Ten Local Artists Selected to Create Architecturally Integrated Art for the New Austin Convention Center, a $17.7 Million Public Art Investment
In Austin, Travis County, Texas, the City of Austin announced on November 12 that ten local artists have been selected to create original works that will be architecturally integrated into the new Austin Convention Center, bringing the city's renowned creative spirit into the design of one of its most innovative economic efforts. The public art initiative, managed by Art in Public Places, a program of the city's Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment department, is being implemented in two phases. In the first phase, the selected artists will participate in the architectural design process to create monumental-scale public artworks integrated directly into the new Convention Center's built environment.
The Phase I artists are Alejandra Almuelle, Rex Hamilton, Tsz Kam, Dave McClinton, Aaron Michalovic, Diego Miró-Rivera, Manik Raj Nakra, Dawn Okoro, and Carmen Rangel, along with the late artist Betelhem Makonnen (1972-2026), whose large-scale interior work is continuing through final design in collaboration with the artist's team. The artists were selected through a competitive process that began with more than 80 artists nominated by a panel of local arts and culture leaders, followed by review and interviews by a 12-member selection panel assembled by Art in Public Places.
The $17.7 million investment in public art is part of the $1.6 billion redevelopment and expansion project, funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax, Project Financing Zone revenues, and Convention Center revenues, with no property taxes or general fund dollars used. Phase II, anticipated to launch in 2027, will introduce additional smaller-scale public art commissions throughout the facility. The project remains on schedule to open in spring 2029.
"Art is an essential part of Austin's identity, and we wanted the Convention Center to reflect that," said Katy Zamesnik, Interim Director of the Austin Convention Center, adding that the artists' work will help transform the center into a place that tells the story of Austin. Angela Means, Director of Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment, said the public art represents a lasting investment in the community for a facility that will welcome visitors from around the world for generations.
(Source: City of Austin)
Source: City of Austin
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：奥斯汀会展中心。照片：Fredlyfish4，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: Austin Convention Center. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
