19, 4:00am - 7:00pm South East Branch Library …
Academia Cuauhtli Summer & Fall 2025 Accomplishments and Plans Funding by City of Austin (one-time) Summer 2025 ● $106,000 allocated to support Academia Cuauhtli’s culturally and linguistically diverse arts programs (2025-2026) ● $80,000 allocated to establish a new, full-time Culture and Arts Education Supervisor role, to ensure program sustainability and growth (2025-2026) Funding by the Austin Independent School District ● Provision of transportation for participating students. ● Provision of meals during program activities. Biliteracy Curriculum Development with La Collaborativa Cuahtli and Manor ISD (see Appendix A) ● Lead by Patricia Nuñez (Academia Cuauthli, UT Austin College of Education Doctoral Student), Julia Hernandez (Academia Cuauhtli and Dual Language Coordinator at Manor ISD) and Maribel Robles (STREAM Bilingual Museum Education Harvard University and Blanton Museum of Art) ● Date: Tuesday June 10, 2025 9am-3:30 ● Total of 20 public school educators ● Location: Benson Latin American Collection, 2nd Floor Nepohualtzintzin Workshop (see Appendix B) From July 23–25, 2025, a hands-on workshop on the Nepohualtzintzin—an Indigenous Mesoamerican mathematical tool—will be held at the Cepeda Austin Public Library (651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78702). The sessions will run daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In total, we had 20 adults and 15 children in attendance (we capped it at 35 due to funding). The Nepohualtzintzin, rooted in the symbolism of 20 fingers and toes, embodies completeness and the worldview that the universe resides within us. The workshop is designed to provide participants with both historical knowledge and practical application of this ancestral mathematical instrument. Workshop objectives include: ● Exploring the historical and cultural significance of the Nepohualtzintzin. ● Examining its physical structure, functions, and mathematical principles. 1 ● Offering guidance for classroom implementation. The program is free of charge, and it welcomes teachers, caretakers, and children (with an accompanying adult). Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/nepo2025 This event is presented in collaboration with Academia Cuauhtli, the Tánko Institute, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, LILAS Benson Latin American Collection, and the University of Texas at Austin Department of History. Research - Publications in preparation and press 1. Martinez, A. (2025). The Effect of Academia, A Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, on English Language Learner Achievement [Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of Texas at Austin]. Note: Dr. Anthony Martinez defended his dissertation on March 31, 2025 at the University of Texas at Austin, College of Education and was supervised by Dr. Pedro Reyes. His dissertation should …
Summer 2025 Accomplishments and Fall 2025 Plans Summer 2025: Biliteracy Curriculum Development with La Colaborativa Cuauhtli and Manor ISD ● Patricia Nuñez, La Colaborativa Cuauhtli Project Director, Academia Cuauhtli, Tānko Circle Educator ICI, UT Austin College of Education Doctoral Student ● Julia Hernandez, La Colaborativa Cuauhtli facilitator and Dual Language Coordinator at Manor ISD ● Maribel Robles, STREAM Bilingual Museum Education Harvard University and Blanton Museum of Art) ● La Colaborativa Cuauhtli Teachers ● Total of 20 public school educators Design and showcase of standards based bilingual/ biliteracy units to implement across K-5th grade. Nepohualtzintzin A Mesoamerican mathematical tool Summer 2025 Collaboration of La corriente, a collaboration effort between various organizations including La Colaborativa Cuauhtli, Academia Cuauhtli, Indigenous Culture Institute of San Marcos, The DREAM UT STEM Education and MAS UT San Antonio, and the LILLAS Benson Center Intergenerational workshop for parents, teachers, and youth July 23–25, 2025, Cepeda Austin Public Library 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In attendance 20 adults and 15 children in attendance. Capacity 20 due to funding). La Colaborativa SY 25-26 Tentative Programming ● Four Nepo workshops to be facilitated by La Colaborativa teachers and DREAM team members. Public library- open to the public ○ K'iche in Schools ○ Local school campus- open to the public ● Nahuatl in the Classroom workshop by