TEMPO Public Art Program Activates Locations across Austin

The City of Austin Economic Development Department presents TEMPO 2021—a temporary exhibition of public art across Austin. Now in its ninth cycle, the Art in Public Places TEMPO program showcases thought-provoking works by local artists that transform city spaces and catalyze community engagement. The exhibit is open through October 2022.
 
“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 Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Interim Director of the Economic Development Department. “This year, we are particularly excited to partner again with Austin Public Library to spotlight artwork installations across branches throughout the city.”
 
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, nine sculptures are sited on Austin Public Library branch locations. The works reflect a broad range of styles and materials and address subjects such as cultural identity and the environment. Watch highlights of many of the new TEMPO 2021 pieces featured in City of Austin CityView News – Episode 73.
 
“The Austin Public Library is thrilled to be hosting all of this year’s TEMPO installations at our locations,” stated Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks. “The Library’s mission to create equitable access to lifelong learning opportunities goes hand-in-hand with TEMPO’s effort to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We are pleased to be able to host all of these beautiful, though-provoking pieces in our public spaces where the entire Austin community can access and experience public art.”
 
TEMPO 2021 Awarded Artists
 
Austin Storybox by Adrian Armstrong, Dawn Okoro, and Mobley
· Located at Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina St. (District 1)
 
Quinquagenary by Veronica Ceci
· Located at Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Drive (District 3)
 
Two Aztec Parrots by Reynaldo Alaniz
· Located at Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Lane (District 4)
 
Flow by Victoria Marquez
· Located at Manchaca Branch, 5500 Manchaca Road (District 5)
 
La Silla Del Sol by Mai Gutierrez and Jonas Crisco
· Located at Spicewood Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road (District 6)
 
Emerging by Lys Santamaria
· Located at Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Drive (District 7)
 
Little Picchu by Suzanne Wyss and Ilya Pieper
· Located at Hampton Branch, 5125 Convict Hill Road (District 8)
 
ReConnected by Lauren Malkani, Nick Harbaugh, and Tresson Canley
· Located at Central Branch, 710 W. Cesar Chavez Street (District 9)
 
Brighter Day Ahead by Olaniyi Akindiya
·Located at Howson Branch, 2500 Explosion Blvd. (District 10)
 
An alternative artwork option for Southeast Branch Library in District 2 is being explored due to the voluntary withdrawal of the artist originally selected for the site.
 
A complete list of TEMPO 2021 awardees and artwork details can be found online at www.austintexas.gov/TEMPO. Learn the inspiration behind each artwork directly from artist interviews – online videos to share coming soon!

Visit the online map to see which artworks are located nearby.
 
The Art in Public Places 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. 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 these projects comes from Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues to cultivate tourism activity around the arts in Austin.
 
For additional information on programs to assist the development of creative industries in Austin, visit www.austincreates.com.