Cultural Arts Division News

Call for Artworks: People's Gallery 2015

Applications Open: Aug. 8 - Oct. 18, 2014

We're calling out to Austin-area artists, arts organizations, and galleries to submit works for inclusion in the 2015 People's Gallery exhibition at City Hall!  

Applications will be accepted online ONLY. Visit tinyurl.com/peoplesgallery  to read the full guidelines and to apply.  

Art After Six @ the People's Gallery

Featuring VSA Texas

When: August 14, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Where: Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street 

Stop by The People's Gallery at City Hall for extended gallery hours and talks by artists from the 2014 exhibition! Artist talks begin at 6:15 pm in Boards & Commissions room. The first three floors of City Hall will be open for self-guided tours 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Pick up a gallery guide on the first floor!

Featured speakers: VSA Texas' April Sullivan and artists Katya Belinsky and Nicole Creek

Find the event on Facebook 

Creative Placemaking Seminars & Speaker Series

The topic of creative placemaking - in which public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors partner around arts, culture, and creativity activities to strategically shape the physical and social character of a neighborhood, town, city, or region - has come to the forefront of conversation around the future of Austin. The Cultural Arts Division invites the community to a series of public events to learn more about the topic and how it can be applied here in Austin.

The Creative Placemaking Speaker Series will bring three national experts - Maria Rosario-Jackson, Ann Markusen, and Mark Stern - to give public presentations at the Asian American Resource Center on different aspects of the creative placemaking process. Visit the Next Level Program webpage for more information about these events.

Americans for the Arts (AFTA) is hosting its first Placemaking and Cultural Districts Webinar Week, September 10-12. The webinars are free for AFTA members. If you are not a member, we invite you to join us for three 45 minute webinars and learn ways that communities are using cultural and arts and entertainment districts arts as tools for community revitalization and placemaking. The webinars will be shown live at the Cultural Arts Division offices - reserve your seat now! 

TEMPO Artwork Wins First Prize in Art on Henderson Competition

Amy Scofield's Treevolution, a public artwork originally commissioned through the TEMPO 2013/14 program, has been awarded first place in the Dallas-based Art on Henderson competition. Scofield's playful sculpture with a serious environmental message was given the top honor by a panel of jurors and selected from among seven finalists. The artwork will be on display for two years along Henderson Avenue in Dallas. artonhenderson.com  

Treevolution in South Austin Park. Photo by Philip Rogers 

African American Portrait Project 

On June 9, the City of Austin unveiled 22 new portraits bordering the existing public art at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility. The exhibit highlights African Americans who have made a long lasting impact in the city and who were, or continue to be, pioneers in their area of service. The original mural by Reginald Adams was commissioned through the Art in Public Places program. The City's African American Resource Advisory Commission oversees the ongoing portrait selection process.  

Learn more at www.austintexas.gov/heritagefacility. 

Economic Development Department

Join our Mailing List! 

8/21 - iPad for Business

8/27 - Creative Placemaking Speaker Series: Maria Rosario-Jackson

8/27 - Using Social Media to Promote Your Business

9/10 - Marketing Your Business in the 21st Century

9/10 - Creative Placemaking Speaker Series: Ann Markusen

9/10, 11, 12 - Creative Placemaking Webinars

9/18 - Creative Placemaking Speaker Series: Mark Stern

Training opportunities provided by the City of Austin

Have you recently won an award? Performed overseas?

Celebrated a milestone?

Send us the details - you or your arts organization could be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

E-mail culturalarts@austintexas.gov

Submit your event today!

Austin Arts Commission 

The Arts Commission met July 21. The Commission received a briefing on the FY2015 budget. The Commission voted to approve recommendations made by the Hispanic Quality of Life Report working group and Special Events Funding Models working group. 

The next Arts Commission meeting will take place Monday, August 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Division offices, 201 E. 2nd Street.

