The Trail Conservancy, in collaboration with the City of Austin Economic Development Department's Art in Public Places Program (AIPP), has announced the artists selected for this year's TEMPO on the Trail initiative. Hanna Cofer, interim CEO of The Trail Conservancy, states that this public art program can foster community building in Austin through art.
"We believe art has the power to connect people to their environment in meaningful ways," said Cofer. "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 Trail Conservancy explains that TEMPO invites visual artists to create short-term artworks along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The goal is to enhance public spaces and showcase Austin's creativity. This initiative encourages artists to select locations along the trail and design artworks that can be easily installed and removed. Each artist will receive $25,000 for their project, with installations scheduled from March to June of this year.
According to a press release on The Trail Conservancy website, the selected artists and their chosen locations are as follows: Adrian Landon Brooks – mural under the Drake Bridge; Chroma Collective – mural under the IH-35 Bridge; Raul Buitrago – wheat paper mural at the Seaholm Amenities Pavilion; Diego Miro-Rivera – lawn art at International Shores; Johnny Walker – sculpture at Auditorium Shores; Juliet Whitsett – sculpture at Holly Lakefront Trail; Ani Bradberry – light art displayed through the Seaholm Intake Building; and Darcie Book – sculpture at Lakeshore Park.
TEMPO aims to transform Austin’s outdoor spaces into hubs of creativity with this art project, attracting both residents and tourists to the Trail. The release states that The Trail Conservancy and the Economic Development Department are excited to collaborate with talented artists to bring this vision to life.
As per its website, The Trail Conservancy was established in 2003 with a mission dedicated to safeguarding, improving, and linking the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake for the wider community. It works to execute restoration and enhancement projects, including the infrastructure and surroundings in the heart of Austin. The trail receives more than 4.9 million visits annually.
Cofer has over two decades of experience working in the nonprofit sector, with roles ranging from local conservation to international social enterprises, according to The Trail Conservancy’s website. She harbors a passion for the community of Austin and volunteers with various animal welfare and musician support organizations.