Maestro Carlos Aveces from Raíces del Saber (in collaboration with ICI) ● Exhibits of student work in local venues ● Publishing student writing through Bookspring ● Teaching Community Languages in Public Schools- partnership with the Universidad Autonoma Benito Juarez de Oaxaca (Feb. 2026) ● End-of-Year showcase of all the work in the classrooms Research Martinez, A. (2025). The Effect of Academia, A Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, on English Language Learner Achievement [Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of Texas at Austin]. Abstract: The public school system in the United States continues to witness a rise in English Language Learners (ELLs). An ELL student is defined as one whose native language differs from English. Best practices identify Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) as an effective approach for working with ELLs, potentially contributing to the academic achievement of students from diverse backgrounds. While researchers have explored the implementation of CRP programs, few studies have concentrated on elementary-age students, and even fewer on ELLs within elementary education. This emphasizes the idea that early interventions can lead to higher success rates among students. This ex-post facto independent measures research study represents …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Permitting and Development Center – Event Center, First Floor, Room 1405 located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas 78752. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:19pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Angelica Navarro, Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (Arrived at 6:36pm) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Noemi Castro, Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member John Estrada, Member Board Members Absent: Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Lynda Quintana, Member Selma Sanchez, Member Staff in Attendance: Marjorie Flanagan, ACME Division Manager of Cultural Education & Programs Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Michael Mendoza, founder of Augzoo LLC introduced himself and shared details about his current project titled Bilingual Dinosaurs. A play involving interviewing cultural leaders with imaginative and metaphorical questions. Mendoza expressed interest in presenting a staged reading of the play at the MACC when an opportunity becomes available. He proposed scheduling the event in either the black box theater or the auditorium as a 1- or 3-day collaboration. Speaker 2: Mateo Hernandez, Board Member of Teatro Vivo, provided remarks on the organization’s longstanding relationship with the MACC. He shared a brief history of Teatro Vivo’s engagement with the 1 Center, highlighting the facilities role as a cultural home to them. As a long-time participant in the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP), Hernandez expressed enthusiasm about the reopening of the Center but voiced concern about the lack of clear communication regarding the return of LAAP participants. He stated that Teatro Vivo has not received information about when-or if-they will be able to resume performances at the MACC. Additionally, he pointed out that although the MACC website indicated the LAAP application would open in August with decisions expected in October, the application had yet to be made available. He questioned how the MACC can effectively serve as a hub for a thriving Latino artist ecosystem if certain artists are unable to apply. He emphasized that artist require consistency and, …
AUSTIN CAPITAL DELIVERY SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO: ESB MACC Advisory Board FROM: Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Services Project Manager DATE: September 29, 2025 SUBJECT: Mexican American Cultural Center Substantial Completion Delay ___________________________________________________________________________ This memo provides an update following our September 10, 2025, announcement regarding the delay in reopening the ESB Mexican American Cultural Center, originally scheduled for November 1, 2025. Summary of Contractor Notices and Responses • May 21, 2025: The City issued a notice to the contractor for missing the milestone to enclose the building. In response, the contractor committed to increasing workforce capacity and maintaining a six-day