The Austin Arts Commission meets the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m., check each month's agenda for location. The Commission encourages citizens' communications at each meeting; the first 10 people to sign up at the meeting will be allowed to address the Commission. If you would like to schedule a briefing to the Commission, please contact Cultural Arts Division Manager, Megan Crigger, at megan.crigger@austintexas.gov or by telephone at 512-974-9312.

Opportunities for Artists & Organizations

WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

Social Media for Nonprofits

When: August 13, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Social Media for Nonprofits and CCBNO will bring together nonprofit decision-makers and supporters in the Austin area to share practical tips and tools for fundraising, marketing, and advocacy. Speakers will address a variety of topics in a series of short, TED-meets-Twitter style talks and interactive workshops.

Click here for more information, full agenda and to register

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-media-for-nonprofits-austin-tickets-10193979467 

Free Introductory Workshop on the Art of Audio Description

When: September 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: AGE Building, 3710 Cedar St. Meeting Room 161

VSA Texas is looking for individuals who are glib, quick, witty; have a creative vocabulary; like theatre, dance, movies, museums, etc.; and who would like to get trained as an audio describer. Audio Description is the art of describing the visual aspects of a live performance, movie or museum exhibit not normally accessible to a person who is blind or visually impaired. Come find out what it is all about and also get trained on our brand new audio description equipment. Be sure to bring lunch. Please RSVP to Lynn at 512-454-9912 or email lynn@vsatx.org. Click Here for Details about Audio Description

http://www.vsatx.org/audio.html 

Focus on Good: Project Based Workshop - Create Your Own Film with Lights. Camera. Help.

When: October 3, 17, 31, & November 14

Throughout this 8-week, 4 workshop course, we'll give you the tools, skills and resources you need to make a film that tells your organization's story-the right way. No experience or special equipment is required for this workshop series. We encourage you to bring your own camera if you have one. If you don't we will provide you with a Flip camera to use for the duration of the workshop. For editing, you will need a computer with access to the internet and YouTube.com. By the end of this workshop series you will not only have created a great video and learned how to get it seen, but you'll also have the skills to do it again and again and again. http://nonprofitaustin.org/focusongood/  

Imagining America 2014 Conference: Organizing. Culture. Change.

When: October 9-11, 2014

Where: Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Registration for Imagining America's National Conference is now open! Attendees at this year's conference will critically explore what it means to organize cultural change. http://imaginingamerica.org/convenings/national-conference  

Registration for the 2014 National Arts Marketing Project Conference

When: November 7-10, 2014

This November, in the heart of Atlanta's cultural scene, the 2014 National Arts Marketing Project Conference will deliver tools and strategies to move your marketing past the here and now. Marketing triumphs require more than wide-eyed optimism - they rely on strategy, momentum, and bold creativity.

Registration now open: www.artsmarketing.org/conference 

TCA Statewide Conference - Registration is Open

When: January 29 & 30, 2015

TCA's conference, State of the Arts: Engaging New Audiences will take place in Austin, Texas at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol on January 29 & 30, 2015. Please join us for this chance to interact with your peers from across the state and discuss important issues facing the creative industries. This powerful two-day gathering is aimed at art administrators, arts education providers, staff of cultural institutions, board members and trustees of art organizations, and interested others. Click here to register now: https://tca-2015.eventbrite.com

GRANTS

Professional Development Support: Mid-America Arts Alliance

**These will probably go fast, so we recommend applying ASAP!

 Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) recognizes the important roles that arts and culture organizations and individual artists play in making our region more vital. They support professional development through this grant program, which reimburses up to $1,000 for expenses incurred through certain activities that professionally enhance business acumen, and expand skills and knowledge in the arts, between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. If you have questions or concerns, contact ProfDev@maaa.org or (816) 421-1388, ext. 228.

