Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Community Interest Announcement ESB-MACC Grand Reopening Grand reopening event and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the expansion and renovation of the Center June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. 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. For more information, please contact: Michelle Rojas, Board Liaison (512)974-3771 Michelle.Rojas@austintexas.gov
REGULAR MEETING OF THE EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Michelle Rojas, 512-974-3771, Michelle.Rojas@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Angelica Navarro (D-8), Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro (D-10), Member Lynda Quintana (D-6), Member Noemi Castro (D-2), Member Raul “Roy” Reyna (D-1), Member Alexander “Al” Duarte (D-7), Member Selma Sanchez (D-9), Member John Estrada (D-3), Member Vacant (D-4), Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera (D-5), Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz (Mayor), Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB- MACC) regular meeting of May 6, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on May and June programs, marketing and outreach efforts, signature event planning, and staffing updates. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment & Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on MACC Pocket Park Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Sue Hagerty, Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services & Kimberly Gilbertson, Project Coordinator, Austin Capital Delivery Services DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Review current working groups to assess membership status and determine whether to add or eliminate groups. (Sponsors: Herrera, Zamarripa-Saenz) Approve a recommendation in support of six Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission FY 26-27 budget recommendations. (Sponsors: Herrera, Navarro) Create a Latino/a/e Artist Access Program (LAAP) Working Group to collaborate on the redesign of the program, including the review of contracts, policies and procedures; oversight of equipment and inventory; advisement on technical matters; staff training on proper use of equipment; …
ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 6, 2026 EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) convened in a Regular meeting on May 6, 2026, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. (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 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Alexander “Al” Duarte, Selma Sanchez. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: John Estrada (left at 6:28 p.m.), Lynda Quintana. Board Members Absent: Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Noemi Castro, Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Raul “Roy” Reyna. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Maria Solis, President of the Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin (TGSA), stated that the MACC had been an important part of her social life prior to its closure for construction and renovation. She expressed appreciation for the MACC’s continued programming at alternative locations throughout the community and shared her anticipation for the grand reopening. Speaker 2: Iván Dávila, Founder of Coalition for Austin’s Arts & Spanish-language Theater (CAAST), requested that the board maintain their original proposal for Latino/a/e Artist Access Program (LAAP) separately from the Hispanic Quality of Life Commission’s FY 26-27 budget recommendation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of April 1, 2026. The minutes from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of April 1, 2026, were approved on Board Member Duarte’s motion. Board Member Amaro seconded. Motion passed on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz and Board Members Castro, Herrera, and Reyna absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on April and May programs, marketing and outreach efforts, signature event planning, and staffing updates. Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative with Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME), provided updates on Casa de la Cultura and Youth & Family Education programs. She noted that 1 ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 6, 2026 the Teen Caminos Leadership program graduation ceremony was scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the MACC. Ms. Tamzarian also presented information regarding the grand reopening, including the official event title, Juntos de Nuevo: The Grand Opening. She outlined marketing efforts and reported that photography sessions and interviews had …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Staff Report 6.3.26 Juntos de Nuevo: The Grand Reopening of the ESB MACC Saturday, June 6 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM 600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701 RSVP & Share: Facebook, Eventbrite Our Grand Reopening is just a few days away! Here are the details of the June 6th event, to plan your participation. We can’t wait to be juntos de nuevo- together again at the MACC! Discover more programming like Summer Camps,Caminos Teen Internships, and Casa de la Cultural Programs that you can join after June 6th. Sign up to Volunteer Help make this event even better! Volunteer on June 5th (setup) or June 6th (multiple shift options). Volunteers will have access to staff break areas and a look behind the scenes! Help us make MACC history! Create a quick givepulse profile to track your volunteer hours! Austintexas.gov/macc/grand- reopening Arrival & Parking Address is 600 River Street, at the intersection of Rainey Street and River Street. There are multiple walk-in entrances, marked with red arrows The ESB MACC parking lot will be closed to the public from Thursday, June 4th to midnight on Saturday, June 6th. There is no public parking on-site for the Grand Reopening on June 6th. Parking is free in the Holly Street neighborhood. Parking is also available at downtown garages including the Austin Convention Center Parking Lot. There will be a free shuttle bus from the Sanchez Elementary and Metz Elementary to the ESB MACC and back from 10:30am-10:00pm. Please look for the "shuttle stop" signs at these locations. You can take the shuttle even if you don’t park in the actual school parking lots. Ridesharing and public transit encouraged. Drop off at the traffic circle. Bicycle parking is available on site. Bring your bike lock! The June 6th Reopening coincides with the reopening of the Waterloo Greenway Confluence. Park once, and attend both events! Workshop Schedule View our new and renovated spaces and cool off inside! Bellow is a list of our activations and event partners. If you want to take a guided tour, meet at the purple MACC tent at 12:00, 12:30, 1:00, or 1:30pm. MACC staff will be giving these tours alongside the architects Miro Rivera. You can also pick up a self- guided tour at the MACC tent put together by Cassie Smith and the MACC Education Department. Dance Studio (1st …
Mexican American Cultural Center Pocket Park Capital Delivery Services | June 3, 2026 MACC Pocket Park 60 Rainey Street Gateway to the Mexican American Cultural Center Approx 7,400 sq ft Approved for AIPP mural 2 MACC Pocket Park • Temporary park improvements installed Spring 2024 with donated benches. • Rotation list selection of Freese & Nichols for Design Services December 2025. • Proposal for services submitted May 06, 2026 was out-sized for the project • COA design with ESD Team lead by Landscape Architect Kimberly Gilbertson • Project focus on landscape and mural. Additional exhibitory components will be addressed at a future phase. 3 Landscape Architecture by ESD • Violet Crown Trail South Whirlpool Patio • Mokan / Bolm Road Trailhead • BOLM / Shady / Airport AIPP Colab • East MLK AIPP Colab 4 Anticipated Timeline MACC Pocket Park Planning: Summer 2026 Consultant selection 2026 Bid/Award: Fall 2027 Advertising, Bidding and Award 2028 2027 Design: Fall 2026 to Summer 2027 Design and Permitting Construction: Fall 2027 to Summer 2028 Construction 5
ESB-MACC Advisory Board Working Groups Name Motion Members Budget Phase 2 Ethnographic Research 64 Rainey Music Hub Programming Grand Opening Motioned to create the Budget (FY26) working group. Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Larry Amaro, Member Roy Reyna, Member Alternate Noemi Castro Angelica Navarro, Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member Larry Amaro, Member John Estrada, Member Cy Herrera, Member Alternate Roy Reyna, Member Motioned to create new working group to include the new tasks of seeing project through successful completion up to issuance of certificate of occupancy, include RFQ validation and feedback process, continued community engagement, reprioritizing of Master Plan based on budget, advising on branding, and promoting and supporting the coordination of the grand opening. Motion to reinstate the Ethnographic Working Group to support the work of Cassie Smith’s Ethnographic research. Motioned to create a 64 Rainey Working Group that would follow the progress and development of the pocket park, consult with community members regarding development and progress, and address any task that may arise. Motion to create a working group to explore music hub programming. Goal is to advise MACC staff as needed. Purpose is to provide future funding and include programming to buildout the hub. Motion to create a working group dedicated to support MACC staff in preparation for the grand reopening of phase II. The working group will collaborate directly with MACC staff and be available at any capacity needed. Whether through event logistics, community outreach or general support to ensure a successful and meaningful Angelica Navarro, Chair Larry Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Cassie Smith (Community Member) Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member John Estrada, Member Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Noemi Castro, Member John Estrada, Member Cy Herrera, Member Al Duarte, Member Angelica Navarro, Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Noemi Castro, Member Al Duarte, Member Roy Reyna, Member Maria Solis (Community Member) Hector Ordaz (Community Member) Awards of Excellence (AOE) Strategic Planning and Partnership reopening that reflects the culture and communities’ significance. Including consulting community members as needed and inviting them to meetings for public comment. Motioned to reestablish the Awards of Excellence Working Group to discuss nominations for 2026 awardees, selection committee, assistance with event planning, and details of set up and breakdown to provide support for MACC staff. Motion to create a Strategic Planning and Partnership Working Group to strengthen the long-term sustainability, visibility, and impact of the Cultural Center by guiding strategic direction and cultivating high-value partnerships Core …
Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission FY26-27 Budget Recommendation Titles RECOMMENDATION 1: Latino Arts and Culture Community Navigator Program $125K ● Increase funding and social resources to ensure appropriate language accessibility for AACME Cultural Arts Funding Cycle, specifically in Spanish ● Ensure funding is proportional to representation of community RECOMMENDATION 2: Spanish-language Contracts for City of Austin Cultural Arts Contractors $10K RECOMMENDATION 3: Emergency Funding for Latino Cultural Artists Possible alternate names for the recommendation: Emergency Cultural Arts Grants for Latino Artists $1.5 Million RECOMMENDATION 4: Capital Improvement Funding for the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center - Phase 2 $6 Million RECOMMENDATION 5: $1 Million Funding for the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Possible alternate names for the recommendation: Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican AMerican Cultural Center Reestablishing the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican AMerican Cultural Center RECOMMENDATION 6: Explore alternative funding resources for Cultural Arts, specifically state legislation that would increase the 15% HOT Tax fund cap for funding programs $50K BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20260324-XXX) Latino Arts & Cultural Community Navigator Program WHEREAS, approximately 32% of Austin’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino 1; and WHEREAS, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish the predominant language spoken in the City 2; and WHEREAS, Austin has a long history of systemic racism and racial inequity that continues today. Throughout history, communities of color have been excluded, marginalized, and discriminated against as a result of City policies and practices. This history was reinforced by segregationist policies throughout the 20th century affecting a range of Austin venues, including schools, public parks, and commercial businesses, among others, and WHEREAS, Spanish-speaking cultural arts organizations and individual artists continue to face inequitable access to Cultural Arts resources and services as a result of systemic and racial inequity, but also due to evolving City policies and the implementation of new procedures that fail to be culturally responsive and do not adequately address language access; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin’s Latino and Spanish-speaking community continues to voice the need for culturally-sensitive assistance, including and not limited to: 1. Application navigation 2. Access to Spanish-language contracts and grant agreements 3. Accurate, culturally competent Spanish translations of …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Michelle Rojas, 512-974-3771, Michelle.Rojas@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Angelica Navarro (D-8), Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro (D-10), Member Noemi Castro (D-2), Member Alexander “Al” Duarte (D-7), Member John Estrada (D-3), Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera (D-5), Member CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz (Mayor), Vice Chair Lynda Quintana (D-6), Member Raul “Roy” Reyna (D-1), Member Selma Sanchez (D-9), Member Vacant (D-4), Member AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB- MACC) regular meeting of April 1, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on April and May programs, marketing and outreach efforts, signature event planning, and staffing updates. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment & Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services Update on MACC Pocket Park Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Sue Hagerty, Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Review current working groups to assess membership status and determine whether to add or eliminate groups. (Sponsors: Herrera, Zamarripa-Saenz) Approve a recommendation in support of six Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission FY 26-27 budget recommendations. (Sponsors: Herrera, Navarro) Create a Latino/a/e Artist Access Program (LAAP) Working Group to collaborate on the redesign of the program, including the review of contracts, policies and procedures; oversight of equipment and …
ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 1, 2026 EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) convened in a Regular meeting on April 1, 2026, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. (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 6:05 p.m. The agenda was amended to move Item 5, “Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair,” to the final Discussion and Action Item, Item 9. All remaining action items were reordered accordingly and moved up in sequence. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Noemi Castro, Alexander “Al” Duarte (arrived at 6:14pm), John Estrada. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Raul “Roy” Reyna. Board Members Absent: Lynda Quintana, Selma Sanchez. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez, Artistic Director of Proyecto Teatro, shared that Latino communities in the city had experienced significant and disproportionate disinvestment over the past 40 years, highlighting the prevalence of million-dollar investments benefiting primarily white institutions and questioned the lack of comparable funding advancing Latino culture. He expressed disappointment when he saw that the six recommendations presented during the March board meeting were not included on the April agenda, noting that they were developed by members of the cultural ecosystem to advance Latino culture. He urged the board to place those recommendations on a future agenda, emphasizing their importance and possibility to provide critical, potentially life-saving support for the Latino cultural ecosystem. Speaker 2: Hector Ordaz Gutiérrez, Audiovisual Director of Proyecto Teatro registered to speak on item 7 & 8. Speaker 3: Gonzalo Barrientos, Former State Senator stated that it took decades to establish the Mexican American Cultural Center. Following its establishment, challenges arose regarding organizational oversight and management. He explained that over the years he received numerous inquiries about the MACC and had typically referred individuals to the advisory committee or City Council. He expressed his willingness to assist the Board with specific matters when appropriate but stressed that the Board must represent the community’s interests. Mr. Barrientos drew attention to the importance of engaging with City Council members, noting that they play a key role in advancing initiatives and addressing community concerns. He provided an example involving a mural by …
5.6.26 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 Upcoming: Raices Vivas – Growing Families, Growing Roots Last Wednesday of the Month. First Workshop: May 27th 6:00pm – 7:00pm MACC Community Garden Join us as we learn the history and traditions of our favorite Mexican herbs, spices and vegetables by gardening and creating dishes from family recipes, herbal and botanical traditions. 5/27: Native Wildflowers (Community Planting Day) Join our community this May as we plant native wildflowers for our bees, bats and butterflies and sow seeds to celebrate Spring in the gardens. Cumbia Para MACC – Cumbia Dance Class June 8th – July 27th 7:00PM – 8:00PM MACC Dance Studio Join us for a dynamic, beginner-friendly dance workshop series celebrating the richness of Mexican culture through movement and music. Learn why cumbia is for everyone! This multi-week program introduces participants to foundational styles in cumbia through regional rhythms, while exploring the cultural traditions and history behind each dance. We focus on the styles of cumbia sonidera and cumbia tropical. Dulces a Traves del Tiempo – Dessert Making Workshop Series June 13th – July 25th MACC Cocina Join us for a six-week workshop series centered on Latinidad and the delicacies traditionally served at celebrations. Participants will learn the techniques, styles, and designs of multiple desserts, including buttercream piping, cake structuring & decorating, cookie decorating, and baking more traditional treats like polvorones. Through accessible, beginner-friendly instruction, students will dive deep into discussions of shared cultural experiences and create their own versions of desserts rooted in tradition, completing the series with a celebration of the skills learned and connections made. Students will walk away with a dessert after each workshop and a communal recipe book to inspire them to keep traditions alive for future generations Movimiento Ancestral - Toltec Inspirited Movement Coming June 2026 MACC Dance Studio Movimiento Ancestral is a grounding and empowering class inspired by Indigenous Mesoamerican traditions that honor the connection between body, breath, spirit, and the natural elements. Through intentional movement and mindful breathing, we explore symbolic postures that honor the four directions — East, South, West, and North — representing new beginnings, inner fire, emotional flow, and grounding wisdom. This Toltec postures invite participants to reconnect with their bodies, cultivate balance, and awaken inner strength while experiencing …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center May 3, 2026, Update Heidi Tse, Project Manager ESB MACC at dusk April 2026 KEY DATES: MACC programs begin Parking Lot Opens Grand Re-Opening April 27 May 1 June 6 PHASE 2 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PROGRESS: Warranty Phase • Punchlist items are ongoing. • Replacement of plants from February frost complete. • Cleaning underway. HEATING HOT WATER LOOP REPAIR PROJECT: Construction Phase • Emergency Funding for repair is from Austin Facility Management Deferred Maintenance and MACC Parking Lot Improvement Fund. • Engaged utility contractor 4/2/2026 • Traffic Control Plan produced and submitted 4/17/26 in advance of Right-of-Way permit. • Underground Utilities Contractor begin mobilization 4/27/26. • Emergency Right-of-Way Permit issued on 4/28/26. • Demolition of 50% the area of suspected leak exposed. • Thunderstorms during April slowed demolition and proved challenging in identifying leak. • Additional isolation valves to be installed week of 5/4/26. • Target to complete repair prior to 6/6/26 Re-Opening.