workweek. These efforts led to a noticeable uptick in onsite activity and trade partner engagement. • August 19, 2025: A second notice was sent due to continued issues with incomplete building enclosure (missing glass and doors) and deviations from construction documentation. The contractor requested that certain corrections be deferred to the final completion phase and sought assistance resolving an Austin Fire Department comment regarding the fire system tie-in. They also proposed using a Temporary Certificate for Stocking to allow preliminary preparations by the Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME). • September 9, 2025: During a regularly scheduled project meeting, the contractor, informed the Capital Delivery Services (CDS) Project Manager that the contractor’s internal building envelope test failed. This test is a fundamental benchmark for a fully enclosed building and an important prerequisite to obtaining a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for furniture installation and staff move-in. • September 10,2025: Announcement to the MACC Advisory Board, completion of construction has been delayed. • September 12, 2025: Following our announcement to the Board, the City formally notified the contractor that substantial completion had not been achieved and requested a revised schedule and a plan of action. The contractor submitted a proposed revised timeline on September 19, 2025. The contractor has represented to the City a substantial completion of November 3, 2025. The contractor is committed to increasing the workforce capacity and maintaining a seven-day workweek. Due to failure in meeting the contract Substantial Completion date, liquidated damages (LD) is a means of recovering losses. Damages will be determined during close-out period / post construction. We understand and share your concern regarding this delay. Our team remains committed to working diligently and collaboratively to return this cherished cultural space to the community as soon as possible. We appreciate your continued support and patience as …
ESB MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER Phase 2 Improvements Heidi Tse Capital Delivery Services Project Manager October 1, 2025 Estimated Re-opening • The Re-opening may occur sometime between the project’s substantial completion and final completion. • Substantial Completion is when the facility is deemed ready to be occupied by the owner, but other minor work still needs to be completed by the contractor. • The exact date or alignment of the Re- opening will not be known until construction has significantly progressed. • The anticipated project completion timeline is: A. B. 1. Substantial Completion (estimated November 3, 2025) 2. Re-opening (estimated January –March 2026) Project Milestones • Ceremonial Groundbreaking: December 10, 2022 • GMP 1 (Site Work) Notice to Proceed issued: August 28, 2023 • GMP 2 (Building / Landscape) Notice to Proceed issued: March 7, 2024 • Steel “Topping Out”: September 11, 2024 • Target Construction Ends: November 2025 • Target Stocking: December 2025 – January 2026 • Target Staff Move-In: January – February 2026 • Target Soft Re-Opening: February 2026 • Target Grand Re-Opening: Spring 2026 Questions ?
October 1, 2025 Mexican American Cultural Cener Rainey Street Pocket Park • Austin Capital Delivery Services Department • 64 Rainey Street • Temporary Pocket Park • Anticipated timeline Austin Capital Delivery Services Department • Collaborates with various City departments • Builds public projects that support the community • Parks and libraries • Fire/EMS stations • More 64 Rainey Street Temporary Pocket Park • Temporary park improvements at the park have been installed as of Spring 2024 with donated benches. • The murals are painted on the installed benches by students in the Caminos Teen Leadership Program. • The murals reflect and honor the students’ internship experiences and connections throughout the course of their time with the Mexican American Cultural Center. • On 5/31/2025, the Mexican American Cultural Center held a dedication ceremony for the new murals. Anticipated Timeline Planning: Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 Consultant selection Bid/Award: Summer 2027 to Fall 2027 Advertising, Bidding and Award 2026 2028 2025 2027 Design: Spring 2026 to Spring 2027 Design and Permitting Construction: Spring to Fall 2028 Construction Questions?
Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment 2025 - 2026 Funding Guidelines Presented by Morgan Messick Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) ESB-MACC Board| October 1, 2025 The Creative Reset: Phase I - Engagement Major Enhancements, Based on Feedback Guidelines User Experience Single guideline document, with standardized definitions, formatting, and department processes/policies More funding levels are available for individual artists across all programs Universal Appeals process for ACME programs Established policies on double dipping/conflict of interest, in response to Audit concerns Stacked application launch, with a single intake form entry point Measuring Program Impacts Category What the City Measures Metrics Reach & Engagement Community reach and public participation Attendance counts, demographic data Promotion Visibility and marketing efforts Event flyers, social media screenshots, VisitAustin.org listings, marketing plan analytics Impact Access Expression Resiliency Economic and cultural benefits for the creative workforce Number of jobs supported, amount of funding distributed Accessibility and inclusion for audiences and participants Diverse locations, ADA features, free/low-cost tickets/creative space, multilingual options Support for authentic artistic and cultural expression Artist reflections, new work created, creative risks taken Organizational growth, adaptability, or long- term community benefit beyond City funding New partnerships, diversified revenue, business training and professional development Thrive Grant Applications open every two years; 24-month grant agreement term Applicant Maximum Total Award Annual Award Cap Nonprofit Arts Organization with Creative Space Non-Profit Arts Organization without Creative / Cultural Space Up to $250,000 total over 2 years Up to $125,000 per year Up to $170,000 total over 2 years Up to $85,000 per year Elevate Grant Applications open on a year; 12-month grant agreement term Applicant Award Amount 501(c)(3) Arts Nonprofit operating budget greater than $300,000 Award up to $80,000 operating budget of $100,001 to $299,999 Award up to $60,000 operating budget of $50,001 to $100,000 Award up to $50,000 operating budget under $50,000 Award up to $30,000 State of Texas Nonprofits/Arts Group operating budget of $50,001 to $299,999 Award up to $40,000 operating budget under $50,000 Award up to $30,000 Individual Artist Minimum two-year production history in Austin Award up to $30,000 Nexus Grant Applications open twice a year; 12-month grant agreement term Applicant Award Amount Individual Artists/Arts Groups (Min 1 year Experience) $5,000 OR $10,000 Austin Live Music Fund Applications open every year; grant agreement term varies from 12 to 24-months For-Profit Applicant Award Amount Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 with 24-month Grant Agreement term …
10.1.25 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook – Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Casa de la Cultura Past: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Attendance: 66 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Sunset Kayaking: Every Second Wednesday @ 6pm-7:30pm Austin Rowing Club Attendance: 20 Join us on Lady Bird Lake and paddle through the heart of Downtown Austin or paddleboard. . Choose a single or double kayak Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed of each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center Attendance: est. 5 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch Attendance: 7 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Upcoming: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Sunset Kayaking: Every Second Wednesday @ 6pm-7:30pm Austin Rowing Club Join us on Lady Bird Lake and paddle through the heart of Downtown Austin. Choose a single or double kayak or paddleboard. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed of each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Latino/a/e Artist Access Program (LAAP) MACC Staff held a LAAP information session on Monday, September 22, from 6 to 8 pm at the Twin Oaks Library where 9 community members were in attendance. In order to prepare for the upcoming LAAP relaunch, a workgroup comprised of MACC staff at all levels of the organization from different work teams (Production, Education, Administration, Marketing, etc) was created in August of 2024 and has since met bi-weekly. It includes both Temp and Full Time Staff. The task was to work …
REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 6:00 PM Permitting and Development Center – Event Center, First Floor, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To speak in person, registration is required at least 10 min prior to the start of the meeting. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov BOARD MEMBERS Angelica Navarro, Chair (D-8) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair (Mayor) Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (D-10) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) Lynda Quintana, Member (D,6) Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member (D-7) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Selma Sanchez, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) 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 (3) three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Regular Meeting of August 6, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, August and September programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager 3. Staff briefing on the Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) Creative Reset Phase 2 community engagement and timeline. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Marion Sanchez, Interim Communications and Engagement, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Presentation by Iván Dávila from the Coalition for Austin's Arts & Spanish-language Theater (CAAST). (Sponsors: Estrada, Reyna) Presenter(s): Iván Dávila, Founder of Coalition for Austin’s Arts & Spanish- language Theater (CAAST) WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from Music Hub Programming …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at City Hall – Board and Commissions Room located at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:08pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Angelica Navarro, Chair Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Noemi Castro, Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member (Arrived at 6:43pm) John Estrada, Member Lynda Quintana, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Selma Sanchez, Member Board Members Absent: Anthony Martinez, Member Staff in Attendance: Marjorie Flanagan, PARD Division Manager of Museums and Cultural Programs Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Iván Dávila, Founder of Coalition for Austin's Arts & Spanish-language Theater (CAAST), shared that he lived in Austin for over 20 years and that during that time, he performed with Teatro Vivo, a Latino theater comedy project. Through that experience, he had witnessed firsthand the challenges that Latino artists-particularly Spanish-language artists-face in Austin. Those challenges ultimately inspired him to join forces with other Spanish-language artists to form CAAST. Dávila emphasized there was a lack of dedicated space, production support, sustainable funding, and infrastructure necessary for artists to develop their work both responsibly and artistically. He requested the board include CAAST on their September 10, 1 2025, agenda to present their pilot proposal and to vote on the creation of an infrastructure working group made up of artists and board members. Speaker 2: Anjanette Gautier Castro introduced herself as a business owner, actress, artist, and member of CAAST. She stated that she was present to respectfully request the Board’s support in forming a working group to explore an initiative that aligns closely with the mission and strategic goals of the ESB-MACC. The proposed initiative would focus on expanding production support and creating dedicated opportunities for Spanish-language performing artists. She expressed her belief that the MACC had the potential to bridge the cultural gap and truly serve as a home for artists. Speaker 3: Karla Gutierrez, theater actress, producer and member of CAAST …
9.10.25 MACC Sta(cid:431) Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Casa de la Cultura We have a new name for these programs! Holistic Wellness Programs are now under “Casa de la Cultura”. Past: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Attendance: 70 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Learn to Kayak: Every Second Wednesday @ 6pm-7:30pm Austin Rowing Club Attendance: 11 Join us on Lady Bird Lake and paddle through the heart of Downtown Austin . Choose a single or double kayak or paddleboard. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed o(cid:31) each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center Attendance: 11 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday o(cid:31) each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch Attendance: 7 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Upcoming: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Learn to Kayak: Every Second Wednesday @ 6pm-7:30pm Austin Rowing Club Join us on Lady Bird Lake and paddle through the heart of Downtown Austin. Choose a single or double kayak or paddleboard. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed o(cid:31) each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center ----------------------------------------------------------- Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday o(cid:31) each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Youth and Family Education The Educa(cid:415)on team has been hard at work preparing for our upcoming a(cid:332)er-school programs and community outreach events. We are con(cid:415)nuing our partnership with the Lending Library program to bring MACC-(cid:415)vi(cid:415)es to recrea(cid:415)on centers across Aus(cid:415)n, expanding access to cultural arts programming. The Smart Kids program, in partnership with Communi(cid:415)es in Schools, will also resume on October 6. In addi(cid:415)on to a(cid:332)er-school ini(cid:415)a(cid:415)ves, the team is preparing engaging ac(cid:415)vi(cid:415)es for community events. For this year’s El Grito celebra(cid:415)on at Republic Square (6–9pm), we will host hands-on art …