Pen Center, CA / Emerging Voices Fellowships / Call for Literary Artists
Deadline: 8/11/14
Fellowships of $1,000 each are given annually to emerging poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers who lack access to financial and creative support. Each fellow participates in an eight-month mentorship in Los Angeles with a professional writer, as well as classes at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program, public readings, and other programming. Housing is not provided. Writers who do not have significant publication credits, are not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate writing program, and do not hold a graduate writing degree are eligible. Submit up to 10 pages of poetry or 20 pages of prose, a curriculum vitae, a federal tax return summary, and at least two letters of recommendation.
http://penusa.org/programs/emerging-voices   

CDS/Honickman First Book Prize in Photography

Deadline: 9/15/14

The CDS/Honickman First Book Prize in Photography is open to North American citizens of any age who have yet to publish a book-length work. The prize's focus is on creating an opportunity for photographers who are engaged in the creation of a continued, active, and vital body of work to publish a first book.
http://firstbookprizephoto.com/how-to-enter 

Laura Bush Traveling Fellowship

Deadline: 9/22/14

The U.S. National Commission is currently accepting applications for the Laura Bush Traveling Fellowship. The Fellowship is intended to help fund a proposal designed by a student to conduct brief work in a foreign country related to the mandate of UNESCO - using education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and/or communication and information to build strong ties among nations. The fellowship open to US citizens (ages 18-25) enrolled in a college or university who express an interest in international collaboration but have not had many opportunities to travel abroad.

Read more about the Fellowship & recipients: http://www.state.gov/p/io/unesco/programs 

Grammy Foundation Grants

Deadline: 10/1/14

With funding generously provided by The Recording Academy, the GRAMMY Foundation Grant Program awards grants each year to organizations and individuals to support efforts that advance the archiving and preservation of the music and recorded sound heritage of North America for future generations, and research projects related to the impact of music on the human condition. The GRAMMY Foundation Grant Program funds the following areas: Scientific Research Projects and Archiving and Preservation Projects. http://www.grammy.org/grammy-foundation/grants  

Performing Arts Japan

Deadline: 10/27/14

The Japan Foundation is now accepting project proposals for Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) touring and collaboration grants for the 2015 - 2016 fiscal year. This program is designed to provide financial assistance for non-profit organizations in the US and Canada that aim to introduce Japanese performing arts to local audiences. 

http://www.jfny.org/arts_and_culture/paj.html 

CALLS FOR ENTRIES

Call for Artists-John F. Peto Museum NJ/Trompe L'Oeil
Deadline: 8/8/14
The John F. Peto Studio Museum invites artists working in the trompe l'oeil style to participate in its' National Juried Show of Contemporary Trompe l'oeil. Works in any medium (excluding photography) are encouraged. The purpose of this exhibition is to showcase contemporary art work that "fools the eye" and demonstrates the innovative ways in which artists continue to express themselves through trompe l'oeil. Medium may be, but not limited to: pencil, pen and ink, gouache, watercolor, oil, acrylic, etc. (excluding photography). 3-D medium may be, but not limited to: clay, wood, metal, fiber and mixed media.
http://petomuseum.org/2014-national-trompe-loeil-exhibition

The Second International Biennial of Contemporary Art in Argentina

Deadline: 8/10/14

Artists from all disciplines are invited to exhibit their works at the Centro Cultural Borges from 3 to 10 October this year. The Biennial aims at promoting national and international art, establishing relationships between artists worldwide in order to share new techniques, promoting the opening of new markets, and encouraging the opening of borders in the search of improving individual achievements.
More information www.bienaldearte.com.ar or via email to info@bienaldearte.com.ar  

Call For Public Artists: City Of Albuquerque's Ladera Heights RFQ
Deadline: 8/13/14

This project is open to artist/artist teams residing in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado. The Ladera Heights Art Selection Committee and the Albuquerque Arts Board seek a permanent artwork to be located at St. Josephs Avenue and Ladera Drive. Read the RFQ 

Buda Fine Art Express: Call for Texas Artists

Deadline: 8/15/14

The Buda Fine Art Express is sponsored by the Chrysalis Art Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to support, educate, and mentor emerging artists in techniques that enable a successful art career. The event takes place October 18-19 at the Buda City Park Pavilion, located in the heart of downtown Buda, Texas. The event features juried artists from across Texas exhibiting fine art for sale, including oils, pastels, pottery, glass, mixed media, photography, sculpture, acrylics, fine jewelry, etc. Guests of the event have an opportunity to visit with the artists and make informed decisions about visual art for their home or office.

