Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of a lease agreement with Mexic-Arte, a Texas non-profit corporation, for the purpose of temporarily relocating the Mexic-Arte Museum to the Austin History Center, for a term of 36 months, for approximately 12,072 rentable square feet of space in the Austin History Center located at 810 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78701, with one 12-month extension option, for an annual lease rate of $100. Funding: This item is projected to result in additional revenue of $400 in the Fiscal Years 2026-2030 of the Operating Budget of Austin Public Library.
De
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Fiscal Note
This item is projected to result in additional revenue of $100 in the current Fiscal Year 2025-2026 of the Operating Budget of Austin Public Library.
Prior Council Action:
July 24, 2025 - Council authorized a contract for construction services for the New Mexic-Arte Museum for Capital Delivery Services with SpawGlass Contractors, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $14,000,000.
For More Information:
Brandon Williamson, Austin Financial Services, 512-974-5666; Michael Gates, Austin Financial Services, 512-974-5639; Cody Scott, Austin Public Library, 512-974-9863.
Additional Backup Information:
Mexic-Arte enriches the community by offering educational programs and exhibitions, and by collecting, preserving, and interpreting Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture for visitors of all ages.
The City is managing the architectural design and construction management contracts for the demolition and reconstruction of Mexic-Arte’s downtown location at 419 Congress Avenue. During this period, Mexic-Arte will temporarily relocate its operations to the Austin History Center, located at 810 Guadalupe Street. Mexic-Arte will enter into a 36-month lease with one 12-month extension option, for approximately 12,072 rentable square feet of space.
Mexic-Arte will pay for an annual lease rate of $100 and will not be required to pay operating expenses; however, Mexic-Arte will be responsible for any janitorial and security services required for after-hours events and will follow Austin Public Library’s Fee Schedule.
Mexic-Arte currently serves more than 75,000 visitors annually, with over 50% identifying as people of color. Since its founding in 1984, Mexic-Arte has been committed to presenting state-of-the-art programming. Its Día De Los Muertos Parade is the largest and longest-running celebration of its kind in Texas. The Museum’s programming has expanded to include a monthly Changarrito Residency, the Taste of Mexico Festival, one-of-a-kind exhibitions featuring emerging Latinx artists, and the Catrina Dinner. Through these initiatives, Mexic-Arte provides unique cultural learning experiences that reach more than 200,000 underserved youth in the Austin area. The Museum’s permanent collection includes over 5,000 significant historical and contemporary works.
Under the agreement, Mexic-Arte will be required to submit annual reports on the following performance measures:
Annual Exhibitions
• Mix & Mash Group Exhibition
• Totally Cool, Totally Art
• Emerging Latinx Artists Exhibition
• Special Exhibition
• Día de los Muertos Exhibition
• Nacimiento/Nativity Exhibition
• Changarrito Cart Artist Gallery
• Temporary Mural Program
Educational Events
• Twelve educational events will be hosted annually, including:
• Family Day
• Media Mixer
• Teacher Professional Development Workshops
• Business/Corporate Workshops
• Panel Discussions and Lectures
Tours
• 20 to 30 exhibition tours will be hosted annually
Utilizing the Austin History Center facility will allow Mexic-Arte to continue its educational programming, exhibitions, and collection preservation efforts for visitors of all ages during the renovation period.
The Strategic Facilities Governance Team has reviewed and approved this request.