Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an agreement with artist Elizabeth Fenci in an amount not to exceed $90,000 for artwork for the Asian American Resource Center - Phase II Improvements Art in Public Places Project. Funding: $90,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Parks and Recreation.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $90,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Parks and Recreation.
For More Information:
Angela Means, Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment, 512-974-1624; Melissa Alvarado, Division Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment, 512-974-7870; Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment, 512-974-7852.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
September 21, 2026 - Recommended by the Arts Commission unanimously on consent with a 7-0 vote.
September 14, 2026 - Recommended by the Art in Public Places Panel with a 6-0 vote. Recommended artist Elizabeth Fenci, and alternate artist Candy Yu Yen Kuo.
Additional Backup Information:
Art in Public Places (AIPP) of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME), and Austin Parks and Recreation sought to commission one local mid-career professional visual artist or artist-led team to design, fabricate, and install a two- and/or three-dimensional exterior artwork at the Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road.
The Asian American Resource Center AIPP project centers around the development of a multipurpose pavilion that integrates with the existing great lawn. The pavilion is envisioned as a flexible, year-round venue designed to host a variety of small to medium-sized programs and events. Key planned features include a performance area, accessible amenities, and supporting infrastructure for diverse community activities. This project is designed to provide a high-quality, versatile space that meets the diverse needs of its users and emphasizes sustainability.
On June 22, 2026, a Request for Qualifications was released to Austin-area-based artists at least 18 years of age. Artist outreach included multiple artist information meetings held in person and virtually, weekly virtual open office hours, information posted on the AIPP website, multiple notices in ACME newsletters and on social media, and a presentation to the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission. The total budget available for the project is $90,000, inclusive of design, fabrication, and installation, as well as all other project expenses.
Artist Selection:
On August 11, 2026, selection panelists were given access to review and score 23 eligible applications. On September 2, 2026, the selection panel met and selected Elizabeth Akamatsu Fenci as the Recommended Artist and Candy Yu Yen Kuo as the Alternate Artist for the $90,000 commission. The AIPP panel and the Arts Commission unanimously approved the selection process recommendation at their September meetings.