Austin Prepares for Convention Center Expansion Amid Art Concerns

News Summary

Austin is set to demolish its Convention Center for an expansion, raising issues for local artists whose works face destruction or relocation. The city has pledged to preserve some key artworks, reflecting its commitment to cultural heritage. As stakeholders navigate challenges, steps are being taken to ensure the legacy of these pieces continues despite redevelopment efforts.

Austin is currently undergoing significant changes as the city prepares to demolish its Convention Center for a major expansion project. This decision has sparked concerns regarding the fate of several artworks displayed at the venue, threatening their preservation and public accessibility.

What Happened

In January, the city of Austin deaccessioned several artworks, jeopardizing their existence amid the planned demolition of the Convention Center. The city announced its intentions to expand the space, but this announcement left artists grappling with the futures of their pieces, which were at risk of destruction without proper measures for preservation.

Who Is Affected

Artists who created the at-risk works, such as Damian Priour and John Yancey, found themselves in a precarious position. Priour’s artwork, titled “Waller Creek Shelves,” consisted of 21 hand-blown glass sculptures and seemed doomed to be lost forever after previous communications indicated its removal from the Convention Center. Paula Priour, the artist’s wife, initially had given up hope for its survival. Similarly, Yancey’s “Riffs and Rhythms,” a ceramic mosaic celebrating Austin’s music history, faced relocation challenges, primarily due to the financial burden of de-installation costs. Other artists, like Margo Sawyer, also confronted obstacles, as her “Index for Contemplation,” a prominent 40-foot sculptural arrangement, faced exorbitant de-installation expenses exceeding $57,000.

Official Response

In response to the artists’ concerns, the city’s newly established Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment intervened. Angela Means, the office director, explained that the city technically retains ownership of the artworks until they are properly de-installed. Following discussions with artists and stakeholders, the city modified its approach to ensure a more collaborative effort regarding the preservation of the artworks. The office has committed to relocating and preserving three of the four artworks at risk of demolition, reflecting a commitment to protecting Austin’s cultural heritage.

Impact

The fate of these artworks is particularly poignant for both the artists and the community. Yancey expressed a complex mix of emotions about relocating “Riffs and Rhythms,” after almost 30 years at the Convention Center. However, the relocation to the African American Cultural Heritage District and the move of Priour’s “Waller Creek Shelves” to the Austin Central Library represent crucial steps in maintaining their legacy. Margo Sawyer is currently negotiating reimbursement for her extensive de-installation costs, as her influential work will remain part of the city’s collection, with plans for part of it to be integrated into the new Convention Center after its reconstruction. Such measures signify a broader acknowledgment of the importance of arts accessibility in the community.

What’s Next

The city has initiated a reassessment of its Art In Public Places program to enhance stewardship and ensure better preservation of artworks during redevelopment projects. Going forward, the collaborative approach between the city and artists could provide a model for future developments, prioritizing the preservation of cultural assets while accommodating urban growth.

As Austin moves forward with its expansion plans, the preservation of these artworks serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to maintaining its rich artistic landscape, reinforcing the significance of culture in community development.

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Additional Resources

• Austin Monitor: Artworks Threatened by Convention Center Teardown
• Wikipedia: Austin Convention Center
• KVUE: Austin Artist Fights to Preserve Art Installation
• Google Search: Art Preservation Austin
• Austin.com: Family Day – Frozen in Time Art Preservation
• Google Scholar: Art Preservation
• Austin Monitor: Arts Commission and Convention Center Installations
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Art Preservation
• Curbed Austin: Art Moderne Deco House Sold
• Google News: Austin Art Preservation