Public art commissions

Art in Public Places

City of Austin — Art in Public Places · Austin, Texas, US

Representative organizer image for Art in Public Places
Representative organizer imageImage: austintexas.gov ↗© 2026 The City of Austin, Texas (as credited at source)

Documented selection route

Usually RFQs, followed by artist selection-panel review.

Program history & cadence

Public art opportunities announced each year.

A documented program is not a current invitation to apply. Selection routes and program history reflect the linked dated sources. Confirm current availability, eligibility and application terms with the organizer.

Program context & project planning

How the program works

A qualifications-first commissioning process

Austin describes a six-stage process beginning with project discovery and a call that is usually a request for qualifications. Staff establish location, goals and eligibility with project stakeholders before an artist panel reviews applicants. Once selected, artists research the community and meet with city departments and neighborhood participants to understand priorities and construction schedules. Eligibility can vary between Austin-based, national and occasional international calls, so the individual brief controls who can participate.

City of Austin — AIPP Process ↗ · Reviewed

Big Art Partners planning question

Which completed projects show both the artist’s practice and an ability to work with communities and construction teams?

Fabrication and closeout are part of the commission

Austin’s process includes scale models, material choices, a detailed budget, construction documents and fabrication and installation methods during design development. At closeout, the artist and city inspect the work and review its maintenance or conservation plan; city staff may receive conservation training. The collection team then completes accessioning and receives title. This provides a concrete framework for a production scope that includes drawings and handover documentation as well as fabrication.

City of Austin — Design, Fabrication and Closeout ↗ · Reviewed

Big Art Partners planning question

Who will supply the construction documents, maintenance manual and final training, and are those tasks in the budget?

View all documented programs and opportunity records from City of Austin — Art in Public Places ↗

Sources & review dates