North Austin News

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail in Austin is set to undergo a transformation with the introduction of a new public art initiative called TEMPO on the Trail. The Trail Conservancy, in collaboration with the City of Austin Economic Development Department’s Art in Public Places Program (AIPP), has announced the selected artists who will be creating short-term or time-based artworks along the trail.

"We are thrilled to partner with The Trail Conservancy on the TEMPO on the Trail project, as it aligns with our mission to enhance the cultural vitality of Austin," said Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. The initiative aims to support artists in bringing their creative visions to the trail, fostering a unique and engaging connection between art and the community.

TEMPO encourages artists to choose locations along the trail that resonate with them and design artworks that can be easily installed and uninstalled. Each artist will receive $25,000 to design, fabricate, and install their temporary artwork. The installations will take place from March to June of 2024.

"We believe art has the power to connect people to their environment in meaningful ways," said Hanna Coffer, Interim CEO of The Trail Conservancy. "By inviting artists to create temporary installations along the trail, we hope to foster a deeper connection between our community and the natural world that surrounds us."

The selected artists will transform Austin's outdoor spaces into a canvas of creativity. The Trail Conservancy and the Economic Development Department are excited to collaborate with these talented individuals to bring this vision to life.

The City of Austin Economic Development Department's Art in Public Places Program aims to enhance the cultural vitality of the city. To learn more about the program, visit austintexas.gov/aipp.

The Trail Conservancy's mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake for the benefit of all. The 10-mile lush, urban path in the heart of Austin receives more than 4.9 million visits every year. The Trail Conservancy has been working since 2003 to restore and beautify the trail's infrastructure and environment while honoring its original vision.

With TEMPO on the Trail, Austin's Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail will become a vibrant and dynamic outdoor art experience, inviting both residents and visitors to explore the intersection of art and nature in this vibrant city.