The Buda Fine Art Express is accepting artist applications via Zapplication, an online application process that allows artists to directly upload digital images of their artwork for jury review. 

For more information: http://chrysalisartfoundation.org  

PRF Dance Youth Talent Show - Entry Information

Deadline: 8/15/14

The International Youth Talent Show will take place as part of Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance's 17th Birthday Celebration, featuring performances by our PRFDance Family of performers. Sunday, September 14, 2014, 2-5pm at the Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center, 701 Tillery Street, Austin 78702. Winner will receive a personalized spotlight in 12th original musical in December, and will be promoted on Facebook to 8000 subscribers world-wide! Must be 18 & under (no fee to enter or to compete); any performance talent is welcome (dance, music, song, spoken word, etc). Send a Video Sample (3 min) with name, age, and talent description. Accepted participants will be notified by August 25th.  

http://www.facebook.com/prfdance  

Call for Artists - SuddenlyDance Theatre, Canada / 2015 ROMP! Festival 

Deadline: 8/15/14

Now accepting submissions to the 18th ROMP! Festival of Independent Dance 2015. Dance artists (choreographers, companies, dancers, filmmakers, visual artists, writers) may submit work for consideration by completing and submitting an online application only. www.suddenlydance.ca/call-for-submissions.html 

EMP & SIFF, Seattle / SciFi Short Film Festival

Deadline: 8/15/14 

EMP Museum in partnership with SIFF presents the tenth annual Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival. Filmmakers from around the world are encouraged to submit animated and live-action science fiction and fantasy films to this acclaimed festival. Admitted films are judged by a nationally recognized jury comprised of luminaries in the fields of science fiction and fantasy. The festival brings together industry professionals in filmmaking and the genres of science fiction and fantasy to encourage and support new, creative additions to science fiction and fantasy cinema arts. The festival will showcase animated and live-action science fiction and fantasy films.  

More info at http://empmuseum.org/filmfestival 

Call to Artists - Biennial of the Frontiers, Mexico / Show Proposals
Deadline for curators: 8/22/14
Deadline for artists: 9/22/14
The Instituto Tamaulipeco para la Cultura y las Artes (ITCA) of the Government of the State of Tamaulipas, in collaboration with the Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes of Mexico, calls on emerging visual artists and curators to participate in the Biennial of the Frontiers (Bienal de las Fronteras). All submissions by both emerging artists and curators should be entered via the website. Biennial of the Frontiers (Bienal de las Fronteras) will fund prizes and build a collection comprised of the most relevant artworks and curatorial projects presented to benefit the Instituto Tamaulipeco para la Cultura y las Artes (ITCA) in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

More info at http://www.bienaldelasfronteras.org/en

Call For Poetry & Short Stories: The St. Lawrence Book Award

Deadline: 8/31/14

Each year, Black Lawrence Press awards The St. Lawrence Book Award for an unpublished first collection of poems or short stories. The St. Lawrence Book Award is open to any writer who has not yet published a full-length collection of short stories or poems. The winner of this contest will receive book publication, a $1,000 cash award, and 10 copies of the book.

http://www.blacklawrence.com/submissions-and-contests/the-st-lawrence-book-award 

Annual CORE Exhibit: 10th Anniversary Edition

Deadline: 9/1/14

Brought to you by Arts and Services for Disabled, Inc. and the National Arts and Disability Center. All artists with disabilities, national or international are eligible. In addition to the high quality of visual arts that will be showcased, CORE 10 will also include a complete evening of live performances, a panel discussion bringing together diverse voices from the arts and disability advocacy communities, and a community workshop event inviting the public to take part in an interactive arts experience. For questions, contact Jason Triefenbach. Learn more about the CORE exhibit. 

