Austin puts out public art call
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The city of Austin on Tuesday launches an open call for major public art projects.
Why it matters: Art enlivens our city, and this is a way talented artists can win hefty commissions for their work.
Driving the news: The city's Art in Public Places program is putting out a call for local professional artists.
- Applications open Tuesday and close Oct. 22.
- Eligibility is open to visual artists who reside in Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet and Blanco counties and are at least 18 years old, per the city callouts.
Follow the money: Artists are invited to propose ideas for public artworks across seven locations in Austin, with budgets ranging from $100,000 to $625,000.
- By city of Austin rules, 2% of eligible capital improvement project budgets are set aside to commission artists or purchase art for city-owned property and facilities.
- Since Austin's Art in Public Places program was established in 1985, the program has commissioned at least 365 works.
What they're saying: "These open calls demonstrate our ongoing efforts to enriching Austin's public spaces with artwork that not only celebrates our city's diversity but also sparks innovation and cultural relevance," says Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, director of the city's economic development department, which oversees the program.
- "We're excited to provide opportunities for local artists to contribute to the creative spirit that keeps Austin 'weird.'"
Details: The city is seeking art proposals for the following spots.
- Elisabet Ney Museum Grounds, artwork budget $100,000
- Armadillo Water Tank Mural at 910 Armadillo Road, $133,000
- Walter E. Long and John Treviño Jr. metro parks, $100,100
- Johnny Morris Road, $190,000
- Ross Road, $330,000
- Red Bud Isle, $625,000
Between the lines: All the open calls seek work that "enhances the aesthetic quality of public places," "integrates with the site," "is easily maintained and vandal resistant" and lasts at least 20 years, according to the City of Austin and Art in Public Places.
- The Armadillo Water Tank mural should honor the "legacy of the Armadillo World Headquarters and the vibrant spirit of music, art, and creativity that defined the area."
- The Red Bud Isle artwork should tie together the stories of the nearby dam, the flooding and the current use of the site as a dog park, and create "a peaceful, calm and serene setting for visitors of all ages and species."
What's next: The city is hosting info sessions for artists on Oct. 3 and 14.