AUSTIN, TEXAS – Several local artists are rallying to preserve iconic artworks that have become an integral part of the Austin Convention Center’s identity.
The center is facing extensive renovation and expansion plans that have been in the works for years.
These plans include a complete demolition slated for April 2025, which has cast uncertainty over the future of these treasured art pieces.
Among the pieces at risk is the well-known Riffs and Rhymes mosaic by artist John Yancey, created in 1996.
This mosaic and other similar works were originally commissioned by the city and integrated into the convention center’s structure.
According to Morgan Messick, Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City of Austin, the removal cost for some of these artworks, such as Yancey’s mosaic, is estimated to be between $70,000 and $80,000. The substantial weight and integration of the pieces into the building’s structure make the task complex.
Many artists and community members are pushing for the city to bear the removal costs.
However, city officials have indicated that no budget exists for such an endeavor.
Messick stated that while the city owns these artworks, returning them to the artists is an option. However, funding for their removal and preservation is not accounted for in the current budget.
Austin’s artists remain hopeful for a resolution that respects both the city’s development goals and its rich artistic heritage.