Mexican American Cultural Center Pocket Park Capital Delivery Services | May 6, 2026 MACC Pocket Park 64 Rainey Street Gateway to the Mexican American Cultural Center Approx 6000 sq ft Approved for AIPP mural 2 MACC Pocket Park • Temporary park improvements installed Spring 2024 with donated benches. • Rotation list selection of Freese & Nichols for Design Services December 2025. • Presently still pending proposal for services • Request consideration of another rotation list selection or • Consideration of COA ESD Team with Landscape Architect Kimberly Gilbertson 3 Landscape Architecture by ESD • Violet Crown Trail South Whirlpool Patio • Mokan / Bolm Road Trailhead • BOLM / Shady / Airport AIPP Colab • East MLK AIPP Colab 4 Anticipated Timeline MACC Pocket Park Planning: Summer 2026 Consultant selection 2026 Bid/Award: Fall 2027 Advertising, Bidding and Award 2028 2027 Design: Fall 2026 to Summer 2027 Design and Permitting Construction: Fall 2027 to Summer 2028 Construction 5
ESB-MACC Advisory Board Working Groups Name Motion Members Budget Phase 2 Ethnographic Research 64 Rainey Music Hub Programming Grand Opening Motioned to create the Budget (FY26) working group. Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Larry Amaro, Member Roy Reyna, Member Alternate Noemi Castro Angelica Navarro, Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member Larry Amaro, Member John Estrada, Member Cy Herrera, Member Alternate Roy Reyna, Member Motioned to create new working group to include the new tasks of seeing project through successful completion up to issuance of certificate of occupancy, include RFQ validation and feedback process, continued community engagement, reprioritizing of Master Plan based on budget, advising on branding, and promoting and supporting the coordination of the grand opening. Motion to reinstate the Ethnographic Working Group to support the work of Cassie Smith’s Ethnographic research. Motioned to create a 64 Rainey Working Group that would follow the progress and development of the pocket park, consult with community members regarding development and progress, and address any task that may arise. Motion to create a working group to explore music hub programming. Goal is to advise MACC staff as needed. Purpose is to provide future funding and include programming to buildout the hub. Motion to create a working group dedicated to support MACC staff in preparation for the grand reopening of phase II. The working group will collaborate directly with MACC staff and be available at any capacity needed. Whether through event logistics, community outreach or general support to ensure a successful and meaningful Angelica Navarro, Chair Larry Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Cassie Smith (Community Member) Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member John Estrada, Member Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Noemi Castro, Member John Estrada, Member Cy Herrera, Member Al Duarte, Member Angelica Navarro, Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Noemi Castro, Member Al Duarte, Member Roy Reyna, Member Maria Solis (Community Member) Hector Ordaz (Community Member) Awards of Excellence (AOE) Strategic Planning and Partnership reopening that reflects the culture and communities’ significance. Including consulting community members as needed and inviting them to meetings for public comment. Motioned to reestablish the Awards of Excellence Working Group to discuss nominations for 2026 awardees, selection committee, assistance with event planning, and details of set up and breakdown to provide support for MACC staff. Motion to create a Strategic Planning and Partnership Working Group to strengthen the long-term sustainability, visibility, and impact of the Cultural Center by guiding strategic direction and cultivating high-value partnerships Core …
Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission FY26-27 Budget Recommendation Titles RECOMMENDATION 1: Latino Arts and Culture Community Navigator Program $125K ● Increase funding and social resources to ensure appropriate language accessibility for AACME Cultural Arts Funding Cycle, specifically in Spanish ● Ensure funding is proportional to representation of community RECOMMENDATION 2: Spanish-language Contracts for City of Austin Cultural Arts Contractors $10K RECOMMENDATION 3: Emergency Funding for Latino Cultural Artists Possible alternate names for the recommendation: Emergency Cultural Arts Grants for Latino Artists $1.5 Million RECOMMENDATION 4: Capital Improvement Funding for the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center - Phase 2 $6 Million RECOMMENDATION 5: $1 Million Funding for the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Possible alternate names for the recommendation: Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican AMerican Cultural Center Reestablishing the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican AMerican Cultural Center RECOMMENDATION 6: Explore alternative funding resources for Cultural Arts, specifically state legislation that would increase the 15% HOT Tax fund cap for funding programs $50K BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20260324-XXX) Latino Arts & Cultural Community Navigator Program WHEREAS, approximately 32% of Austin’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino 1; and WHEREAS, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish the predominant language spoken in the City 2; and WHEREAS, Austin has a long history of systemic racism and racial inequity that continues today. Throughout history, communities of color have been excluded, marginalized, and discriminated against as a result of City policies and practices. This history was reinforced by segregationist policies throughout the 20th century affecting a range of Austin venues, including schools, public parks, and commercial businesses, among others, and WHEREAS, Spanish-speaking cultural arts organizations and individual artists continue to face inequitable access to Cultural Arts resources and services as a result of systemic and racial inequity, but also due to evolving City policies and the implementation of new procedures that fail to be culturally responsive and do not adequately address language access; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin’s Latino and Spanish-speaking community continues to voice the need for culturally-sensitive assistance, including and not limited to: 1. Application navigation 2. Access to Spanish-language contracts and grant agreements 3. Accurate, culturally competent Spanish translations of …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Michelle Rojas, 512-974-3771, Michelle.Rojas@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Angelica Navarro (D-8), Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro (D-10), Member Lynda Quintana (D-6), Member Noemi Castro (D-2), Member Raul “Roy” Reyna (D-1), Member Alexander “Al” Duarte (D-7), Member Selma Sanchez (D-9), Member John Estrada (D-3), Member Vacant (D-4), Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera (D-5), Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz (Mayor), Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB- MACC) regular meeting of March 25, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on March and April programs, marketing and outreach efforts, signature event planning, and staffing updates. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment & Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services Update on future Capital Improvement Project (CIP) plan regarding the replacement of the hot water line. (Sponsors: Reyna, Castro) Presenter(s): Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa- Saenz) Approve a letter of support to City Council on the naming of a space at the Mexican American Cultural Center after Vanessa Guillen. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Reactivate the Awards of Excellence Working Group to discuss nominations for 2026 awardees, selection committee, …
ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 1, 2026 EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) convened in a Regular meeting on April 1, 2026, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. (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 6:05 p.m. The agenda was amended to move Item 5, “Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair,” to the final Discussion and Action Item, Item 9. All remaining action items were reordered accordingly and moved up in sequence. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Noemi Castro, Alexander “Al” Duarte (arrived at 6:14pm), John Estrada. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Raul “Roy” Reyna. Board Members Absent: Lynda Quintana, Selma Sanchez. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez, Artistic Director of Proyecto Teatro, shared that Latino communities in the city had experienced significant and disproportionate disinvestment over the past 40 years, highlighting the prevalence of million-dollar investments benefiting primarily white institutions and questioned the lack of comparable funding advancing Latino culture. He expressed disappointment when he saw that the six recommendations presented during the March board meeting were not included on the April agenda, noting that they were developed by members of the cultural ecosystem to advance Latino culture. He urged the board to place those recommendations on a future agenda, emphasizing their importance and possibility to provide critical, potentially life-saving support for the Latino cultural ecosystem. Speaker 2: Hector Ordaz Gutiérrez, Audiovisual Director of Proyecto Teatro registered to speak on item 7 & 8. Speaker 3: Gonzalo Barrientos, Former State Senator stated that it took decades to establish the Mexican American Cultural Center. Following its establishment, challenges arose regarding organizational oversight and management. He explained that over the years he received numerous inquiries about the MACC and had typically referred individuals to the advisory committee or City Council. He expressed his willingness to assist the Board with specific matters when appropriate but stressed that the Board must represent the community’s interests. Mr. Barrientos drew attention to the importance of engaging with City Council members, noting that they play a key role in advancing initiatives and addressing community concerns. He provided an example involving a mural by …
ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 1, 2026 EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) convened in a Regular meeting on April 1, 2026, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. (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 6:05 p.m. The agenda was amended to move Item 5, “Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair,” to the final Discussion and Action Item, Item 9. All remaining action items were reordered accordingly and moved up in sequence. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Noemi Castro, Alexander “Al” Duarte (arrived at 6:14pm), John Estrada. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Raul “Roy” Reyna. Board Members Absent: Lynda Quintana, Selma Sanchez. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez, Artistic Director of Proyecto Teatro, shared that Latino communities in the city had experienced significant and disproportionate disinvestment over the past 40 years, highlighting the prevalence of million-dollar investments benefiting primarily white institutions and questioned the lack of comparable funding advancing Latino culture. He expressed disappointment when he saw that the six recommendations presented during the March board meeting were not included on the April agenda, noting that they were developed by members of the cultural ecosystem to advance Latino culture. He urged the board to place those recommendations on a future agenda, emphasizing their importance and possibility to provide critical, potentially life-saving support for the Latino cultural ecosystem. Speaker 2: Hector Ordaz Gutiérrez, Audiovisual Director of Proyecto Teatro registered to speak on item 7 & 8. Speaker 3: Gonzalo Barrientos, Former State Senator stated that it took decades to establish the Mexican American Cultural Center. Following its establishment, challenges arose regarding organizational oversight and management. He explained that over the years he received numerous inquiries about the MACC and had typically referred individuals to the advisory committee or City Council. He expressed his willingness to assist the Board with specific matters when appropriate but stressed that the Board must represent the community’s interests. Mr. Barrientos drew attention to the importance of engaging with City Council members, noting that they play a key role in advancing initiatives and addressing community concerns. He provided an example involving a mural by …
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | April 1, 2026 Award Announcements! 731 Awards announced on March 16th (1,606 applications submitted) $24+ million in grant awards ($67+ million in requests) Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program • 399 awards • $7.14 million • 22 awards • $1.32 million Elevate • 288 awards • $12.8 million Heritage Preservation Grant • 22 awards • $3 million 2 Awardee Demographics Race 322 White (46.3%) 129 Hispanic (18.5%) 86 Black (12.4%) 43 Asian (6.2%) Gender 296 Women (42.5%) 302 Men (43.4%) 44 Nonbinary (6.3%) 54 Prefer not to say (7.8%) 9 Middle Eastern, North African, Arab (1.3%) 5 Native American (0.7%) 46 Multiracial (6.6%) LGBTQ: 185 (26.6%) Disability Community: 77 (11.1%) 56 Prefer not to say/ not listed (8%) Veteran: 7 (1%) 3 Awardee Discipline 422 Music (60.6%) 14 Art/Music Therapy (2.0%) 55 Multidisciplinary (7.9%) 10 Literary Arts (1.4%) 28 Theatre/Musical Theatre/Opera (4.0%) 9 Media Arts (1.3%) 26 Film, Video, & TV Production (3.7%) 6 Other (0.9%) 25 Cultural Heritage/History (3.6%) 5 Folk & Traditional Arts (0.7%) 24 Arts Education (3.4%) 4 Historic Preservation (0.6%) 23 Dance (3.3%) 4 Museums (0.6%) 21 Art Service Organization (3.0%) 2 Legacy and Small Business (0.3%) 17 Visual Arts (2.4%) 1 Design Arts (0.1%) 4 Questions? www.austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding
4.1.26 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Past: February Highlights Casa de la Cultura APRENDE A NADAR – BILINGUAL SWIM LESSONS January 15th – February 28th | Thursdays and Saturdays: Bartholomew Pool Attendance:46 Casa de la Cultura hosted bilingual swim lessons at Bartholomew pool for all ages. “Aprende a Nadar” provided swim instruction and water safety skills twice a week between January 15th and February 28th. The class series concluded with a celebration, awarding swimmers with treats and certificates of completion. The youngest swimmer, a 9-year- old girl, joined the class with her mother to continue practicing their Spanish. They were often accompanied by the child’s grandmother, who cheered them on from the sidelines. The mother emphasized the importance of her daughter growing up learning and practicing Spanish. With an average class size of 10 participants, the instruction was tailored to help those who previously lacked confidence in the water. By the end of the class series, both the 9-year-old and her mother had become independent swimmers. “My favorite thing about this class is the consistency of this swimming class and seeing everyone progress at the same time” - Swimmer Jonathan “Llegue con mucho susto, pero los profesores han sidos maravillosos para sentirme tranquila en el agua. Ahora es mucho mas facil de desenvolverse bien en el agua” - Swimmer Carolina “When I started, I was very scared to be in the water, and now I feel very confident. Las clases son muy divertidas y aprendendemos mucho!” Swimmer Minerva HEALING CON CACAO February 21st Saturday at 1pm – 3pm | Mendez Recreation Center Attendance: 20 Cacao holds the profound power of gathering and healing. Many people believe cacao helps open the heart, encourage kindness, and bring a sense of connection to yourself and others. Paulina Bermeo, the Healing Con Cacao Instructor who works with Sana Yoga, led 20 participants in a guided journey with the senses while they tasted cacao, shared stories, and moved their bodies in a safe space. “I loved that the program was in Spanish with English as needed. I think it helped people feel welcome and included. I loved the stories people told. The facilitator was incredibly astute and created a very safe, calming space. She was incredibly culturally informed and taught not just techniques but …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER Phase 2 Improvements MACC Advisor y Board Update Heidi Tse Capital Delivery Project Manager April 1, 2026 Milestones Reached Certificate of Occupancy Substantial Completion March 4, 2026 February 19, 2026 Programs Begin Parking Lot Opens Late April May 1 Re-Opening Celebrations June 6 Waterloo Greenway Phase II The Confluence opening June 6 Drone Footage December 2026 https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/projects/emma-s- barrientos-mexican-american-cultural-center-phase-2- improvements Questions ? Square Foot Analysis
