Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and 23 artist-led teams launch

City of Austin

23 artist-led teams were commissioned through the City of Austin Art in Public Places Program to create new public art installations as part of the Journey With AUS airport expansion

AUSTIN, Texas - As the Journey With AUS airport expansion program progresses, the 23 artist-led teams selected through the City of Austin Art in Public Places program to create new public art installations at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will soon launch a community engagement effort to better understand the perspectives and experiences of the Austin and Central Texas community.

Starting this month, these creatives and the airport will launch efforts to connect with travelers, airport staff, and community members. Travelers are invited to meet the artists, starting with in-terminal activities the week of December 8 - 12. Travelers passing through AUS can visit information tables to meet the artists and respond to prompts shared by the artists.

Following the in-terminal activities, the artist-led teams will expand their reach with events outside the airport to meet with residents and subject matter experts through open houses, community activations, and other events that will take a customized approach to connecting the artist-led teams and their projects with the community. To further this effort, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's Austin Aviation team has launched a digital survey allowing all Austin residents and airport customers to provide inspiration and feedback directly to the artists. The survey can be accessed at this link and will be open through January 31, 2026.

The 23 artist-led projects are a part of the City of Austin's Art in Public Places Program (AIPP), which is guided by City ordinance established in the 1980s. The ordinance allocates a percentage of eligible Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgets to fund permanent public art installations.

To ensure transparency regarding this significant investment, AUS is sharing the specific breakdown of the project's funding:

• Zero Local Taxpayer Dollars: All airport art is paid for through airport expansion project funding. This capital comes strictly from airport revenue (generated by airline fees, concessions, and parking) and airport revenue bonds. No local Austin taxpayer dollars are collected for or contributed to the artist-led projects.
• Local Representation: Of the 23 artists and teams selected for these major commissions, the majority are from Texas, with half from Austin. Only three selected artists are from out of state, ensuring the project remains deeply rooted in the local culture. The three national artists are committed to supporting local Austin-based artists and creative professionals through subcontracting opportunities.
• Supporting Local Fabricators: This work follows the airport's first-ever AUS Public Art Makers Expo held this summer. That event connected the selected artist-led teams with local fabricators, material specialists, and experts in digital and technology platforms to ensure that fabrication opportunities also support the local industrial and creative workforce.
• Scope and Scale: The scale and complexity of these projects extend beyond traditional art commissions. The integration of materials, engineering considerations, and long-term maintenance requirements contribute to the budget.

Austin Aviation is working closely with the Art in Public Places Program team, housed under the Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (AACME) department, to ensure these projects are integrated into expansion program planning, design, and construction.

The 23 projects will vary from large and dramatic statements to intimate and subtle elements. Artistic impact may include interior or exterior areas, seating, and lounges, play zones, digital and time-based installations, as well as more traditional art forms. Some concepts may create more immersive experiences, while others could function as landmarks with deliberate placement to direct passengers. Projects like the widely recognized "Interimaginary Departures" by Brooklyn-based artist Janet Zweig installation demonstrate the scale and complexity that some of these projects could have.

Austin residents, AUS travelers, and Central Texas community members can stay up to date on the future community engagement activations by signing up for the airport's Stay in Tune traveler monthly newsletter, the airport's Community Connections newsletter for airport neighbors and Austin residents, and by following the airport on social media.