Posting Language
Title
Approve the deaccession of the following two artworks at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, due to Airport Expansion and Development Program: Leaf, Pod & Samara by John Christensen and Uplifted Ground by Michael Singer Studios. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
September 26, 1985 - City Council adopted the Art in Public Places Ordinance.
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:
November 16, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Arts Commission.
November 2, 2026 - Not recommended by the Art in Public Places Panel Deaccession Jury on a 7-0 vote, with recommendations for further investigation by Austin Aviation with the artists for potential reconfiguration and reimagining within the airport campus, and if that is not possible, investigate how to remove the artworks from the airport and relocated.
September 21, 2026 - Arts Commission unanimously recommends to initiate deaccessioning and form a Deaccession Jury.
Additional Backup Information:
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is requesting the deaccession of two Art in Public Places (AIPP) artworks, Uplifted Ground and Leaf, Pod & Samara, currently located within the Red Garage and adjacent Barbara Jordan Terminal area. This request is necessary to accommodate the demolition of the Red Garage, reconstruction of existing curbside infrastructure, and construction of the new Arrivals and Departures Hall (A/D Hall), a major component of the Journey With AUS Airport Expansion and Development Program (AEDP).
Both artworks were specifically designed and constructed for their existing locations, making relocation challenging without compromising their original artistic intent and structural integrity. Since 2024, AUS has collaborated with AIPP to explore potential relocation options for Uplifted Ground. However, the expanded scope of the A/D Hall, which will occupy the entire Red Garage footprint and surrounding areas, has significantly limited feasible relocation opportunities.
The Red Garage is scheduled to permanently close and be demolished in 2027 to make way for the new A/D Hall, which will expand the Barbara Jordan Terminal northward, improve passenger circulation, and enhance the overall passenger experience.
While the deaccession of these artworks is necessary to advance this critical infrastructure project, AUS remains firmly committed to preserving existing public art and supporting the local creative community. Throughout the expansion program, AUS has restored multiple existing artworks, placed artworks in protective storage, and implemented measures to safeguard the Barbara Jordan statue during construction activities. These efforts demonstrate AUS’s commitment to protecting and preserving the airport’s existing public art collection while advancing critical infrastructure improvements.
In addition, the Journey With AUS expansion program represents an investment of tens of millions of dollars in public art and will feature installations by 23 artists, including 10 local Austin and Texas artists whose work will be showcased in the new Arrivals and Departures Hall. These installations will celebrate regional artistic talent, reflect Austin’s unique cultural identity, and create welcoming and memorable experiences for millions of travelers.
These preservation efforts and significant investments reinforce AUS’s commitment to making public art an integral part of the airport’s transformation while delivering modern infrastructure that meets the growing needs of Central Texas.
The Art in Public Places Program’s Acquisitions and Deaccessioning Policy outlines best practices for regular assessments of the public art collection and establishes criteria, policies, and procedures for removing an artwork from the collection, or deaccessioning.
Per the Deaccession Policy, the Art in Public Places Panel held a Special Called Meeting on October 14, 2026, to convene the Deaccession Jury to consider the deaccession request of two artworks at Austin Bergstrom International Airport: Leaf, Pod & Samara and Uplifted Ground. The Art in Public Places Panel Deaccession Jury recommended to continue discussion at the November 2, 2026 meeting.
Deaccession Timeline:
August 2026
• August 6: AIPP provided AUS with the paperwork and requirements to begin the deaccession process.
• August 19: AUS submits deaccession worksheets for two artworks: Leaf, Pod & Samara by John Christensen and Uplifted Ground by Michael Singer Studios.
September 2026
• September 14: The AIPP Panel discussed the deaccessions, raised significant concerns, and requested that additional relocation options be explored. AUS was unable to confirm a garage demolition date.
• September 21: Arts Commission formed a Deaccession Jury by vote to review deaccession request.
October 2026
• October 14: Jury reviewed and recommended to continue discussion at the November 2 meeting.
o Jury evaluated request for deaccession to meet one or more of the 12 criteria outlined in the Deaccession Policy.
o AIPP must gather statements from Legal, Financial, ACME leadership, and AUS leadership.
November 2026
• Jury reviews and makes recommendations to the Arts Commission.
• Arts Commission reviews the Deaccession Jury’s recommendation and votes on recommendations to City Council.
• City Council votes on the deaccession recommendation.
• AIPP sends deaccession letter to artists.
• AIPP and AUS coordinate removal of artworks.