Call for Exhibitions: Art Gallery at the Old Bakery & Emporium

Deadline: 9/30/14

The Art Gallery at the Old Bakery & Emporium (OBE) is currently seeking applications from local artists to exhibit in monthly rotations of January 2015 through December 2015. Exhibitors must be 50 years of age or older to be eligible. Visit www.austintexas.gov/obemporium to download the application and cover letter. Read the Call to Artists 

7. ARTWARD: Call For Entries

Deadline: 9/30/14

ARTWARD is an international art competition awarded by the agency ICAA e.K. ARTWARD is focused on the young talents in art. The prize money, as well as artist-in-residence programs, offer artists the opportunity to implement new projects. The prize is democratic and transparent. Each candidate is given a unique URL page with text and images, and is promoted on our social network platforms. An international jury, consisting of renowned art experts, judges not only on outstanding artistic quality, innovation and a compelling total work are just as important. In addition, we act as an agent between artists and collectors, curators, galleries and our customer projects. NEW: We want to promote the international exchange of artists and art institutions and also invite international artists to apply for the ARTWARD.
Learn more: http://www.artward.de/en/ 

Art Paris Art Fair 2015

Deadline: 10/3/14

March 26-29, 2015, Art Paris Art Fair will bring together some 140 international galleries at the Grand Palais in Paris, presenting a wide panorama of modern and contemporary art which also includes photography, design and art books. Art Paris Art Fair is now accepting proposals from galleries interested in participating in the 2015 edition.
In order to obtain your personal login and password to apply on www.artparis.com, please contact: Claire Desproges: application@artparis.com 

25th Annual San Antonio Fiber Art Show

Deadline: 10/13/14

Open to all Texas artists working in a fiber medium, or employing fiber techniques. Juror: Barbara Schneider. Nov 21-Dec 17, 2014. Sponsored by the Fiber Artists of San Antonio. For one fee ($30/$35), can enter up to four pieces. Cash awards.

http://www.fiberartistsofsanantonio.org/2014-annual-exhibition.html  

2015 PrintAustin Registration

Deadline: 11/1/14

We are seeking galleries, alternative venues, happenings, and open studios for participation in PrintAustin 2015. PrintAustin will be held from January 15 to February 15, 2015. Our second annual print fest is a month-long event celebrating the art of original printmaking, educating the public about the traditions of printmaking as well as showcasing the innovations of the contemporary approach.
http://printaustin.org/2015-printaustin-registration  

RESIDENCIES

Open Call: Artist Resdiency at Kunsthuis SYB (Netherlands)

Deadline: 8/15/14

The artist residency Kunsthuis SYB in Beetsterzwaag, the Netherlands, announces an open call for summer 2015 residencies for foreign visual artists and initiatives. The summer residency provides an opportunity to do a project about the Frisan landscape and/or to engage with the village community. Friesland or Frisia is a province in the north of the European country the Netherlands. Friesland 'Frisia' extends from the north-western Netherlands across north-western Germany to the border of Denmark (Vid�). We invite artists to react to the Frisian (cultural) landscape and heritage through their own artistic practice. With this invitation SYB aims to generate a dialogue among Dutch and international cultural practitioners or organisations and to open up for a new and larger public(s). Two applicants will be selected for a six weeks residency at SYB between June 1st and August 31st, 2015. A residency includes 24-hour access to a furnished apartment and studio space, organizational guidance, artistic feedback, publicity, and a presentation at SYB.

http://kunsthuissyb.nl/projectvoorstel-indienen.html  

AROHO, New Mexico / 2015 Writers Retreat

Deadline: 8/15/14

Info- Proposals for The Waves Discussion Series should address, directly or obliquely the theme of Writing Against the Current. Proposals for studios need not directly engage this theme, though they may. Applications of proposals for contribution and for fellowships will be accepted online at www.aroho.org from May 1, 2014 through August 15, 2014. General applications, without proposals for program contribution, artist in residence, or fellowship requests, will be accepted beginning October 31, 2014, continuing until all remaining slots are competitively filled. Women are free to submit proposals in as many categories as desired, including proposals for fellowships and Artist in Residence positions. Proposals will be reviewed by a 3-person peer review committee. Notification of acceptance of proposals will be made on or before October 1, 2014. Submission of any proposal also carries with it the intent to attend the entire, week-long retreat and to cover relevant tuition, housing, and transportation costs. Details about the retreat and accompanying costs are available at www.aroho.org.

