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TEMPO on the Trail 2026 Artists Announcement

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The Trail Conservancy and Austin Art in Public Places Announce 2026 TEMPO Artists, Bringing New Public Art Experiences to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

The Trail Conservancy (TTC), in partnership with the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program, is proud to announce the nine local and regional contemporary artists selected for the 2026 TEMPO on the Trail public art program. Chosen from a competitive pool of 113 applicants, these artists will create temporary, site–responsive installations that transform the Ann and Roy Butler Hike–and–Bike Trail into an open–air gallery, inviting visitors to experience the Trail in new and unexpected ways.
 
All nine works will be installed simultaneously in March 2026, followed by a community–wide celebration later that month to welcome the art, meet the artists, and explore the Trail through a creative lens.
 

The selected artists and their project formats include:

 
Now in its second year under TTC’s stewardship, TEMPO is designed to support local artists by offering a highly visible, real–world platform to experiment, connect with new audiences, and contribute to Austin’s evolving cultural landscape. The program blends creativity with accessibility, placing original works directly into one of the city’s most beloved public spaces.
 
“TEMPO on the Trail is about discovery for our artists and for our community,” said Julie Fisher, CEO of The Trail Conservancy. “The Trail is already a place people come to move, reflect, and connect. With TEMPO on the Trail, it becomes a place of creative surprise, storytelling, and imagination. We’re thrilled to introduce this next group of artists and to continue building a Trail experience that blends nature, culture, and community in a way that feels uniquely Austin.”
 
The TEMPO on the Trail program is made possible through TTC’s partnership with the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program, which integrates art into shared spaces across the city.
 
“TEMPO gives artists the opportunity to think beyond traditional gallery walls and engage directly with the public,” said Jaime Castillo, AIPP Manager. “These installations invite curiosity, interaction, and conversation, meeting people where they already are and making Austin’s vibrant culture more visible and more accessible to all.”
 
Building on the success of the inaugural TEMPO on the Trail program, the 2026 installations will carry that momentum forward with fresh forms, materials, and ideas. Each piece will be temporary and on view for 12 months.
 
More details about the installations, artist spotlights, and the March community celebration will be announced soon.
Learn More About TEMPO

About TEMPO
TEMPO is a public art program launched in 2017 by the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places. Designed to cultivate curiosity, spark imagination, and encourage exploration throughout Austin, TEMPO invites emerging artists to create site–responsive works that reflect the character of their chosen location. Artworks are designed for easy installation and removal, allowing for dynamic, temporary experiences in public spaces.

In 2023, The Trail Conservancy partnered with AIPP to launch TEMPO on the Trail, a temporary public art program presented on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike–and–Bike Trail.. Designed to support local and regional contemporary artists, TEMPO on the Trail brings experimental, temporary works to the Butler Trail, creating new ways for people to experience art within the everyday landscape.

About The Trail Conservancy
The Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike–and–Bike Trail for the benefit of all. The Trail is a 10–mile urban oasis in the heart of Austin, welcoming nearly 5 million visits each year. Since its founding in 2003, TTC has led restoration, beautification, and community programming efforts that ensure the Trail remains vibrant, inclusive, and accessible for generations to come.

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The Trail Conservancy is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax ID: 87-0699956.