Client: City of Austin Art in Public Places

Overview

BELOW is a temporary public art installation commissioned by the Austin Art in Public Places TEMPO project.
Audience-generated responses to a questionnaire about the Boggy Creek Watershed are translated into LED light displays within an abstract sculpture based on the natural characteristics of the watershed.
TEMPO is a project of the City of Austin Economic Development Department/Cultural Arts Division.

Goals

The goal of the Art in Public Places Program is to commission works of art and art projects of redeeming quality that advance the public’s understanding of visual art and enhance the aesthetic quality of public places. Temporary public art plays an important role in attracting new and emerging artist to participate in the city’s public art program, enriches the civic dialogue, and engages public space in a unique way. The TEMPO program would allow the artist to explore a range of themes suitable for the outdoor environment and provide the opportunity for innovative, thought-provoking artwork that impacts the way people experience their environment.

Goals:
» Expose citizens to contemporary artworks by local artists;
» Foster engagement between artist, artwork and the community;
» Link artists with resources and city assistance to develop skills and experience;
» Facilitate public discussion, civic dialogue, and collaborative partnering for programming;
» Promote new interest and increased participation in, and focus on, public art;
» Cultivate tourism activity around the arts in Austin.

Process

The City of Austin’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Growth & Redevelopment Services Office seeks proposal from professional visual artists or artist’s team to design, fabricate and install site-specific, short-term artwork or time based performances in Austin’s parkland spaces. The intent for the temporary public art is to cultivate curiosity, spark imagination and engage the community in a meaningful dialogue about public art and foster work by emerging local artist.