City of Austin Council Message Board

Colleagues—

On the upcoming council meeting agenda, there are three items that award three contracts to national artists for projects at our new airport expansion.

Though I believe that the work of these artists is important, I've always believed that any art work that we place in the airport should highlight the importance of our local artist and highlight Austin’s creative, cultural community.

I believe we should have a conversation about these contracts before moving forward at the upcoming work session. I plan to pull the three items for discussion and look forward to the dialogue.

Thanks

Kirk

On Behalf of Mayor Watson

Thank you, Mayor, for pulling these items for discussion. I also believe in the importance of highlighting our local artists through our public investments, especially at the airport where we welcome so many people to Austin. I'm concerned about the lack of local artists included this phase of the development. I know we will learn about how local artist will participate in future phases, and I'd like to encourage staff to get creative on how we can engage with local artist at this specific phase of the expansion program. I look forward to the discussion on Tuesday.

In community,
Vanessa

Council Members:

I wanted to make sure you all are aware that staff has paused Phase I of the public art plan at the airport. The reason given was to reassess the artist selection process and it was also stated the pause is “to ensure meaningful participation from Austin-based artists”. You received a memo from the Director of the Austin Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment late yesterday.

Consequently, the items will not be on the agenda this week and there will not be a need to discuss them at the work session.

I have asked that the Council be updated on the ACME office’s efforts to reassess the artist selection process to assure meaningful participation from Austin-based artists including updates on how the efforts that are now about to happen on Phase II and Phase III will proceed.

I know we all look forward to working with city staff and appreciate the work they will be taking to emphasize the importance of our local artists.

http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 092843.pdf

Thanks

Kirk
On Behalf of Mayor Watson