CULTURAL AND MUSEUM FACILITIES: AUTHENTICALLY AUSTIN Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Department Creative Reset Initiative Phase II-Presentation EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Permitting and Development Center DRAFT 2025-09-08 SECTIONS: • Deliverables • Research Foundation • Engagement Foundations • Marketing and Outreach • Questions, comments, feedback 2 DELIVERABLES FINAL DELIVERABLES RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT CLOSE-OUT TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY, TRUST, ACCESSIBILITY, AND LONG-TERM USABILITY, THE FOLLOWING TOOLS WILL BE PRODUCED AND SHARED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ENGAGEMENT AND RESEARCH PROCESS: Summary of Findings Report: A clear and accessible report that includes: • Demographic overview of participants • • Community-identified needs, aspirations, and recommendations • Visuals (e.g., charts, quotes, photos) to highlight findings Key themes and insights from engagement Open Data Publication: All de-identified raw data (e.g., survey results, coded themes, engagement activity responses) will be published on the City of Austin’s Open Data Portal to support transparency and future analysis. PublicInput.com Engagement Page: The engagement portal will house: • All background materials and translated content • Meeting notes and activity summaries • Archived surveys and engagement tools Links to final deliverables and next steps • Interactive Dashboard (Pending support): A dynamic, filterable dashboard that allows users to explore data based on variables of selected attributes, such as: • • Cultural Centers’ Comparison Card: A tool that compares resources and activities among cultural and Museum Engagement Data: Geographic area, language, type of engagement, and emerging themes facilities Visual Installation of Community Thoughts: A tangible collage to be used as a backdrop for inspiration and action anchoring. Final Presentations: A visual presentation (PowerPoint or PDF) summarizing the process, participation, and outcomes— designed for use with City leadership, staff, community, etc. 4 RESEARCH FOUNDATION LIST OF FACILITIES Note: All faculties will receive the engagement activities as outlined in the plan, unless a note is added. The Connelly-Yerwood “Pink House” is waiting for confirmation from leadership. Cultural Centers: •Asian American Resource Center (AARC) •Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) •Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) •George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center (Carver and Genealogy) Museums: •Elizabet Ney Museum •Susanna Dickinson Museum (Brush Square Museums) •The O’Henry Museum (Bursh Square Museums) •UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum (UMLAUF, management contract, limited activities to include survey and one staff engagement meeting) Historical Facilities: •African American Cultural & Heritage Facility + Dedrick Hamilton House (AACHF) •Montopolis Negro School (The …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update September 10, 2025 Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager PROJECT TIMELINE: ESB MACC Groundbreaking for Phase 2 Improvements / Move-Out Began– 12/10/22. • • Parking Lot Closure – 3/10/23. • Contractor Mobilization/Pre-construction Inspections – Began 3/11/23. • Permitting (Site) – Approved on 7/25/23. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP1/Site) – Executed contract on 8/28/23. • Construction (Site) – Underway since 8/28/23. • Permitting (Building) – Approved on 3/4/24. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP2/Building) – Executed contract on 3/7/24. • Construction (Site + Building) – Currently underway. • AIPP ESB-MACC Phase 2 – Artist(s) selection approval by Austin City Council on 8/29/24 • • Building dry-in – Process of ensuring the building envelope is weather sealed is expected September. Topping Out – Topmost structural beam was lifted into place on 9/11/24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: • • • • Zocalo paver installation 90% complete. Landscape installation 75% complete. Site furnishings bike racks and benches installation in progress. Interior ceiling, flooring and lighting installation 90% complete. • Plumbing fixtures installation 75% complete. • Kitchen appliances installed. • Window shades and acoustical panels installation 80%. • Data, and security installation in progress. ANNOUNCEMENTS: • Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel, the awarded artists for ESB MACC Phase 2, Art in Public Places (AIPP) project are working on the design of their titled piece, Arcos de Conexión. Please visit AIPP website for more announcements. • Concrete pours will continue. Work hours will adhere to the City’s noise ordinance. Ordinance information can be found here. • The Confluence, a separate public/private partnership project is using the parking lot as construction access point for the east side of the creek delta. Improvements are also being made to provide connection between the MACC and The Confluence at the west edge of the parking lot. Additional information can be found here. • Drone video illustrating ESB MACC site work can be found here. SCHEDULED MILESTONES: • Construction began – August 28, 2023 • Anticipated completion of all major construction activity – September 2025 • Anticipated reopening – November 1, 2025 Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, but all dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and weather. For information on ESB MACC programs and staff relocations during construction, visit the MACC webpage: www.austintexas.gov/department/emma-s-barrientos-mexican-american-cultural-center For project updates, visit …