Largo das Artes Art Residency in Rio de Janeiro

Deadline: 8/18/14

Largo das Artes International Art Residency Programme is designed for emerging artists wishing to immerse themselves in their work without the strains of everyday life. We provide them the space to explore practices, new ideas and materials; and to develop a project in Rio de Janeiro while receiving professional feedback and support. Each month, four selected artists have the chance to live and work in Rio de Janeiro and to participate in weekly activities such as talks, meetings with curators, exhibition tours and LargoLab. Participants are also encouraged to propose talks and workshops, and to learn about Rio's art and cultural scenes. Residency period: Jan - Jun 2015 (each residency lasts one month. Artists should state the month for which they are applying)

http://largodasarteseng.tumblr.com/residency 

stalker teatro - officine CAOS (Turin, Italy)

Deadline: 9/30/14

From March to July 2015 in Turin, Stalker Teatro - Officine CAOS, a big theatre location dedicated to creation of cultural events together with local inhabitants, is offering a residence program to professional artists from both Italy and abroad, working in the fields of contemporary theatre and dance, performance or multimedia art, in order to present their works. The residence program provides artists/group with rehearsal space and accommodation. Officine CAOS can also offer its residents technical support, by arrangement and subject to availability.

www.stalkerteatro.net

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Art in the Texas State Parks: Arts Education Proposals

Deadline: 8/25/14

VSA Texas has been invited to partner with the Texas State Parks to create accessible and educational arts programs in the state parks. We are looking for artists who live close to a state park and who have an idea for a lesson that could be done in an outdoor space or an interpretive center. This could be visual art, dance, theater, or music. For adults or children. Artist instructors would be paid. Visit Texas Parks and Wildlife site to learn more about the parks. Contact April Sullivan at april@vsatx.org or 512-454-9912 for a proposal form.

Registration for the Annual Unified Auditions

The 2014 Annual Unified Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 6, 10am - 4pm at The Vortex Theatre. This is a great opportunity for actors to be seen by directors, producers, and leaders of both theatre and film organizations throughout Central Texas. Actors of all ages, ethnicities, and physical ability are encouraged to participate. Showcase your talent and meet others in the Austin arts industry!

If you would like to audition, register here. 

If you would like to audit, register here. 

2014 Trial Organizational Memberships with Americans for the Arts

Know of any arts organizations or arts service organizations interested in membership with Americans for the Arts? Organizations new to Americans for the Arts' membership are eligible for big savings through a special trial membership if they join before August 31, 2014! Contact the membership team at membership@artsusa.org for eligibility and details.

Open Call: Creative Time Reports Seeks Proposals

Deadline: 9/2/14

Creative Time Reports seeks proposals that offer incisive, provocative and unflinching perspectives on the most challenging issues of our times. We believe that artists play a crucial role as thought leaders in society and are uniquely capable of inspiring and encouraging a more engaged and informed public, whether they are addressing elections or climate change, censorship or immigration, protest movements or politically motivated violence. We believe in the importance of highlighting cultural producers' distinctive viewpoints on world events and urgent issues of social justice to ensure a livelier, more nuanced and more imaginative public debate. We distribute this content to the public and media free of charge.

http://creativetime.org/blog/2014/07/14/open-call-creative-time-reports-seeks-proposals 

Call for Nominations: Texas State Artist

Deadline for nominations: 10/15/14 

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2015 and 2016 positions of: Texas State Musician, Texas State Poet Laureate,Texas State Visual Artists 2-D, and Texas State Visual Artists 3-D. All Texans are invited to nominate qualified artists for these four positions. Please help us spread the word about this unique opportunity. Self-nominations are encouraged.
https://txoriginal.com  

