Austin Convention Center Announces 10 Local Artists to Bring Creative Spirit to Transformative Redevelopment and Expansion Project

AUSTIN, Texas — Ten local artists have been selected to create original works that will be architecturally integrated into the new Austin Convention Center, bringing Austin’s renowned creative spirit into the design of one of the City’s most innovative economic efforts. 

The public art initiative, managed by Art in Public Places, a program of the City of Austin’s Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment department, is being implemented in two distinct phases. During the first phase, the 10 selected artists will participate in the architectural design process to create monumental-scale public artworks integrated directly into the new Convention Center’s built environment. 

Selected artists for Phase I commissions are Alejandra Almuelle, Rex Hamilton, Tsz Kam, Dave McClinton, Aaron Michalovic, Diego Miró-Rivera, Manik Raj Nakra, Dawn Okoro, Carmen Rangel and the late artist Betelhem Makonnen (1972-2026), whose large-scale interior work is continuing through final design in collaboration with the artist’s team. 

Representing a range of artistic perspectives, disciplines and experiences, the artists will create works incorporated directly into the Convention Center’s architecture and public spaces. Designed to be encountered as people move through and around the building, the artworks will create moments of discovery, connection and inspiration. They also reflect the diverse stories and creative traditions that have shaped Austin, offering a contemporary perspective on the City.

Phase II, anticipated to launch in 2027, will introduce additional smaller-scale public art commission opportunities throughout the facility’s interior and exterior spaces. 

The $17.7 million investment in public art, part of the $1.6 billion redevelopment and expansion project, reflects the City’s commitment to making art an integral part of the new Convention Center and the visitor experience. These integrated public artworks will extend beyond the building’s interior, creating visible and accessible experiences along pedestrian thoroughfares, outdoor plazas and open spaces. The installations will be enjoyed by convention attendees, everyday pedestrians, downtown workers and neighbors, making art an accessible and meaningful part of Austin’s downtown core.

“Art is an essential part of Austin’s identity, and we wanted the Convention Center to reflect that,” said Katy Zamesnik, Interim Director, Austin Convention Center. “These artists bring unique perspectives and incredible originality to the project. Their work will help transform the Convention Center from a place people visit for an event into a place that tells the story of Austin. It invites global travelers to experience our city’s creative culture up close while they attend an event at the Center and allows Austinites to celebrate in that culture every day.”   

The artists were selected through a competitive process, beginning with more than 80 artists nominated by a panel of local arts and culture leaders. The criteria for selection was based on artistic merit, experience, ability to reflect Austin’s culture, and interest in collaborating with the Convention Center’s design and construction management teams.

Following approval of the artist nominations by the AIPP Panel and Arts Commission, a 12-member selection panel assembled by AIPP reviewed and interviewed finalists. The panel was made up of seven voting panelists and five nonvoting advisors, including local arts professionals, community and Convention Center stakeholders.

“The new Austin Convention Center will welcome visitors from around the world for generations, and the public art inside it represents a lasting investment in our community,” said Angela Means, Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. “Artists were selected through a process rooted in local expertise, community perspectives and public accountability. The result is a group whose voices and experiences reflect what makes this city unique, and we are excited to see their art and vision take shape.”

The new Austin Convention Center is being envisioned as more than a premier destination for meetings and events—it is an important economic engine for Austin. By attracting conventions, visitors and business opportunities, the Center will support local businesses, generate economic activity and strengthen Austin’s position as a global destination. At the same time, integrated public art, outdoor plazas and welcoming street-level connections will create opportunities for the building to serve residents, downtown workers and visitors alike, making it an active and accessible part of Austin’s cultural and civic life.

The $1.6 billion project is funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), Project Financing Zone revenues, which is a rebate of an increment of certain state HOT and sales taxes from hotels near the Convention Center for a period of 30 years, as well as Convention Center revenues. No property taxes or general fund dollars are used.

The redevelopment and expansion project remains on schedule to open Spring 2029.

For more information about the Austin Convention Center redevelopment and expansion project, and the artists, visit UnconventionalATX.com.  

About the Austin Convention Center

The Austin Convention Center is undergoing a transformative redevelopment and expansion that will create a modern, sustainable, and distinctly Austin destination in the heart of downtown. The project is designed to support Austin’s growing tourism and convention economy while strengthening connections between the Convention Center, downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods. The new facility is pursuing ILFI Zero Carbon certification and is designed with sustainability, community connection, art, and Austin’s unique identity at its core. The Austin Convention Center Department also operates the Palmer Events Center, three parking garages, and the Warehouse and Marshalling Yard.

Website: unconventionalatx.com 
Follow: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn — @AustinConventionCenter 

About Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment

Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports Austin's artists, musicians, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions. ACME is a centralized hub offering resources, funding opportunities, and strategic programs that promote local talent and drive economic growth.    

Website: austintexas.gov/arts-culture
Follow: Instagram | Facebook — @AustinACME