WaterWork

waterwork

the trail conservancy x Design Austin

Through projection mapping technology, the historic Seaholm Intake Facility façade will transform into a canvas of art, light, and motion. WaterWork, an immersive art experience by The Trail Conservancy and Design Austin, is a first-of-its-kind projection that celebrates the dynamic between the urban environment and the natural landscape and the many talents of Austin’s creative community.

Artists and designers were asked to create short videos that explore the coexistence of the city with nature in the heart of downtown. The immersive display will debut at dusk on Thursday, September 12 and Tuesday, September 17 and be visible from several vantage points: on land from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail; and on the water from kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft. The projection will start at approximately 8:30 PM.

This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

WaterWork is co-curated by Anahita Bradberry, Taylor Davis, Emily Eisenhart, Moyo Oyelola, and Kristi-Anne Shaer.

Participating artists:

Casey Alfstad | Website | Instagram

Alex Boeschenstein | Website | Instagram

Ani Bradberry | Website | Instagram

Emily Eisenhart | Website | Instagram

Essential Creative | Website | Instagram

Ariana Gomez | Website | Instagram

Jamal Hussain | Website | Instagram

Alie Jackson | Website | Instagram

Diego Miró-Rivera | Website | Instagram

Mandy Mandelstein | Website | Instagram

VLM (Virginia L. Montgomery) | Website | Instagram

Liz Rodda | Website | Instagram

Sara Roma | Website | Instagram

Luke Savisky | Website | Instagram

Hannah Spector | Website

ways to view

ON THE WATER

The best way to view the display will be from watercraft. You can reserve kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft in advance at Austin Rowing Club, with 50% of the proceeds from the nights of WaterWork coming back to TTC.

Make a Reservation

CRUISE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy an evening on Lady Bird Lake and some of the best seats on the water with this special cruise experience from TTC.

Get Tickets for Sep 17

ON THE TRAIL

The display will be shown on the waterfront side of the Seaholm Building at 8:30 PM and is visible from the south side of Lady Bird Lake. The best viewing spot from the Trail will be at Auditorium Shores.

Get Directions

about seaholm waterfront

The Seaholm Intake is an iconic Art Deco building that once was the pump house for the Seaholm Power Plant, which operated until 1989. In 1996, Austin City Council authorized the decommissioning of the plant and all the associated buildings in preparation for future adaptive reuse.

In the fall of 2016, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and key partners discussed strategies to achieve the greatest public benefit for the Seaholm Intake and surrounding parkland that could best harness the energy and resources of the non-profit and philanthropic sector. In 2018, Austin City Council approved the Seaholm Waterfront concept plan. Full access to the Intake will begin upon completion of Phase 2 of the plan, bringing the facility to life and providing the amenities and maintenance needed for daily operations. The Trail Conservancy launched a $15,000,000 capital campaign in late 2023 to fund Phase 2 and will begin the construction of this phase once the campaign goal has been reached.

See The Project