ReNEW East Creative Incubator Now Accepting Applications

Imagine Art announces the launch of ReNEW East, a creative incubator for artists on the east side. 10,000 sqft of warehouse space has been converted to studios, gallery and conference space where artists are creating and displaying. Now accepting applications for artists to partner in their Open Studio model. More information and apply at http://reneweast.weebly.com 

Local & State News

City Asks for Public's Help in Setting Program Priorities for Recreation Centers, Cultural Arts Centers, Nature Centers, Golf and Aquatics

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department will host an Interactive Town Hall Meeting to solicit opinions about the programs and services offered through the recreation centers, cultural arts centers, nature based centers, golf courses, and aquatic facilities. This meeting is a part of periodic outreach efforts to help the Department determine the needs, values, and priorities for Austin's recreational and cultural programs based on the public's feedback.

To maximize the amount of community input, the Austin Park and Recreation Department will host an Interactive Town Hall meeting on August 14, 2014 at 7 pm, beginning with an open house at 6:30 pm in the Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center. Functioning much like a radio call-in show, the Interactive Telephone Town Hall Meeting will simultaneously connect thousands of interested stakeholders with organizational leaders from the comfort of their own home. Everyone is welcome to attend or to call into this meeting. Methods to participate include:

- In person at Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile Street

- Online at http://www.atxn.tv 

- English phone line: 888-400-1932; Espa�ol phone line: 888-400-9342

- On television: Time Warner Cable - Channel 6 (10.6 without a cable box); Grande Communication - Channel 6 (119.6 without a cable box); AT&T U-verse - Channel 99

Photo: Bartholomew Pool, "Blue Gate" by Casey Cooper. Photo by Philip Rogers

Austin ISD aims to finish Performing Arts Center construction in 2014

Community Impact, 7/22/14, http://tinyurl.com/q6veq4v   

The Cost of Art III: How the Fusebox Festival liberated itself from charging admission

Austin Chronicle, 7/25/14, http://tinyurl.com/omayw2f   

Austin Music Foundation nears completion of HQ building on Riverside

Austin Business Journal, 7/24/14, http://tinyurl.com/noeqlo6   

The Pull of Texas for Filmmakers

Backstage, 8/1/14, www.backstage.com/news/pull-texas-filmmakers  

Painted fences bring Austin together

KLRU, 7/22/14

Artists and citizens in North Austin collaborate to paint fences with the phrase "beauty will save the world" in various languages, reflecting the 30 languages spoken in the neighborhood.

 http://video.ideastations.org/video/2365293440/ 

National News

PUBLIC INVESTMENT IN THE ARTS 

President Obama Awards 2013 National Medals of Arts

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. President Barack Obama presented the National Medals of Arts in conjunction with the National Humanities Medals on July 28, 2014, in an East Room ceremony at the White House.

Read the full list of recipients 

Among those honored was visual artist James Turrell whose "Skyspace," The Color Inside, was installed on the UT Campus in 2013 and can be experienced for free daily. For more information, visit turrell.utexas.edu.

NEA Funding Restored

Americans for the Arts, 7/15/14

Town Paints Sculpture Blue, to Artist's Horror

Hyperallergic, 7/29/14

"French municipalities are mistreating the public works they commission under a national "1% for art" program, with one going so far as to recently repaint a sculpture without the artist's approval, Lib�ration reported. In the north-eastern commune of Hayange, a stonework sculpture by the artist Alain Mila was repainted blue, the gentle monumentality of its twin forms transformed into a grim robin's-egg scene, its color suspiciously close to the logo of the National Front, a far-right party." http://tinyurl.com/q3sr5kt   

CREATIVE ECONOMY 

Military bands offer musicians great jobs, similar challenges to orchestras

The Washington Post, 7/19/14

Listings courtesy of Americans for the Arts, Arts Journal, and You've Cott Mail

The Cultural Arts Division was awarded a Constant Contact 2013 All Star Award in Recognition of Excellence in Email Marketing.