REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, April 2, 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) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (D-10) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) Alexander Duarte, Member (D-7) Selma Sanchez, Member (D-6) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) Vacant, Member (D-9) 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 March 5, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, March and April 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 the ESB-MACC Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager 4. Discussion on the MACC’s operational budget and finances. (Sponsors: Zamarripa-Saenz, Castro) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) 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. …
EMMA S. BARRIENROS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 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.) Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:10pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members Absent: Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Angelica Navarro, Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Noemi Castro, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (Arrived at 6:13pm) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Gerardo Gandy, Member (Left at 7:23pm) Anthony Martinez, Member Mónica Siañez, Member (Left at 9:28pm) 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 Speaker 1, Item 5: Martha Cotera, Academia Cuauhtli Co-founder thanked the board for their consideration and support on the budget that would be submitted to request additional funding for the operation of Academia Cuauhtli. She also recommended that the MACC incorporate more history and informative symposiums into the MACC’s programming to continue to get public intellectuals engaged. Speaker 2, Item 5: Emilio Zamora, Professor of History at the University of Texas was in attendance to support the budget request for Academia Cuauhtli. He mentioned Academia Cuauhtli was working with Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager on a memorandum of understanding to solidify their relationship with the MACC. He also expressed his appreciation for allowing Cuauhtli the opportunity to extend what they had to offer the community, which was education and cultural services. 1 Speaker 3, Item 5: Jessica Silva shared that her family had been part of Academia Cuauhtli’s Saturday and Summer programs since 2022. She expressed her support for the program as she was a parent of two students. She stated Academia Cuauhtli played a vital role in enriching the community and encouraging the personal growth of their children by offering opportunities to connect with multiple generations at once. Commenting that the kids find joy in connecting with their peers, college student mentors, and other adults who care about their education and well-being. Speaker 4, Item 5: Janay Silva-Soto let the board know that she was a …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update April 2, 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 April. Topping Out – Topmost structural beam was lifted into place on 9/11/24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: • • South retaining concrete wall at future food truck area poured. Zocalo paver mock-up completed for review. • Retaining wall with cantilevered edge at Zocalo is in progress. • Brick installation is ongoing. • Window and waterproofing mock-up completed for reviewed and approved. • Auditorium telescopic seating installed. • Teaching Kitchen exhaust hood installed. • Curved reception area framed. • Framing and insulated boards installed for a stucco ceiling. ANNOUNCEMENTS: • New furniture purchases are underway and expected to be completed by April. • City Council approved artists, Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel, to design and fabricate artwork for the ESB MACC Phase 2, Art in Public Places (AIPP) project. The artists are working on the conceptual design during the first quarter of the year. Please visit AIPP website for more announcements regarding the planned community • Concrete pours and large deliveries will continue. Work hours will adhere to the City’s noise ordinance. engagement for this project. Ordinance information can be found here. • The Confluence, a separate public/private partnership project has increased activities at the ESB MACC. The parking lot is the construction access point for the east side of the creek delta. There are trail detours because of the trail enhancements. Additional information can be found here. • The MACC round-about and driveways continue to experience elevated traffic and congestion due to the volume of work in the area by other developers. Please exercise caution in this district. • Drone video illustrating ESB MACC site work can be found here. SCHEDULED MILESTONES: • Construction …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Community Interest Announcement Phase 2 Construction Project Site Visit March 26, 2025, at 4:00 pm Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, Austin, TX 78701 A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Michelle Rojas, Board Liaison 512-974-3771
REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, March 5, 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) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Gerardo Gandy, Member (D-7) Vacant, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) Mónica Siañez, Member (D-6) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) 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 February 5, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on the new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment, February Education and Holistic Wellness programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on La Mujer: A Celebration of Women event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager and ESB-MACC Staff DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the ESB-MACC Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager 4. Update by Laura Esparza, Executive Director of A3 Art Alliance Austin, on efforts to provide a donation to the ESB-MACC Caminos program and an upcoming collaboration with ESB-MACC called Fiesta Reclamada, May 4th at The Cathedral. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Laura Esparza, Executive Director of A3 Art Alliance Austin DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Presentation and recommendation by Dr. Angela Valenzuela requesting financial support for Academia Cuauhtli programming for fiscal year 25-26 budget. (Sponsors: Martinez, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Dr. Angela Valenzuela, Professor at The University of …
EMMA S. BARRIENROS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 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 6:02pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members Absent: Angelica Navarro, Chair Gerardo Gandy, Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Noemi Castro, Member John Estrada, Member Mónica Siañez, Member Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member Anthony Martinez, Member (Arrived at 6:15pm/Left at 7:12pm) 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 Chair Navarro took a moment to introduce commissioner Mónica Siañez and asked her to share a little about herself and why she joined the ESB-MACC Advisory board. Member Siañez let the board know she was an assistant professor for the University of Texas at Austin Public Health Program. She mentioned the work she did in public health was about empowering and encouraging students to get involved with their communities. Taking that into account, she shared that she had only lived in Austin for 5 years and hadn’t had a chance to get involved with her local community, so she felt it was important for her to be involved in some capacity and decided to join the board. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Regular meeting of January 8, 2025, were approved on Member Castro’s motion. Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz seconded. Unanimous vote (7.0). Motion passed. Members Gandy, Martinez, and Reyna absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, December and January programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager provided an update on the Holistic Wellness programs Will Clinic event that was held at Hardie Alcozer Law Firm where the goal was to help community members create basic wills, ensuring their wishes were legally documented and their families are protected. The program was created to help individuals gain peace of mind …
3.5.25 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Holistic Wellness Programming Past: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library. Attendance: 50 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed of each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center. Attendance: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: Friday, Feb 21 @ 10:30am Yarborough Library. Attendance:8 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Slow Flow + Sound Healing: 4th Sat of each month @ 1:30-2:30pm My Vinyasa Practice- Highland Studio. Attendance: 3 Join us for a serene and rejuvenating yoga experience that combines gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques, and guided relaxation with sound healing bowls to help calm the mind. Taller Abierto: Painting Workshop (15+): 4th Sat of each month @ 2-4pm North Village Branch Library. Attendance:13 Art classes for all levels. Includes exploration of different techniques. All materials provided! Pre- registration required. Nourishing Flow: 1st Sat of each month @ 1:30-2:30pm My Vinyasa Practice- SoCo Studio. Attendance:3 A gentle and restorative yoga class that invites you to reconnect with your body and breath. Through mindful movement, soothing breathwork, and the healing power of sound, we’ll cultivate a deep sense of relaxation Guitar Lessons (15+): Tuesdays, starting January 28 @ 3-4:15 George Washington Carver Museum. Beg: 3-3:30pm / Inter: 3:45-4:15pm. Attendance: 27 Join accomplished musician Mauricio Callejas for guitar lessons for beginners (finger placement, strumming, sight-reading) and intermediate (chord progressions, ear training, reading sheet music) students. Please bring your guitar. Voice/Guitar/Songwriting Lessons Beg/Inter (15+): Mondays, starting Jan. 27 @ 4-5pm Windsor Park Library. Attendance: 22 Join award winning song-writer Javier Jara for voice, guitar and songwriting lessons. Skills addressed: left and right hand technique, chords, arpeggios, strumming patterns, vocal technique, and songwriting approaches. Please bring your own guitar. Taller Abierto: Lending Library Painting (18+): Tuesdays, Jan 14 -Feb 18 @ 9-11am. Dove Springs Recreation Center. Attendance: 21 Art classes for all levels. Includes exploration of different techniques. All materials provided! Pre-registration required. Drumming Lessons: 4th Sat of each …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update March 5, 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 March. Topping Out – Topmost structural beam was lifted into place on 9/11/24. • The below freezing temperatures and wet days have slowed outdoor work in February. