Austin artists fight to keep iconic art pieces at convention center

AUSTIN, Texas - There is a fight to preserve iconic pieces of art created by Austin-area artists in the 1990s. 

The Austin Convention Center has had renovations and expansion plans on the calendar for years now, but there are concerns and controversy, as some of its history that Austinites have grown familiar with throughout the decades might be lost with the building's bones. 

The ACC contains original art installations commissioned by the city, and those massive works are at risk of being destroyed in the demolition. 

"These artists were informed that they are not able to be removed through one of our other processes or stored or safe for the future, but that the artist has the right to come in and remove the pieces at their own cost," said Morgan Messick, City of Austin's Assistant Director of Economic Development.

However, some artists want the city to pay for the removal. One of the pieces people are passionate about preserving is the Riffs and Rhymes mosaic created by John Yancey in 1996. 

"When we purchase the artwork from them, the artwork belongs to the city, and while we are able to give it back to them, we don't have a built-in budget to pay for that," said Messick. 

Messick said many of the designs, like Yancey's mosaic, weigh three to four tons and were integrated into the structure. Removing it is estimated to cost around $70-80,000.

The city said they do not have the budget to move it, and trying to would ultimately damage the art. 

"We are happy that we are able to preserve so many of the artworks for the future Convention Center and just unfortunately, there are a couple that are outside the scope of what's possible for us," said Messick. 

The new convention center will also feature new artwork. Local artists have already applied, and the selection process is underway. 

The demolition is scheduled for April 2025. Artists have until December 30 to submit their plans, and the Austin City Council will review them in January.