Art in Public Places (AIPP), a program of the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department, announces the expansion of TEMPO, its annual temporary public art program. TEMPO provides the community a deeper appreciation of public art through temporary, thought-provoking installations that impact and enhance city-owned sites across Austin. Since 2012, the TEMPO program has commissioned dozens of artists to create outdoor installations. While diverse in material and theme, TEMPO artworks have typically been three-dimensional sculptural installations. This year, AIPP will grow the program to include opportunities for muralists. Through TEMPO 2-D, AIPP will commission seven to ten artists to create temporary murals at select sites across the City. The deadline to apply is April 26 at 5 PM and compensation will be provided for the selected artists.

“This new initiative will enable many additional local artists to participate in the TEMPO program,” said Sue Lambe, Administrator of the Art in Public Places Program. “Honoring the age-old tradition of mural painting, TEMPO 2-D will provide the public with fresh new ways to experience art in the community.”

TEMPO 2-D

AIPP has issued a Request for Qualifications for the TEMPO 2-D program. Selected artists will propose mural designs that will either be hand-painted, digitally-printed vinyl adhesives or temporarily attached panels for locations ranging from public parks to the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, among other sites. Prior to doing any design work, artists will work with the community to develop murals that reflect the character of their chosen location and special consideration will be given to artists with lived experience in the neighborhoods where they are proposing artwork. Funding provided for selected mural projects will range between $2000 and $7000, contingent on the size and complexity of the project. Applicants may review the complete Request for Proposals at www.tinyurl.com/AustinAIPP and must apply online at www.PublicArtist.org, by Thursday April 26, at 5 PM. Artists may learn more about the program at the following meetings:

TEMPO 2-D Artist Information Meetings

Monday, March 26^th, 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Dougherty Art Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd

Thursday, March 29^th, 6:00 – 7:00 PM | North Village Library, 2505 Steck Ave

City of Austin Cultural Arts Division

The Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department provides leadership and management for the City’s cultural arts programs and for the development of arts and cultural industries. The Cultural Arts Division is responsible for the Cultural Arts Funding Programs, Art in Public Places Program, community-based arts development, and programs to assist the development of film and creative industries in Austin.

Founded in 1985, the Art in Public Places (AIPP) program acquires and maintains works of art for City facilities and parks through commissions, donations, and loans for the cultural enrichment of Austin’s community.  By City ordinance, AIPP allocates 2% of eligible capital improvement project funding to the acquisition of site-specific public artwork. 2015 marks the 30th Anniversary of the AIPP program in Austin, the first municipality in Texas to make a commitment to include works of art in construction projects.

For more information, visit www.austincreates.com.