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: • Site retaining walls at Zocalo are 85% complete. • Brick installation is ongoing at the north addition. • New elevator has been delivered and installation is in progress. • Exterior stairs and handrailing’s are being welded in place. • Installation of major mechanical equipment is 60% complete. • Window installation is underway. • Tape & float of interior drywall continues. • Re-roof of the auditorium will resume with dry weather forecast. Site Tour: The City of Austin invites the MACC Advisory Board to a construction tour on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 4:00 pm to witness the progress firsthand. The building is projected to be completely enclosed. The site is still very active but the City wants to offer this last opportunity for a tour to show how the building and grounds have transformed from a vision to a reality. Additional Enhancements to Phase 2: In response to the MACC Advisory Board question on returning the value engineered items from Phase 2 as referenced in the memo from PARD to the MACC Advisory Board dated 1/5/24, the City believes many of the these construction related items should be grouped into a new capital improvement project. The current goal is to complete the existing construction requirements and transitioning the center back to the City within budget and the target delivery of Fall 2025. Items which can be installed after construction such as acoustical panels, TV monitors, and displays could be added if new …
L A U R A E S P A R Z A E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R W H AT I S A 3 ? - A non-profit Local Arts Agency devoted to supporting artists, musicians, performers and arts contractors who make Austin a vibrant city by raising money and raising awareness. - An all-volunteer organization of business and arts professionals who believe that the arts are integral to our quality of life. - A catalyst for community change in collaboration with others who are committed to the value of the arts. WHAT IS A LOCAL ARTS AGENCY? • The nation’s 4,500 Local Arts Agencies (LAAs) promote, support, and develop the arts at the local level ensuring a vital presence for the arts throughout America’s communities. LAAs are diverse in their makeup—they have many different names and embrace a spectrum of artistic disciplines. But each LAA, in its own way, works to sustain the health and vitality of the arts and artists locally, while also striving to make the arts accessible to all members of a community. • The Cultural Arts Division is a Local Arts Agency but cities can have more than one thus diversifying the funding pool. • Americans for the Arts tells us that the Arts strengthen the economy and community cohesiveness. WHO IS A3? PA S T • The Texas Fine Arts Association started in 1911 at the Elisabet Ney Museum. In 1950 it fundraised for Laguna Gloria Museum with an Arts and Crafts Festival. In 1956 they renamed their festival FIESTA, in an inappropriate act of cultural appropriation. In 1989 the organization became Art Alliance Austin and produced Art City Austin. It went dormant in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. • Relaunched in September 2024 as an LAA. • • • • P R E S E N T • Austin’s first non-profit Local Arts Agency with a diverse board including: • Board Chair Eric Hiduke, Attorney-at-Law • Vice-Chair Kevin Ivester, Gallery Owner • Treasurer Imani Aanu, Director RECLAIM! • David Goujon, Architect • Andrea Hyland, Event Producer • Kayo Asazu, Restaurant owner/operator • Advisors: Constance White (Airport Arts & Music) Lourdes Rodriguez (ED David Rockefeller Fund) Lydia Galvan (Teacher) Dana Friis-Hansen (Retired Museum Director) HOW CAN A3 FUND CITY FACILITIES? • City staff and Commissioners cannot solicit funds from individuals, businesses or …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250305- Date: March 5, 2025 Subject: FY2026 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Recommendation The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Advisory Board (MACC) recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to take the following actions and to allocate additional funds for the following items for FY 2026. These recommendations include actions that can be taken immediately outside the budget process and recommendations for the FY 2026 budget: Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Allocate funding for items that were removed from the MACC’s Phase 2 project for a total amount between $2.2 and $2.4 in the FY26 budget. Seconded By: Rationale: Phase 2 Operating Budget In 2018 a comprehensive community engagement was completed as part of the Facility Expansion Plan which included community members and Austin City Council members. The Austin City Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2018 Facility Expansion Plan on May 24, 2018, with the intent to complete all remaining phases without preconditions on funding sources. The 2018 Bond Committee recommended, and Austin City Council approved $27 million to be included under Proposition B for the ESB-MACC Phase 2 project. 