Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an agreement with Steven Parker LLC for artwork for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Arrivals Curbside Art in Public Places Project for a total agreement amount not to exceed $512,000. Funding: $77,000 is available in the Capital Budget of the Aviation Department. Funding for the remaining $435,000 of this contract will be added as the construction phases begin.
De
Lead Department
Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $77,000 is available in the Capital Budget of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Funding for the remaining $435,000 of this contract will be added as the construction phases begin.
For More Information:
Angela Means, Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment, 512-974-1624; Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment, 512-974-7873.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
In August 2024, the Art in Public Places (AIPP) Panel and Arts Commission approved the “Art in Public Places Sites and Opportunities Plan for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport,” which identified and scoped three phases of AIPP opportunities within the current Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP).
On April 7, 2025, the AIPP Panel approved the selection process recommendation for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Arrivals Curbside AIPP Project, naming Steven Parker LLC as the selected artist and Brad Oldham (Brad Oldham Sculpture) as the alternate for the $512,000 commission. (Motion by Chair Lemmo, second by Panel Member Davis; approved 5-0-0, with one vacancy and Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado absent).
On April 21, 2025, the Austin Arts Commission approved the selection process recommendation for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Arrivals Curbside AIPP Project, naming Steven Parker LLC as the selected artist and Brad Oldham (Brad Oldham Sculpture) as the alternate for the $512,000 commission. (Motion by Vice Chair Schmalbach, second by Commissioner Houston; approved 6-0-1, with Commissioners Kracheni, Hussain, Gray, and Maldonado absent).
Additional Backup Information:
This commission is part of Phase II of the C’s AIPP initiative, which supports the AEDP at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The multi-phase plan was developed by the Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment in partnership with the Department of Aviation and approved by the Arts Commission in August 2024.
Phase II represents a deliberate investment in Texas-based artists, advancing the city’s equity goals by providing opportunities to a wide range of regional creatives. Of the seven artist commissions awarded during this phase, four were granted to Austin-based artists, including the Arrivals Curbside Project.
Artist Selection Process: Arrivals Curbside AIPP Project
The Arrivals Curbside project was part of the Phase II suite of AIPP opportunities, each of which was selected through a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process open to Texas-based artists:
Application & Outreach:
• RFQ released: January 3, 2025
• Submission Deadline: February 2, 2025
• Outreach through PublicArtist.org, Economic Development Department newsletter, and City of Austin social media
• Pre-submittal meetings held on January 22 and 23, 2025
• 195 total applications were received; 112 met the eligibility criteria
Panel Review & Interviews:
• Review panel convened on March 4, 2025
• Finalist interviews conducted on March 21, March 25, and April 1, 2025
Final Recommendation:
• Recommended Artist: Steve Parker - Austin, TX
The recommendation was approved by the AIPP Panel on April 7 and affirmed by the Austin Arts Commission on April 21, 2025.
About the Artist
Steve Parker is an Austin-based artist, musician, and organizer known for his innovative, participatory work. He creates large-scale performances and interactive sound sculptures that foster unexpected engagement between people and their environments. His work has been featured in museums, public spaces, and festivals around the world. Parker’s expertise in crafting dynamic public experiences makes him especially well-suited to activate the Arrivals Curbside area with meaningful and memorable artwork.
Project Context Within the AUS AIPP Plan:
This project is one of seven commissions awarded under Phase II of the AUS AIPP plan. Phase I prioritized national talent, while Phase II focuses on Texas-based artists. Phase III will exclusively engage Austin-based creatives.
This structured, phased approach:
• Encourages innovation through tiered eligibility,
• Ensures equitable representation of local and regional talent, and
• Aligns with the long-term infrastructure schedule of the airport.
All AUS AIPP commissions are expected to be completed by 2030, in concert with the full opening of the expanded terminal facilities.