The commission also approved its fiscal year 2017-18 funding matrix, its fiscal year 2017-18 Capacity Building Program guidelines and 21 Community Initiative Program applicants.
1. Updates from Art Space Assistance Program
TJ Owens provided the commission an update on the Art Space Assistance Program, which assists arts organizations facing displacement, those previously displaced, or those facing lease renewals at significantly higher rates with grants to be used for tenant improvements or rent stipends.
The program plans to accomplish its goal by awarding art venues grant money using a budget of $200,000.
Owens said the program received 17 applications, with a total of $543, 523 requested. Of those applicants, 13 were requesting rent stipends while the remaining four were applying for tenant improvements.
The grant review committee will review the applications Aug. 30 and announce the grant award winners at the end of September.
2. Approval of art loans on Manor Road
The commission approved two art loans donated by the Manor Road Merchants Association.
The two art pieces will be wrapped around traffic signal boxes at the intersection of Manor and Cherrywood roads. One installation was created by Ann Marie Gordon and the other was created by Chris Rogers.
The art installations will remain at the corner for five years, according to the loan. The Manor Road Merchant Association also said it has allotted for the possible replacement of the murals if they get tagged or destroyed.
3. Approval of final design of Green Water Treatment Plant Art in Public Places Project
The commission approved the final design of sculptures to be placed in City Council District 9, east of the Green Water Treatment Plant on Second Street.
Artist Christine Angelo designed two owl sculptures, which will be 10 inches tall and 6 inches wide, to show how the environment and technology mingle together in the district, according to the presentation of the art. The owl sculptures double as benches and each has a “secret” lever members of the public can pull to turn their heads.
The budget for this project is $327,000. Angelo plans to complete the installation by April.
To view the commission meeting’s full agenda, visit its website. The next meeting will be Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Howson Branch Library located at 2500 Exposition Blvd., Austin.