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER Heating Hot Water Loop Leak Update Heidi Tse Capital Delivery Project Manager April 1, 2026 Phase A Methods used to locate leak and damages to the HHWL line • Ground Penetrating Radar • Correlation Testing • Selective excavation to perform • Isolate legs of lines for testing • CCTV (camera) video the lines • Repairs estimated one week • Re-pressurizing the lines • Perform final correlation test • Partial Repair Work Completed • 3 Areas of Pipe Repaired • 3 Isolation valve added • Backfill and New Valve Vaults (April) • Re-pave/re-stripe Phase B • Water loss has doubled since 3/27/26 • Contractor can not fully complete commissioning (test equipment operations) of the building • Engaging a separate general contractor specializes in hydronic lines • Full turnkey (Hydronic/Civil Engineers, Plumbing, Paving & Right of way work. • Meeting with Contractor tomorrow 4/2/26. Probable leak at valves Line with leak Line with no leak Manhole Valves Questions ?
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER - EVENT CENTER, FIRST FLOOR, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Michelle Rojas, 512-974-3771, Michelle.Rojas@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Angelica Navarro (D-8), Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro (D-10), Member Lynda Quintana (D-6), Member Noemi Castro (D-2), Member Raul “Roy” Reyna (D-1), Member Alexander “Al” Duarte (D-7), Member Selma Sanchez (D-9), Member John Estrada (D-3), Member Vacant (D-4), Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera (D-5), Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz (Mayor), Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB- MACC) regular meeting of February 4, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on the Teen Camino’s programs Breaking Barriers event and The Big We event hosted by the Asian American Resource Center in collaboration with A3 Art Alliance Austin. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment & Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Presentation and recommendation to support Academia Cuahtli’s FY 2026–2027 budget recommendation of $130,000 and the creation of a full-time Program Director position. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Dr. María Del Carmen Unda, Co-Convener, Academia Cuauhtli, Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of Texas at Austin Approve a recommendation and letter to City Council on FY27 budget. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Approve a request for a $515,000 increase to the FY2027 Latino/a/e Artist Access Program (LAAP) budget to support dedicated technical and marketing staff capacity; fund essential lighting and sound infrastructure upgrades; and expand cohort size and …
3.25.26 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! Caminos Teen Leadership Program Upcoming: 2026 8th ANNUAL BREAKING BARRIERS YOUTH MENTAL WELLNESS DAY March 28, 10 AM – 3 PM Millenium Youth Entertainment Complex Link to RSVP on Eventbrite Save the date, March 28, for this year’s Breaking Barriers event designed, planned, and coordinated for teens-by-teens. This event It is a safe space to "break barriers" in mental health stigmas for teens via connection through community conversations and creative artmaking. Activities include screen printing, live music, zine-making, and more. Note: You can attend without an RSVP, but RSVPs will be needed in order to secure your lunch! *HS Volunteer Credit: All you'll need is your volunteer paperwork for sta(cid:431) to sign at the event, email Eufemia Rivera at eufemia.rivera@austintexas.gov for more details. Follow the program on Instagram @atxcaminos to stay updated! Breaking Barriers (Rompiendo Barreras) is an annual event advocating for mental health awareness created by teens, for teens! Join us for a powerful day to share thoughts, ideas, art, and music by teens, for teens! Breaking Barriers is an annual event led by the teens in the ESB-MACC's Caminos Teen Leadership Program. It is a safe space to "break barriers" in mental health stigmas for teens and find connection with one another! Breaking Barriers is a space for conversation, connection, and creation–We want to empower each other to break barriers, talk about our experiences (or not), and heal through creating, and building community with other teens (Ages 13-18). ACTIVITIES: Screen printing (totebags, caps, t-shirts, and more) Lunch and Snacks provided (IF you RSVP*) Live Music and Community Conversations Crafts like Jewelry Making, Air dry clay, etc Collaborations Upcoming: Art Alliance Austin Presents: The Big We Friday, 3/27 12:00pm-8:00pm Saturday, 3/28 9:00am-12:00pm Asian American Resource Center The Big We: A Creative Convening | AustinTexas.gov WHAT IS THIS EVENT?! Austin’s creative community has experienced a perfect storm of reductions or delays in Federal, State, and City funding; a lack of performance, rehearsal, and studio space; and little civic infrastructure to provide a safety net for artists, performers, and arts organizations when hard times fall. More than a few arts spaces and institutions have closed, some as old as 35 years, while arts organizations “hunker down” into silos, to keep producing their work on …
TO: Mayor and Austin City Council FROM: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board DATE: March 25, 2026 SUBJECT: Support for Funding Value-Engineered Items and Staffing – ESB-MACC Phase 2 Dear Mayor and Members of the Austin City Council, On behalf of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) Advisory Board, we write to express our strong support for key investments needed to ensure the successful completion and long-term operation of the Phase 2 expansion. First, we recommend that City Council approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the ESB-MACC as it will be presented by staff. This includes support for an increased operating budget proportionate to the expanded size, scope, and utilization of the facility, as allowable. Ensuring that operational funding scales appropriately with the facility’s growth is essential to fully activate the space and deliver high-quality programming, maintenance, and community services. We further urge the inclusion and funding of the value-engineered (VE) items associated with the Phase 2 expansion in the City of Austin’s upcoming annual budget. As outlined in the January 5, 2024 memorandum provided by the Parks and Recreation Department (attached for reference to the detailed VE items and estimated costs), approximately $6 million in construction scope was removed from the Phase 2 project through value engineering processes. While these reductions were necessary to align with prior budget constraints, they represent critical components that directly impact the functionality, accessibility, cultural relevance, and long-term sustainability of the facility. Importantly, the Phase 2 design reflects extensive public comment and community input gathered over multiple years. The elements that were value-engineered out are not incidental—they are directly tied to the community-informed vision for what this cultural center should be. As such, restoring these components through future funding is not only a matter of project completion, but of honoring the voices, priorities, and expectations of the Austin community. The deferred items include, but are not limited to: ● Auditorium and lobby renovations essential for community programming and performances ● Black Box theater upgrades, including projection, lighting, and sound improvements ● Expansion of parking capacity to better accommodate visitors and large-scale events ● Modern wayfinding systems, including digital kiosks and directories ● Rehabilitation of restrooms and upgrades to public-facing infrastructure ● Acoustical treatments and gallery enhancements to preserve the integrity of exhibitions ● Solar panel installation to advance the City’s sustainability goals ● Landscape improvements and …
ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 4, 2026 EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on February 4, 2026, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. (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 6:13 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Noemi Castro, John Estrada, Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Raul “Roy” Reyna. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lynda Quintana. Board Members Absent: Alexander “Al” Duarte, Selma Sanchez. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Hector Ordaz signed up to speak on agenda item 4, “Discussion on FY26-27 budget priorities regarding building operations, programming, and event planning.” APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of January 7, 2026. The minutes from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of January 7, 2026, were approved on Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz motion. Board Member Reyna seconded. Motion passed on an 8-0 vote. Board Members Duarte and Sanchez absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on January and February programs, marketing and outreach efforts, signature event planning, and staffing updates. Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME), reported on Casa de la Cultura programs, Youth and Family Education programs; Caminos Teen Leadership programming, current and upcoming marketing and outreach efforts; signature events; collaborations; the Latino/a/e Artist Access Program (LAAP); and staffing updates. (Please see the Board and Commissions Website for backup material.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. 1 ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 4, 2026 Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services, provided an update on the Phase 2 Construction Project. The update included estimated and substantial completion timelines; temporary certificate and certificate of occupancy; project milestones; emergency project items; and construction progress photos. (Please see the Board and Commissions Website for backup material.) The meeting was recessed at 7:27p.m. until 7:34p.m. without objection. Discussion on FY26-27 budget priorities regarding building operations, programming, and 4. event planning. Public Communication General Speaker: Hector Ordaz, introduced himself as an artist and as a member of several working groups, including the Hispanic Quality of Life Commission, …
ACADEMIA CUAUHTLI ACADEMIACUAUHTLI.COM MISSION STATEMENT WHO DO WE SERVE? 2022 CONVENERS Academia Cuauhtli (Eagle Academy) is a culturally sustaining, languagerevitalization, out-of-school program for elementary schoolIndigenous/Latinx and emergent bilingual students attending the AustinIndependent School District (AISD). Academia Cuauhtli offers instructionand a co-constructed curriculum in Indigenous, Mexican American, TejanoStudies, and STEM courses in both English and Spanish. Located at theEmma S. Barrientos, Mexican American Cultural Center, Our Saturdayclasses are entirely free and taught in Spanish by AISD master duallanguage teachers. As a community of educators, we provide rich, culturally-relevant lessons.Informed by research, our certified, master bilingual educators providecurriculum and pedagogy that promotes academic achievement, ethnicpride, and a positive sense of family and community.Honor our community’s cultural heritage, fostera social justice consciousness, and reclaim ourcollective identity in pursuit of educationalfreedom.AISD Title 1 SchoolsBilingual teachersSpanish-speaking students and familiesDr. Angela ValenzuelaDr. Emilio ZamoraDr. Christopher Milk Bonilla TESTIMONIALS NUMBER OF LIVES IMPACTED Teachers 72 Students 429 NUMBER OF PD CLASSES 200 Teachers completed professional development workshops with Academia Cuauhtli YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE MENTORSHIP 3-21 yrs. 40+ Mentored successfully graduate students of color. Three whom are now professors. academiacuauhtli.ut@gmail.com │ 512-364-0700 https://www.facebook.com/AcademiaCuauhtli"As teachers, we get to teach for the sheer joy of teaching and the students get to learn just for the sake of acquiring knowledge. The students do not have to worry about standardized tests here. We cover topics thatare near and dear to their hearts—their language and culture." - Cuauhtli Teacher"Academia Cuauhtli is a place for kids to learn about their culture, roots, and reinforce their identity. I want my children to learn values and other important lessons so when they grow upthey are confident. Cuauhtli teaches them values that they may not fully understand now but I am sure they will remember these lessons later on and understand." - 2017-18 ParentAcademia Cuauhtli is part of NLERAPP, a tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) About Academia Cuauhtli & Nuestro Grupo Nuestro Grupo, meaning "Our Group," originated from a pivotal meeting held at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) on September 20, 2013. This gathering, organized by the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Center for Education Policy (TCEP) under the leadership of Dr. Angela Valenzuela, brought together seasoned community leaders to address literacy and curriculum issues within Austin's Mexican-origin community. Against the backdrop of a statewide movement for Mexican American studies, Nuestro Grupo emerged as a response to the expressed …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260325-3 Date: March 25, 2026 Subject: FY2027 Budget Recommendation – Funding for Academia Cuauhtli Motioned By: Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz Seconded By: Board Member Quintana 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 2027. 1. 2. Support funding for Academia Cuauhtli’s FY27 operating expenses in the amount of $130,000. Add one full-time Program Director position. 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 partnerships 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’s 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 $130,000 and the addition of one full time Program Director position to support the academic and cultural growth, sense of identity, and belonging of indigenous, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking youth in Austin. 1 of 2 Vote: Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz motioned to add Academia Cuahtli’s $130,000 request to the 2027 budget recommendation. Board Member Quintana seconded on a 7-1 vote. Board Members Duarte and Sanchez absent. For: Chair Angelica Navarro, Vice Chair Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Board Member Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Board Member John Estrada, Board Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Board Member Lynda Quintana, Board Member Raul “Roy” Reyna Against: Board Member Noemi Castro Abstain: Absent: Board Member Alexander “Al” Duarte, Board Member Selma Sanchez Attest: ___________________________ Michelle Rojas, Staff Liaison 2 of 2 TO: Mayor and Austin City Council FROM: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board DATE: March 31, 2026 SUBJECT: …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260325-004 Date: March 25, 2026 Subject: FY2027 Budget Recommendation - Support for Funding Value-Engineered Items and Staffing – ESB-MACC Phase 2 Motioned By: Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz Seconded 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 2027. 1. Approval of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget (as Recommended by Staff) First and foremost, we recommend that City Council approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the ESB-MACC as it will be presented by staff. This includes support for an increased operating budget proportionate to the expanded size, scope, and utilization of the facility, as allowable. Ensuring that operational funding scales appropriately with the facility’s growth is essential to fully activate the space and deliver high-quality programming, maintenance, and community services. 2. Funding for Value-Engineered (VE) Items – Phase 2 Expansion We urge the inclusion and funding of the value-engineered (VE) items associated with the Phase 2 expansion in the City of Austin’s upcoming annual budget. As outlined in the January 5, 2024, memorandum provided by the Parks and Recreation Department (attached for reference to the detailed VE items and estimated costs), approximately $6 million in construction scope was removed from the Phase 2 project through value engineering processes. While these reductions were necessary to align with prior budget constraints, they represent critical components that directly impact the functionality, accessibility, cultural relevance, and long-term sustainability of the facility. Importantly, the Phase 2 design reflects extensive public comment and community input gathered over multiple years. The elements that were value-engineered out are not incidental—they are directly tied to the community-informed vision for what this cultural center should be. As such, restoring these components through future funding is not only a matter of project completion, but of honoring the voices, priorities, and expectations of the Austin community. One specific example of a high-impact value-engineered item is the stage in the Zócalo, which was removed despite being a relatively modest investment (approximately $52,000). This stage is essential for activating the outdoor space with live performances, cultural programming, and community events—core functions of the ESB-MACC’s mission. We respectfully request that this stage be funded in accordance with the cost outlined in the attached supporting documentation. …
ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 25, 2026 EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) convened in a Special Called meeting on March 25, 2026, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. (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 6:03 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Hilario “Larry” Amaro (arrived at 6:27 p.m.), Noemi Castro, John Estrada, Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Raul “Roy” Reyna, Selma Sanchez (arrived at 7:18 p.m.). Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lynda Quintana (left at 8:56 p.m.). Board Members Absent: Alexander “Al” Duarte. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1: Anna Maciel, community activist, addressed the board regarding the following items: • Grant Awards: Requested demographic data on City of Austin grant recipients, including the percentage of Hispanic awardees. • Pan Am Hillside Event: Inquired whether the MACC would host the traditional event upon reopening. Emphasized its importance and requested timely notification if the event would not be held to allow coordination with other organizations. • Part-Time Staffing: Requested information on the status and duration of part-time positions at the MACC. Expressed concern regarding extended part-time employment and requested board consideration of the issue as a future agenda item. Speaker 2: Valeria Guillen, family member of the late Vanessa Guillen, shared with the board that Vanessa was a U.S. Army soldier who brought national attention to issues of sexual harassment. She proposed that the MACC consider dedicating an art room or garden space in Vanessa’s honor. Ms. Guillen explained that the initiative would serve as a place of healing for the community, while also raising awareness and promoting safety, emotional support, and creative expression. She further outlined her vision for the space in the art room, and that the garden serve as a site for an annual memorial in her remembrance. Speaker 3 & 4: Hector Ordaz Gutiérrez and Raquel Rivera donated their three minutes to Speaker 5, allowing him nine minutes to share a comprehensive update on cultural funding. Speaker 5: Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez, Artistic Director of Proyecto Teatro provided an overview of the Latino community’s experience in Austin. Particularly in relationship with cultural funding. He shared recent updates from the Arts Commission and Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Michelle Rojas, 512-974-3771, Michelle.Rojas@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Angelica Navarro (D-8), Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro (D-10), Member Lynda Quintana (D-6), Member Noemi Castro (D-2), Member Raul “Roy” Reyna (D-1), Member Alexander “Al” Duarte (D-7), Member Selma Sanchez (D-9), Member John Estrada (D-3), Member Vacant (D-4), Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera (D-5), Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz (Mayor), Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of January 7, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on January and February programs, marketing and outreach efforts, signature event planning, and staffing updates. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment & Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services Discussion on FY26-27 budget priorities regarding building operations, programming, and event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presentation by community members on their experience with Cultural Arts funding. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Luis Ordaz, Hector Ordaz of Proyecto Teatro, Raquel Rivera of SUREM Dance, and Guicha Gutierrez of CasaCostura Presentation by past participants on their experience with the ESB MACC Latino Arts Residency Program. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Luis Ordaz, Hector Ordaz of Proyecto Teatro and Dr. Roen Salinas of Aztlan Dance Company DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Presentation and recommendation by Iván Dávila, Chair …
ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2026 EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026 MINUTES The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on January 7, 2026, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. (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 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Noemi Castro, Alexander “Al” Duarte, John Estrada, Raul “Roy” Reyna, Selma Sanchez. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Cynthia “Cy” Herrera (arrived at 6:34 p.m.), Lynda Quintana. Board Members Absent: Anthony Martinez. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Mateo Hernandez, Teatro Vivo Board Member, reported on Teatro Vivo’s collaboration with the MACC on the production of La Pastorela. He noted that the event had a strong turnout, reaching more than 160 audience members, and that attendees expressed their gratitude for a bilingual performance that was culturally relevant to Latine communities. Mr. Hernandez shared that this year’s performance was designed as a participatory experience, inviting the audience to actively become a part of the story. He concluded by thanking MACC staff, AARC Staff, and Board Member Amaro for their support and contributions to the success of the production. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of November 5, 2025. The minutes from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of November 5, 2025, were approved as amended on a motion by Board Member Duarte and a second by Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz. Amendments included revisions to Discussion Item 5, clarification of terminology from “Mexican American” to “Mexican- American.” The motion passed on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Herrera and Martinez absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on November, December, and January programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Erik Granados, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment, gave a briefing on Casa de la Cultura programming. 1 ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2026 Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment, reported on Youth and Family Education programs; Caminos Teen Leadership programming; current and upcoming marketing and outreach efforts; signature events; collaborations; the Latino/a/e Artist Access …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER Phase 2 Improvements MACC Advisor y Board Update Heidi Tse Capital Delivery Project Manager February 4, 2026 Estimated Completion Late Spring 2026 The Re-opening may occur sometime between the project’s substantial completion and final completion. Substantial Completion (contractual term) 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. Must achieve TCO at a minimum. The anticipated project completion timeline is: 1. Target Substantial Completion: 11/03/25 11/19/25 12/2025 Late 2/2026 or 3/2026 2. Target Re-opening Late Spring 2026 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) grants temporary, conditional use of a building for stocking or furnishing before all construction work is fully completed. MACC full building TCO on 1/23/2026 Certificate of Occupancy (CO) that proves a structure is habitable based on its legal use and type of property and meets all building codes. Targeted for Late February – March 2026 TCO vs CO Substantial Completion (Contract Promised Date 9/11/25) : 1. Create Punchlist of work to be remediated • Begin generating official Punchlist with each design discipline for conformity of design intent from December 2025 - January 2026 Items to complete: • January 2, 2026 – 3,335 January 29, 2026 - 1,699 • • • Completed ~50% 2. Provide Training for MACC staff on building systems. • Begin December 2025 - January 2026 Theatrical Rigging System (116133) Food Service Equipment (114000) Fire Suppression (211313) Heat Tracing (220533) Electric Water Heaters (223333) Direct Digital Control System for HVAC (230923) Water Treatment for Hydronic Systems (232500) Access Control System (281300) Video Surveillance System (282300) Network Lighting Controls (260943) Scheduled