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 ...
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