Austin News

Austin artists looking for an opportunity to create public artwork can apply through the TEMPO temporary public art program.

The Austin Art in Public Places program has requested proposals from individual visual artists and teams of artists to create and install unique artworks on a variety of city-owned properties. Promotion of tourism, curiosity, imagination and intent to engage the community in discussions about public art are just a few of the aims of the TEMPO public art program. It is also meant to encourage local artists to create and citizens to explore the City of Austin.

Artists are asked to create pieces that reflect their exhibition space and to create pieces that can be installed and removed with ease.

Visual artists and teams of artists will be paid to create, install and de-install artwork meant to be outside. Sculpture, mural, and time-based work may all be considered for the TEMPO 2021 program.  

Wall-based artwork was introduced to the AIPP program in 2018 through TEMPO 2D. This program allowed 12 local artists to create hand-painted murals, vinyl adhesive artwork, and fiber art in a variety of locations, like public parks, the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, and other high-profile areas.

The Art in Public Places program is part of the Cultural Arts Division of the city’s Economic Development Department. In the most recent program, artists created temporary sculptures and located them in branches of the Austin Public Library.

The deadline to submit a request for proposals is Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. The budgets that will be considered range from $3,000 to $10,0000, all inclusive. Submit an application online or visit the TEMPO program website to view artists who participated in 2018 and 2019.