74 percent of voters in the 2018 election voted in favor of Proposition B. The Joint Venture team of Miro Rivera Architects (Austin) and Estudio Tatiana Bilbao (Mexico City) was selected to lead the Phase 2 design in part because of their experience designing world-class facilities. The project team has been diligently working on completing the project slated for completion in the Fall of 2025. The Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board recommends to the Austin City Council to allocate the necessary amount needed to complete the items as were presented during community engagement to fulfill the commitment by the City of Austin to complete a Phase 2 expansion and renovation that is commensurate with a world-class cultural center that continues to be a reflection of the strength and resiliency of Austin’s Mexican American community. 1 of 2 Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Michelle Rojas, Staff Liaison 2 of 2
Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 Budget Recommendation Academia Cuauhtli seeks support for its FY 2025-2026 budget recommendation aimed at serving predominantly indigenous, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking youth in Austin. We are requesting on-going funding for culturally and linguistically diverse programs with an annual allocation of $105,930.00. Below is a concise outline of our minimal operating costs derived from the fiscal year 2023-2024, along with a proposal for additional funds to initiate our programmatic expansion. Detailed program descriptions, budgets, and material costs can be found on the following pages. Minimal Operational Costs ❖ Academia Cuauhtli (Eagle Academy) - Saturday Arts Program $37,750 ❖ Parent Support Program ❖ Bilingual Summer Program/ La Colaborativa Cuauhtli ❖ Teacher Conference Fund ❖ Teacher Professional Development Total Fund Request Amount $105,930 $13,300 $43,380 $10,000 $1,500 $105,930 Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 Budget Recommendation Our Minimal Necessary Operating Costs ensure the seamless continuation of our programs by covering essential expenses, including operational costs and staffing. This foundational support sustains the quality and impact of our initiatives. The detailed budget breakdown encompasses four key components: Saturday Academy, Parent Support Program, Bilingual Summer Camp, and Teacher Professional Development funds, each playing a vital role in serving our community and fulfilling our mission. Minimum Necessary Operational Costs (106K) Saturday Academy (37.8K): A bilingual and cultural revitalization program offers instruction in Mexican American Studies and STEM curriculum for third to fifth grade students attending AISD. We focus on creating alternative learning spaces with focuses on social emotional learning and culturally responsive education. The program runs throughout the school year, spanning 20 weeks and serving approximately 50 youth participants. Program Costs: (37.8K) ● Staff (26.2K) ○ (13.2K) - 3 Activity Specialists for Saturday school ■ $4,400 - $22p/hr, 10 hours per week , 20 weeks ■ $13,200 total per school year ○ (2.2K) - Professional Instructor I - Danza Teacher ■ ~$2,170 - $31 p/hr, 10 hours per week, 7 weeks ○ (7K) - Fall Program Support Specialist ■ $7,020 total per fall semester: 27 p/hr, 20 hrs per week, 13 weeks total ○ (3.8K) - Spring Program Support Specialist ■ $3,780 total per fall semester: 27 p/hr, 20 hrs per week, 7 weeks total ● Food (8K) ○ (5K) - Breakfast Tacos/Prepared Foods ○ (3K) - Store bought breakfast items, sack lunches, snacks, etc. ● Materials: (1.7K) - art supplies, danza supplies, graduation items ○ (1K) - Art supplies ○ ($500) - Danza …
Bilingual cultural revitalization program for third to fifth grade students attending AISD. Vision A future where children live with a thinking heart and the courage to pursue their aspirations within liberating and sacred learning spaces. Mission Honor our community’s cultural heritage Foster a social justice consciousness Reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom The Purpose Despite a predominantly Indigenous, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking youth population in Texas, the lack of culturally relevant education limits self-expression, academic success, and a sense of belonging. Initiatives Throughout the years Nuestro Grupo has established various partnerships and initiatives within the community with key focuses on students, teachers, parents, and community members. Academia Cuauhtli Parent Support Program STEM/Aztech Kidz Code Teacher Development Academia Cuauhtli The Bilingual Cultural Revitalization Saturday Academy offers ethnic studies and Danza Mexica instruction to AISD third- to fifth-graders at no cost, including breakfast and transportation. In 2023, ~60 students were hosted from six Title 1 AISD schools, including: Sanchez, Perez, Houston, Travis Heights, Harris, and Hart Elementary schools. Program Costs (38K) The program runs throughout the school year, spanning 20 weeks and serving an average of 50 youth participants. Projected costs for 2025-2026 fiscal year: Staff (26.2K) Food (8K) Materials (1.7K) Field Trips (1K) Custodian (1K) Family Support (13.3K) The Parent Support Program engages families during the Saturday Academy, providing community resources tailored to their needs and guest speakers, such as the Mexican Consulate. Parent Support Specialist (10.8K) Guest Speakers (2K) Materials ($500) Summer Program (44K) A culturally sustaining STEAM program for third to fifth grade AISD students to learn coding and Danza Mexica in both Spanish and English. Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Culturally Relevant Curriculum Experiential Learning (Field Trips) Program Costs (44K) Last summer, we offered three two-week sessions, serving a total of 65 Austin youth participants. Projected costs for 2025-2026 fiscal year: Staff (32.8K) Field Trips (1.5K) Materials (7K) Custodial Staff (4.5K) Food (4.5K) Teacher PD (11.5K) Preparation and mentorship for teachers through support networks, professional development workshops, conferences, and La Colaborativa Cuauhtli, which sends teachers to Mexico annually. Attend Conferences (10K) Professional Development Workshops (1.5K) Budget FY25-26 (106K) Teacher PD 11500 Saturday Academy 37750 Bilingual Summer Camp 43380 Parent Support Program 13300 Support the Vision Help us secure ongoing funding from Austin City Council members to support the academic and cultural growth, sense of identity, and belonging of indigenous, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250305-6 Date: March 5, 2025 Subject: FY2026 Budget Recommendation – Funding for Academia Cuauhtli Motioned By: Board Member Anthony Martinez Recommendation The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Advisory Board (MACC) recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to take the following actions and to allocate funds for the following item for FY 2026. 1. Support funding for Academia Cuauhtli’s FY26 operating expenses in the amount of $106,000. Seconded By: Board Member John Estrada Rationale: Academia Cuauhtli: Academia Cuauhtli is a bilingual cultural revitalization program for third to fifth grade students attending AISD schools. Its mission is to honor cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom. For the past 10 years they have focused on establishing various partnership and initiatives within the community with key focuses on students, teachers, parents, and community members. The bilingual cultural revitalization Saturday Academy offers ethnic studies and Danza Mexica instruction to AISD third- to fifth-graders at no cost, including breakfast and transportation. The parent support program engages families during the Saturday Academy, providing community resources tailored to their needs. The Summer program consist of a culturally sustaining STEAM program for third to fifth grade AISD students to learn coding and Danza Mexica in both Spanish and English. The teacher professional development opportunities prepare and mentor teachers through support networks, professional development workshops and conferences. The MACC Advisory Board supports the ongoing funding request of Academia Cuauhtli in the amount of $106,000 to support the academic and cultural growth, sense of identity, and belonging of indigenous, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking youth in Austin. 1 of 2 Vote For: Vice Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Noemi Castro, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera Against: Abstain: Absent: Chair Angelica Navarro, Member Mónica Siañez, Member Gerardo Gandy Attest: ___________________________ Michelle Rojas, Staff Liaison 2 of 2
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250305-6 Date: March 5, 2025 Subject: FY2026 Budget Recommendation – MACC Phase 2 funding. Motioned By: Board Member Herrera Recommendation The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Advisory Board (MACC) recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to allocate funds to complete the MACC Phase 2 construction and renovation project for FY 2026. Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Allocate funding for items that were removed from the MACC’s Phase 2 project to complete it as presented to the community for a total amount between $2.2 and $2.4 in the FY26 budget. Seconded By: Board Member Estrada Rationale: Phase 2 Operating Budget In 2018 a comprehensive community engagement was completed as part of the Facility Expansion Plan which included community members and Austin City Council members. The Austin City Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2018 Facility Expansion Plan on May 24, 2018, with the intent to complete all remaining phases without preconditions on funding sources. The 2018 Bond Committee recommended, and Austin City Council approved $27 million to be included under Proposition B for the ESB-MACC Phase 2 project. 74 percent of voters in the 2018 election voted in favor of Proposition B. The Joint Venture team of Miro Rivera Architects (Austin) and Estudio Tatiana Bilbao (Mexico City) was selected to lead the Phase 2 design in part because of their experience designing world-class facilities. Due to the rising costs in construction and inflation, items had to be value engineered out of the project to stay within budget. The project team has been diligently working on completing the project slated for completion in the Fall of 2025. The Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board recommends to the Austin City Council to allocate the necessary amount needed to complete the items as were presented during community engagement to fulfill the commitment by the City of Austin to complete a Phase 2 expansion and renovation that is commensurate with a world-class cultural center that continues to reflect the strength and resiliency of Austin’s Mexican American community. 1 of 2 Vote For: Vice Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Noemi Castro, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera Against: Abstain: Absent: Chair Angelica Navarro, Member Mónica Siañez, Member Gerardo Gandy Attest: Michelle Rojas, Staff Liaison 2 of 2
REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, February 5, 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) Noemi Castro, Member (D-2) John Estrada, Member (D-3) Gerardo Gandy, Member (D-7) Vacant, Member (D-9) Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (D-5) Mónica Siañez, Member (D-6) Anthony Martinez, Member (D-4) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member (D-1) 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 January 8, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, December and January 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 4. Presentation from Cassie Smith on Ethnographic dissertation, working group background and current status. Presenter(s): Cassie Smith, ESB-MACC Temp Staff Instructor (Sponsors: Zamarripa-Saenz, Estrada) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Creation of Music Hub Working Group. (Sponsors Herrera, Navarro) WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from Budget 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 locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters …
EMMA S. BARRIENROS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Austin Energy Headquarters – Mueller Assembly Room 1111A located at 4815 Mueller Blvd in Austin, Texas 78723. (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 6:11pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Angelica Navarro, Chair Gerardo Gandy, Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Anthony Martinez, Member Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member (Arrived at 6:28pm) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Noemi Castro, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, 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 Cassie Smith, Member of the Ethnographic Research Working Group, PhD student at the University of New Mexico, and ESB-MACC Education Instructor let the board know that she had recently completed the draft of the Ethnographic dissertation research and had gone through several rounds of comments with her committee. Smith requested that she be placed on the February agenda so that she could provide the board with a presentation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Regular meeting of December 4, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Zamarripa- Saenz’s motion. Member Herrera seconded the motion. Unanimous vote (8.0). Motion passed. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on staffing updates, December and January programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative reported on the Holistic Wellness programs, Education, Academia Cuauhtli, Caminos Teen Leadership programming, and current and upcoming marketing and outreach events. Tamzarian reminded the board 1 of the dates for their signature events and provided an update on potential themes for La Mujer. She also announced nominations for their Awards of Excellence event would be opening January 27th and would close March 23rd. She made it clear that board members were not allowed to nominate anyone themselves, but they could encourage others by spreading the word. (Please see the Board and Commissions Website for backup material.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and …
2.5.25 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Holistic Wellness Programming Past: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am (No class Jan 4,11) Southeast Library Attendance: 30 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath. with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month starting January (Jan 31 and Feb 21)@ 10am Yarborough Library Attendance: 6 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 Wednesday of each month starting January @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center Attendance: 6 A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Women’s Circle (16+): Sunday, Jan 12 @ 3:30-5pm The Center for Arts + Healing Attendance:10 Join us to share in plática (heart-centered conversation), self-care practices, and canto (song). This is a time to connect with others, nurture yourself, and refill your cup under the light of the full moon. Taller Abierto: Painting/Drawing Workshop (18+): Tuesdays, January 14, 28 @ 9-11am Dove Springs Recreation Center Attendance:15 Art classes for all levels. Includes exploration of different techniques. All materials provided! Pre-registration required. Slow Flow + Sound Healing: 4th Saturdays of each month starting Jan. 25 @ 1:30-2:30pm My Vinyasa Practice- Highland Studio Attendance: 5 Join us for a serene and rejuvenating yoga experience. Designed to melt away stress and tension, this class combines gentle yoga poses, breathing techniques, and guided relaxation. The final relaxation includes sound healing bowls to help calm the mind, ease the body, and enhance overall well-being. Great for all levels. Pre-registration required. Voice/Guitar/Songwriting Lessons: Beginner/Intermediate (15+): Mondays, starting Jan. 27 @ 