AUSTIN, Texas — The city of Austin, as part of the Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) and in collaboration with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), is inviting artists to apply to have their work featured at the airport.
Until March 31, Austin-based artists and artist-led teams, as well as artists nationally, can submit applications of collaboration, design, fabrication and installation to be featured at the airport.
The initiative for new installations follows the city’s AIPP ordinance, passed in 1985, which allows for 2% of eligible funding toward improvement project budgets to go towards public art. The projects would be funded through airport revenue and revenue bonds, not taxpayer money from the city.
According to a spokesperson with the Economic Development Department, of the 18 permanent artworks at AUS commissioned through AIPP, 12 are authored by artists who are from or live in Austin.
An AUS spokesperson said there are two art programs for the airport. The second involves rotating art, managed by the Department of Aviation, which features local artists only.
Local artists raise concerns
Local art advocates have voiced concerns over the selection process. Jake Bryer, the cofounder of Austin Art Garage, criticized the outreach efforts.
“You would think that maybe part of [the budget] should be allocated towards marketing to let local artists know,” Bryer said, noting that he was unaware of the opportunity despite owning a gallery specializing in local art.
At the same time, Bryer said he knows some of the out-of-state artists have large teams for large installation projects, but local artists are what keep Austin weird.
“Those people bring a vibrance to our culture here, and if we’re supporting local artists then we’re supporting people that beautify our town – not San Francisco, not Chicago, not New York,” Bryer said.
Balancing local and national talent
The Economic Development Department said the AIPP program artist selection is dependent on the scale, specialty, complexity, experience level and specific requirements for each project.
In a statement, a spokesperson said, “While some projects may require broader outreach to meet specialized needs, there is always a strong commitment to prioritizing Austin- and Texas-based artists whenever possible.”
Despite these assurances, many Austinites feel more could be done to support local creatives, especially financially.
“The artists in Austin could really use it,” Bryer added, highlighting how local art has shaped Austin’s unique identity.
The Austin City Council was expected to make a decision on Thursday to determine whether these contracts move forward or if adjustments will be made to better incorporate local talent into the first phase of AUS’s ongoing expansion. However, the item was withdrawn from the agenda.
For Phase III of the initiative, which includes installations in restrooms, amenity lounges and spaces for children, Austin-based artists and artist-led teams must submit their application by Monday, March 31.
Additional information about the opportunities, estimated budgets and application requirements can be found at this link.