AUSTIN, TX—The City of Austin’s Art in Public Places Program, part of the Economic Development Department Cultural Arts Division, presents TEMPO 2019—a temporary exhibition of public art across Austin.  Now in its seventh year featuring seven sculptures in Austin Public Library branches and another 10 murals citywide, the TEMPO program showcases thought-provoking works by local artists that transform city spaces and catalyze community engagement.

Over the years, the TEMPO program has featured sculpture and mural installations sited in public parks, library branches, the airport and community centers throughout each of Austin’s ten council districts. This year, seven sculptures will be sited on Austin Public Library branch sites. The works reflect a broad range of styles and materials and address subjects such as cultural identity and the environment.

Additionally, the TEMPO 2D program will bring ten murals created by local artists to be sited in each council district.  Austin artists were selected to create hand-painted murals, vinyl adhesive artwork, and fiber art at locations across Austin including public parks, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and other high-profile locations.

“The TEMPO program has introduced public art to many Austinites and visitors and has highlighted the numerous ways it can enhance enjoyment of public spaces and encourage civic dialogue,” said Sue Lambe, Manager of the Art in Public Places Program. “This year, we are particularly excited to partner Austin Public Library for the artwork installations, sharing each artist’s work via artist talks at the branch where they have located their sculpture.”

Public Programs

Each TEMPO 2019 sculpture artist will present a short talk about their work on display at the corresponding Austin Public Library Branch.

• September 12, 2019 | Brandon Mike | Central Library | 3:30-5:00pm
• September 19, 2019 | Angel Alcala | Southeast Branch Library | 3:30-5:00pm
• September 26, 2019 | Ender Martos | Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library | 3:30-5:00pm
• October 3, 2019 | Jamie Spinello | Hampton Branch at Oak Hill Library | 3:30-5:00pm
• October 10, 2019 | Michael Mendoza, Jeff Grauzer, & Courtney Bee Peterson | Little Walnut Creek Branch Library | 3:30-5:00pm
• October 17, 2019 | Christy Stallop | Manchaca Road Branch Library | 3:30-5:00pm
• October 24, 2019 | Darcie Book | Ruiz Branch Library | 3:30-5:00pm

TEMPO Convergence Artist Dedication Reception

After being displayed at Austin Public Library branches, the seven sculptures will be re-installed for a group exhibition: TEMPO Convergence, as an official part of the East Austin Studio Tour through the entire month of November at Edward Rendon Sr. Park Metro Park at Festival Beach, located at 2101 Jesse Segovia Street, Austin. The artists’ reception will be on November 16th at noon in Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach.
A complete list of public programs is available at www.austintexas.gov/TEMPO.

TEMPO 2019 Awarded Artists:

TEMPO Artists
Jamie Spinello
Ender Martos
Angel-Axioma Alcala
Darcie Book
Christy Stallop
Brandon Mike
Michael Mendoza + Jeff Grauzer + Courtney Bee Peterson

TEMPO 2D Artists
Olaniyi Akindiya (Austin-Bergstrom International Airport)
Lucas Aoki (Northwest District Park)
Steffany Bankenbusch (Austin Nature and Science Center)
Samson Barboza (South Lamar and Treadwell)
Samara Barks (Mabel Davis District Park)
Essentials Creative (4801 Bolm Road)
Alonso Estrada (Eiland Moss Skate Park)
Brian Joseph (Springswood Park)
Larissa Stephens (Gustavo “Gus” Garcia Recreation Center)
Bill Tavis (7600 Wood Hollow Drive)

For additional information on the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, visit www.austincreates.com.
 

About the 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.

About Art in Public Places

The Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) acquires and maintains works of art for City of Austin facilities and parks through commissions, donations, and loans for the cultural enrichment of Austin’s community. The goal of the  Art in Public Places program is to commission art projects of redeeming quality that advance the public’s understanding of visual art and enhance the aesthetic quality of public places.

About TEMPO

A program of the City of Austin Art in Public Places (AIPP), TEMPO allows artists to explore a range of themes suitable for outdoor environments and provides the opportunity for innovative, thought-provoking artwork that effects the way people experience their environment. Funding for this project comes from Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues as a way to cultivate tourism activity around the arts in Austin. More information about the TEMPO project can be found at www.austintexas.gov/TEMPO.