4-5pm Windsor Park Library Attendance: 7 Join award winning song-writer Javier Jara for voice, guitar and songwriting lessons. Skills addressed: left and right hand technique, chords, arpeggios, strumming patterns, vocal technique, and songwriting approaches. Please bring your own guitar. Pre-registration required. Guitar Lessons (15+): Tuesdays, starting January 28 George Washington Carver Museum Beginner 1:45-2:15pm Intermediate 2:45-3:30pm Attendance: 8 Join accomplished musician Mauricio Callejas for guitar lessons for beginners (finger placement, strumming, sight-reading) and intermediate (chord progressions, ear training, reading sheet music) students. Please bring your own …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update February 5, 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 mid-February. Topping Out – Topmost structural beam was lifted into place on 9/11/24. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: • Site retaining wall at Zocalo is 75% complete. • Brick installation is ongoing and progressing to the north addition. • New electrical panels energized for the new building additions. • Test cleaning of exterior precast panels. • Installation of major mechanical equipment. • Preparing interior exposed concrete floors for final finish. • Framing interior soffits, doors, and windows. Site Tour: ANNOUNCEMENTS: • The City of Austin invites the MACC Advisory Board to a construction tour on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at noon (12:00pm) to witness the progress firsthand. The building is projected to be completely enclosed with climate control. The site is still very active but the City wants to offer this last opportunity for a tour to show how the building and grounds have transformed from a vision to a reality. • City Council approved artists, Katherine Telley and Ruben Esquivel, to design and fabricate artwork for the ESB MACC Phase 2, Art in Public Places (AIPP) project. The artists are working on the conceptual design during the first quarter of the year. Please visit AIPP website for more announcements regarding the planned community • Concrete pours and large deliveries will continue. Work hours will adhere to the City’s noise ordinance. engagement for this project. Ordinance information can be found here. • The Confluence, a separate public/private partnership project has increased activities at the ESB MACC. The parking lot is the construction access point for the east side of the creek delta. There are trail detours because of the trail enhancements. Additional information can be …
Making the MACC: Communities of Practice and Latinx Cultural Citizenship Cassie Lynn Smith PhD Candidate University of New Mexico Overview Introduction to the Research Project History of the Community of Practice Contemporary Community of Practice Future of the Community of Practice Findings Applied Research Projects Introduction to the Project Conceptual Framework Community of Practice Cultural Citizenship “…the right to be different (in terms of race, ethnicity, or native language) with respect to the norms of the dominant national community, without compromising one's right to belong, in the sense of participating in the nation-state's democratic processes…. These demands can range from legal, political, and economic issues to matters of human dignity, well-being, and respect” (Rosaldo 1994, 57). Inequality in Austin • Segregation • Lack of Political Self Determination • Unequal Educational Opportunity Barrioization/Barriology (Villa 2000) 1) “the physical regulation and content constitution of space (via land-use decisions and the built environment) Landscape Effect (2) the social control of space via legal/juridical state apparatuses and police authority Law Effect (3) the ideological control of space (via the interpellation of citizen- subjects through educational and informational apparatuses” Media Effect Research Questions 1) What is the role of a community of practice in a publicly managed cultural center? 2) What is the role of a public cultural center in advancing cultural citizenship (Rosaldo 1994) for minoritized communities? 3) What resources, strategies, and techniques did the MACC CoP develop to respond to societal, political, and institutional pressures and if/how are they used in contemporary settings? 4) How did the MACC’s CoP influence the Latinx communities’ relationships with the COA and the future of decision making for and by cultural arts institutions in the city? Methods • Participant Observation • Interviews • Surveys • Archival Data • Photos and Videos Establishing a Community of Practice Segregation Political Self Determination Educational Opportunity Hillside Theater at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center Mural by Raúl Valdez Community of Practice Activism • Visibility • Legibility • Accessibility • Ingenuity • Possibility “Repertoire of Resources” (Wenger-Traynor and Wenger-Traynor 2015) Narratives Organizing Networks Praxis Projects Rasquache or Make Do Attitude Intergenerational Learning and Mentorship Contemporary Community of Practice • City of Austin Staff • Artists • Advocates • Art Educators • Participants • Collaborators Contemporary Barrioization in Austin Gentrification Legislation Culturally Relevant Educational Opportunities Community of Practice Activism Visibility Legibility Accessibility Ingenuity Possibility “Repertoire of Resources” (Wenger-Traynor and Wenger-Traynor 2015) …
