City of Austin

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is proud to announce the arrival of its newest public art installation, Convergence / Austin, an Art in Public Places (AIPP) project led by Austin-based artists, Beili Liu Studio. Installation began the evening of September 22 and continued over five nights, concluding by the morning of September 26.
 
Travelers passing through AUS may have even caught a glimpse of the installation process, which took place between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. each evening.
 
Convergence / Austin is a site-responsive work that reflects the purpose, growth, and excellence of AUS. With its ascending, fluid rhythm, the artwork symbolizes the intricate balance among diverse individuals and the powerful energy that emerges when people come together as an evolving, vibrant community. It encourages travelers to pause—to observe and contemplate, to connect and share.
 
"The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been one of the fastest-growing airports in our nation, reflecting the impressive growth and increasing allure of our beloved city of Austin as an eclectic culture, arts, and technology destination,” said Beili Liu. “Convergence is an installation inspired by this spirit of growth. The title celebrates the moment when individuals come together to form an energetic, vibrant community."
 
The permanent installation spans 16 feet by 12 feet in the high bay triangular area across from Gate 15 in the main AUS Barbara Jordan Terminal. Comprised of approximately 400 vertical strands holding 3,200 elements, the work invites visitors to engage with its immersive scale and intricate detail.
 
The design thoughtfully accounts for bird activity by using lightweight materials that prevent birds from perching, while also incorporating cleaning and maintenance measures to ensure the piece’s longevity for years to come.

Funding for this art piece was allocated from the 9-gate Terminal Expansion Program II. The AIPP program, created in 1985 by action of Austin City Council, establishes 2% of eligible capital improvement project budgets as a set-aside commitment to commission artists or purchase art for City-owned property and facilities.

All airport facility projects, including the 9-gate Terminal Expansion and current and future Journey With AUS expansion and development projects, are not funded through local Austin taxpayer dollars but airport-generated revenue, airport revenue bonds and Federal Aviation Administration grants.

For more information about the permanent and rotating art installations at AUS, visit our website: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/art-aus