for 2/2 Multi-Purpose and Classroom A-V Systems (274120) 2/1 Project Milestones Updates • 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 Major Construction Ends: February 2025 • Target Stocking: Late February 2026 • Target Staff Move-In: March 2026 • Target Grand Re-Opening: Late Spring 2026 Emergency Project • The The pipe has deteriorated to the point that 6” steel ductile is peeling off as layers with the 2” insulation. The picture indicates rust and stress …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER Phase 2 Improvements MACC Advisor y Board Update Heidi Tse Capital Delivery Project Manager February 4, 2026 Estimated Completion Late Spring 2026 The Re-opening may occur sometime between the project’s substantial completion and final completion. Substantial Completion (contractual term) 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. Must achieve TCO at a minimum. The anticipated project completion timeline is: 1. Target Substantial Completion: 11/03/25 11/19/25 12/2025 Late 2/2026 or 3/2026 2. Target Re-opening Late Spring 2026 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) grants temporary, conditional use of a building for stocking or furnishing before all construction work is fully completed. MACC building additions TCO on 1/23/2026 MACC existing building TCO Stocking only. Certificate of Occupancy (CO) that proves a structure is habitable based on its legal use and type of property and meets all building codes. Targeted for Late February – March 2026 TCO vs CO Substantial Completion (Contract Promised Date 9/11/25) : 1. Create Punchlist of work to be remediated • Begin generating official Punchlist with each design discipline for conformity of design intent from December 2025 - January 2026 Items to complete: • January 2, 2026 – 3,335 January 29, 2026 - 1,699 • • • Completed ~50% 2. Provide Training for MACC staff on building systems. • Begin December 2025 - January 2026 Theatrical Rigging System (116133) Food Service Equipment (114000) Fire Suppression (211313) Heat Tracing (220533) Electric Water Heaters (223333) Direct Digital Control System for HVAC (230923) Water Treatment for Hydronic Systems (232500) Access Control System (281300) Video Surveillance System (282300) Network Lighting Controls (260943) Multi-Purpose and Classroom A-V Systems (274120) Project Milestones Updates • 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 Major Construction Ends: February 2025 • Target Stocking: Late February 2026 • Target Staff Move-In: March 2026 • Target Grand Re-Opening: Late Spring 2026 Emergency Project • The The pipe has deteriorated to the point that 6” steel ductile iron is peeling off as layers with the 2” insulation. The picture indicates …
“Briefing by community members on their experience with Cultural Arts funding.” Luis Ordaz Gutierrez, Executive Director of ProyectoTEATRO Dr. Roen Salinas, Executive Director of Aztlan Dance Company Raquel Rivera, Executive Director of Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico de TX. Brief History of Austin’s Cultural Funding Programs 2020: Pause and Redesign 2020: Pause and Redesign 2023 Reset 2020: Pause and Redesign FY2025-2026 FY2025-2026 Closing
City of austin’s Cultural arts funding -------------------------------- Briefing by community artists on their experience with the city’s fuding programs Advisory Board Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz Presenters: Dr. Róen Salinas | Aztlan Dance Company Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez | ProyectoTEATRO Hector Ordaz Gutiérrez | ProyectoTEATRO Raquel Rivera | SUREM & Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico Brief history 40+ years of cultural arts funding • HOT Tax funding source • Long standing cultural contractors include all LARP artists to date • Institutionalized and systemic underfunding of non-white artists since programs were rolled out in the late 70s / early 80s. Issues are rooted in inequitable funding eligibility qualifications, budget matrices that favor white socioeconomic levels, and language accessibility barriers for non-english speaking artists. 1 2020: Funding distribution for Latino arts published 40+ years inequitable distribution All City of Austin cultural arts funding programs are frozen per 3rd party consultant recommendation. Research recommends: • More program outreach and accessibility communities. • Equal representation in the distribution of the cultural art funding • Priority to vulnerable communities that had been historically left out • Ability to apply in other languages other than english for BIPOC 2015-2021: Latino community only receives 9% of entire city funding. Pause, redesigning, and reset 2020 and beyond New Funding levels are proposed as: • Thrive for large organizations • Elevate for medium organizations • Nexus for small organizations or emerging artists With new funding matrices, less challenging applications, fewer eligibility requirements and… The opportunity to apply in 7 languages other than english! Latino artist can finally apply in Spanish! 3 Issues and challenges for spanish-speakers The start of a series of language accessibility issues Inaugural 2023 reset launch of new programs: • Negligent Translation errors; deadline to allow for Spanish speakers to receive application support. No contracts in spanish available. City moves to extend 2024 2nd Cycle of New Fudning programs: • Negligent Translation errors, community, poor attempts at supporting spanish speakers. Hispanic Quality of LIfe makes recommendation → No outreach to Latino 2025 3rd Cycle of New Fudning programs: • Negligent Translation errors, confusing eligibility process, lack of spanish language replies, still no contracts in spanish. 4 5 Community ask Moving forward 1. Appropriate outreach to Latino community regarding funding programs 2. Human translations of all documents in the process 3. Oversight of spanish-language process in its entirety 4. Contracts in Spanish 5. Metrics and data regarding distribution amounts of cultural …
esb-macc latino arts residency program -------------------------------- Briefing by past participants on their experience with the macc’s residency program from 2008-2021 Advisory Board Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz Presenters: Dr. Róen Salinas | Aztlan Dance Company Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez | ProyectoTEATRO Hector Ordaz Gutiérrez | ProyectoTEATRO Javier Jara | Los Bohemios Perdidos Juan Oyervides | Past MACC Advisory Board Chair 2008 grand opening & the first years A phase of trial and error driven by community feedback • Difficulty for artists and arts organizations to access the MACC for rehearsals, performances, and classes. Rental rates too expensive for community artists. High rates comparable to private event spaces for quinces and galas . • Operating hours were the same as city recreation centers; closing at 5PM during the week and 6PM on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays. • Staff aggressions towards community artists. The community spoke out and these issues catalyzed the creation of the LARP program. 2 Latino arts residency program larp The following 4 arts organizations led the inaugural 2013 LARP cohort 3 larp Feedback & Recommendations Inaugural cohort shared these recommendations to improve LARP: MACC Facility: Most spaces at the MACC were not appropriate for artists’ creative process nor performances. It was evident that artists’ were not part of the design and build-out of any of the rooms throughout the cultural center. Remodeling recommendations were made to 5 spaces. Policies and Procedures: Operation procedures hindered the standard creative process of arts organizations. LARP programs clashed with ESB-MACC programs. Calendar process was implemented by LARPers. Hours of Operation did not align with a cultural center. Rehearsal hours were granted till 10PM and Performance nights were granted till 11PM. Staff: PARD Staff did not have the experience to support and maintain the MACC’s technical inventory nor the LARP program itself. • Tech Coordinator was created • LARP coordinator was created • PT assisted in tech trainings for MACC staff • Tech equipment inventory was created 4 Multipurpose auditorium→ Performance auditorium • Install risers to correct audience sightlines • Paint curved wall black in lieu of wall removal • Install raised Tech booth • Install lighting grid + dimmer controls • Install choir mics • Install acoustic panels (shells) • Install speakers for front of house sound R r RR Rr Rr rr multi-use “Black box”→ Performance Black box • Paint all silver aluminum walls black R r RR Rr • Shift lighting grid & …