e r t a e h T e g a u g n a L - h s i n a p S d n a s t r A s n i t s u A r o f n o i t i l ’ a o C Sept. 10, 2025 Presentation to the ESB MACC Advisory Board Iván Dávila Karla Zodapop Soledad Bautista Overview 01 02 03 04 05 06 Who We Are Our History The Problem 2027 FY Proposal MACC Phase 3 Expansion Our Request to the Board Who We Are A coalition of Latino and Spanish-language performing artists and companies with local and national acclaim that have been making theatre for more than 20 years. 03 Our Objective Build equity, coordination, and infrastructure for Latino and Spanish-language performing arts in Austin. 01 Our Vision Purpose: Develop existing infrastructure at the MACC and City level to create coordination of resources that supports Latino and Spanish-language performing arts in Austin, helping achieve equity and building a city that is more welcoming to all. 02 Our History Chicano Movement (1970s): call for a Latino cultural space Mayor Gus García: champion for Latino inclusion Austin Latino Theatre Alliance (1990s): united Latino theatre and advanced the ESB MACC vision 2007: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center opens after decades of advocacy 04 Austin Today Between fiscal years 2015 and 2021, White-led organizations received approximately $37 million (57.4%) in funding, over six times the $6 million (9.3%) awarded to Latinx-led groups.* Despite being the fastest-growing demographic and representing 33% of Austin's population, the Latino community receives only 9% of the funding, highlighting a significant disparity. 05 *Source: City of Austin Economic Development Department Total Investment - Concerns of Inequitable Distribution* *Data shows self-reported leadership/staff demographics FY15-FY 21 only. We recognize this is only one indicator 06 Source: City of Austin Economic Development Department WhiteNo Single GroupLatinXMulti-RacialAsianBlackNative AmericanHawaiian$0$10,000,000$20,000,000$30,000,000$40,000,000 The Problem Spanish-language performing arts companies do not have equitable access to: Production infrastructure (lights, sound, tech) Consistent rehearsal/performance space Systematized city support 07 Our Vision for Addressing the Problem A vibrant Austin performing arts scene that reflects and celebrates all of its cultural heritage and is integrated into the city operation, and can garner private and foundation support for sustainability. 08 How It Aligns with ESB MACC’s Vision MACC as an incubator and a production hub for established and/or emerging Latino and …
REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To speak in person, registration is required at least 10 min prior to the start of the meeting. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov BOARD MEMBERS Angelica Navarro, Chair (D-8) Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair (Mayor) Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (D-10) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) Lynda Quintana, Member (D,6) Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member (D-7) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Selma Sanchez, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) 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 (3) three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Regular Meeting of June 4, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, June, July and August programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation and recommendation on an updated budget request to support Academia Cuauhtli’s programming for fiscal year 25-26 budget. (Sponsors: Zamarripa-Saenz, Martinez) Presenter(s): Dr. María Del Carmen Unda, Academia Cuauhtli 5. Creation of Grand Opening Working Group. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from Music Hub Programming Working Group 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 …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at City Hall – Board and Commissions Room located at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:00pm. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Chair Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Noemi Castro, Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (Arrived at 6:17pm) Lynda Quintana, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Board Members Absent: Anthony Martinez, Member Selma Sanchez, Member Staff in Attendance: Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No sign-ups for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Regular meeting of May 7, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz motion. Member Reyna seconded. Unanimous vote (8.0). Motion passed. Members Herrera, Martinez and Sanchez absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, April and May programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative provided updates on their Holistic Wellness Programs (HWP), Education, Caminos Teen Leadership programming, and current and upcoming marketing and outreach events. Tamzarian reminded the board of their Awards of Excellence (AOE) event that would take place Saturday, June 28th from 3pm-5pm at the Long Center – Kodosky Lounge. She gave a summary of the event, informing everyone about what to expect, and requested that the winners not be publicly disclosed until an official announcement was made. She indicated the announcement would be shared on their social media platforms and through the City’s news release on June 20, 2025. (Please see the Board and Commissions Website for backup material.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the ESB-MACC Phase 2 Construction Project. Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager provided a brief overview of the current project timeline, announcements, scheduled milestones, as well as photos showing the construction progress. (Please see the Board and Commissions Website for backup material.) 4. Discussion on Annual Internal Review Report. Chair Navarro notified the board that the Annual Internal Review …
