Austin's skyline isn't the only thing evolving – the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is getting an artistic makeover, too. In a project linked with the airport's expansion program, Journey With AUS, 23 artist-led teams have been enlisted to infuse the space with new public art installations. Detailed by the City of Austin, this move taps into the Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) and Austin's local talent pool.
These installments aren't just popping up overnight. Starting the week of December 8-12, travelers will be given a chance to engage with the artists directly in-terminal. According to the City of Austin's announcement, they'll be pondering on prompts shared by the artists while meeting them in person. The teams will also be fanning out across town, seeking out community reactions through open houses and other tailored events.
The spirit of Austin is set to be the guiding light for these projects, and the proof is in the numbers. Of the 23 selected teams, the lion's share hail from Texas, with half of them based right in Austin, as the city's press release states. Just three teams are from out-of-state, yet they're committed to partnering with Austin's finest creative professionals and artisans.
The funding for the art comes from the airport's own kitty – think airline fees, sales from those overpriced snacks, and where you parked your ride. Under AIPP's guidelines, some of the budget from eligible Capital Improvement Projects beefs up the bank for these installations. The airport's serious about keeping this local at every step, hooking up artists with Austin's makers earlier this summer, says the statement from Austin Aviation.
The breadth of these installations runs the gamut. You might stumble upon a digital display that catches your eye for a moment longer than planned, or some kind of statement piece that brands itself into your memory. For a glimpse at what's possible, "Interimaginary Departures" by Brooklyn-based Janet Zweig is an existing work at AUS that mirrors the ambition and scale of what's on the horizon. Eager Austinites and globetrotters keen to keep a tab on upcoming artistic drops can loop in through the airport's newsletters or social media channels.
