Austin Announces Temporary Public Art Exhibition For Local Artists

AUSTIN, TX — The City of Austin Economic Development Department announces a Request for Proposals from local artists for TEMPO 2021, its annual temporary public art exhibition.

TEMPO 2021 offers paid opportunities for artists interested in public art and a platform to explore a range of materials and themes suitable for the outdoor environment.

Proposals must be submitted by Thursday, January 26, 2021, at 5:00 PM through www.PublicArtist.org/AustinAIPP.
 
“We are continuing our commitment to support the next generation of public artists,” explains Sylnovia Holt Rabb, Acting Director of the Economic Development Department. “The TEMPO exhibition provides the community with a deeper appreciation of public art through thought-provoking installations that enhance City-owned sites across Austin.”
 
The intent of the TEMPO program is to promote tourism, cultivate curiosity, spark imagination, engage the community in a meaningful dialogue about public art, foster work by local artists, and cultivate exploration of Austin.

Artists are encouraged to create artworks that reflect the site where they will exhibit their work, and design artwork that can be easily installed and de-installed.

A minimum of 10 TEMPO 2021 proposals will be selected and artworks will be sited exclusively at library branches across Austin.

Selected artists will also participate in a virtual speaker series in collaboration with the Economic Development Department and Austin Public Library.
 
TEMPO 2021

The TEMPO 2021 exhibition seeks proposals from practicing visual artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, install, and de-install short-term or time-based exterior artworks, including murals.

Budgets for the proposed artworks may range from $3,000 to $10,000. Artworks will be exhibited at select Austin Public Library branches for approximately 12 months.
 
Practicing visual artists or artists teams at least 18 years of age who live and/or work in the City of Austin and its Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) are eligible to apply.

Priority will be given to proposals that directly enhance cultural experiences for tourists, including projects that highlight underrepresented histories and narratives.?

Priority will also be given to artists or artist teams from historically under-represented communities and histories, specifically Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQ, and Disability Community members.
 
View the complete Request for Proposals at www.PublicArtist.org/AustinAIPP. 
 
Virtual Artist Information Meeting

For additional information and assistance applying, register to attend a virtual information meeting on Tuesday, December 15 from 12 PM – 1 PM.
 
A recording of the meeting will also be posted at www.austintexas.gov/TEMPO for viewing anytime during the application period.
 
The Economic Development Department Cultural Arts Division hosts Virtual Open Office Hours on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Anyone interested in applying for TEMPO 2021 is invited to attend Open Office Hours virtually via Zoom for help with any questions.