The People's Gallery
About the People’s Gallery
The People’s Gallery is a biennial exhibition showcasing the work of local and regional artists throughout Austin City Hall. Presented by Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Art in Public Places, the exhibition celebrates the creativity and diversity of Austin’s visual arts community while encouraging public dialogue, understanding and enjoyment of visual art.
Established at Austin City Hall in 2005, the People’s Gallery transforms the building’s public spaces into an exhibition featuring painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, mixed media and other forms of visual art. Since its founding, the exhibition has featured work by approximately 1,800 artists, providing artists from across the Austin area an opportunity to share their work with the public.
Every two years, artists are invited to submit work through a free, open call, with artwork selected by a rotating panel of visual arts professionals.
2026–2028 People’s Gallery
The 19th People’s Gallery exhibition features over 100 artists from across the Greater Austin area.
The 2026–2028 exhibition was selected by a panel of local arts professionals: Georgina Treviño, Nina Q. Ho and Moyosore Okediji.
This year’s exhibition also includes special selections of artwork from Imagine Art and Artly World, highlighting the creativity of artists from across Austin’s communities.
The exhibition will remain on view through May 26, 2028.
Opening Reception
Celebrate the opening of the 19th People’s Gallery exhibition at Austin City Hall on Friday, Oct. 2, from 6–9 p.m.
Meet participating artists, explore artwork throughout City Hall and connect with Austin’s visual arts community. The free reception will feature keynote remarks beginning at 6:30 p.m., live poetry, live music and light refreshments.
Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
Austin City Hall | 301 W. Second St.
Free and open to the public
The opening reception also marks the start of voting for the 2026 People’s Choice, giving visitors the first opportunity to vote for their favorite artwork in the exhibition.
Visit the Exhibition
Artwork in the first-floor atrium of Austin City Hall is available to view during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Viewing the exhibition in its entirety is available through guided tours. To arrange a tour, email peoplesgallery@austintexas.gov.
Austin City Hall
301 W. Second St.
Austin, TX
People’s Choice
The public is invited to vote for a favorite artwork in the exhibition for the People’s Choice. The artwork receiving the most votes will be considered for purchase and addition to the City of Austin’s permanent art collection.
Voting for the 2026 People’s Choice is open Oct. 2, 2026–Oct. 1, 2027. The recipient will be announced after voting closes.
Featured Community Partners
The 2026–2028 exhibition includes special selections of artwork from two Austin organizations working to expand access to creative opportunities.
Imagine Art is a local nonprofit that uses art and place to empower artists with disabilities and support creative approaches to community, peer support, long-term care and affordable housing.
Artly World is represented through artwork created by participants in its Senior Smiles program, which supports the social and emotional well-being of Austin seniors through arts and community activities.
Supporting Austin Artists
Many artworks in the People’s Gallery are available for purchase. Pricing and artist contact information are included in the gallery guide available in the first-floor lobby of Austin City Hall.
Sales are arranged directly with participating artists or their representing galleries.
Stay Connected
To receive information about future People’s Gallery opportunities and calls for artists, email peoplesgallery@austintexas.gov, sign up for the ACME newsletter or visit Art in Public Places.
