$1.1M project could pay homeless artists to paint murals in downtown library garage

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pilot program could pay people experiencing homelessness to create art murals in Austin.

The art program, which would pay people experiencing homelessness for same-day work to paint murals, is up for consideration at this week's city council meeting.

Austin council members will consider a roughly $1.1 million contract Thursday with local art nonprofit Raasin in the Sun for a pilot project part of the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps program. This workforce initiative began in 2020 as a way to help people impacted by the pandemic.

The pilot project would begin in the underground garage at the Austin Central Library in downtown Austin, according to the proposal from the nonprofit. About 80 to 100 participants would paint sections of the parking garage tunnels, walls and concrete columns with colorful murals.

Payments would be $150 for five hours of work, and participants would be chosen by lottery for one of 20 painting spots per day, according to the proposal.

If approved, recruitment would start this summer with implementation beginning in the fall. The art would be unveiled in spring 2025, according to the proposal.

Additional project phases could include the lower parking garage level, the exterior of the library and the Lamar underpass.

Previous Austin Civilian Conservation Corps projects include the "Be Well" mural at the Lamar underpass, an interactive performance to promote self-expression and healing and community engagement with artists to cope during the pandemic, according to an agenda document.

The project will be funded with American Rescue Plan dollars. Project costs include artist fees, supplies, project staffing, a one-year maintenance plan and other expenses, according to the proposal.