It felt reassuring for Lily Zamarripa-Saenz in April when she was able to tour the grounds of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and see the progress on the $27 million expansion she and other community members had been working toward for close to a decade. As a recent member of the MACC […]
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
An Austin center with exhibits and events that explore Mexican-American heritage and culture.
Posted inParks
PARD updates plans for new Dougherty and for cultural center expansions
The city is moving forward with plans to replace the Dougherty Arts Center with a new multiphased facility located in the Butler Shores Park area. The Parks and Recreation Department plans to begin the permitting process for the new arts center soon, while also conducting community engagement sessions and getting support from relevant boards and […]
Posted inAustin
MACC funds not cut, Council member reports
A report to City Council that funding was cut for the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center turned out to be a misunderstanding. Larry Amaro, a member of the MACC board, told Council at Thursday’s meeting that a number of planned events this spring would have to be canceled because of a reduction in […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
City IDs $65M in creative space needs for possible 2024 bond package
The city has identified $65 million in critical needs for cultural arts infrastructure projects that will be under consideration for a possible bond vote in 2024. A memo released last week spells out the progress being made on a handful of major creative space projects funded by the city. It also offers a glimpse at […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Chicago creative hub to help shape plans for three Austin cultural facilities
By the end of the year, the city will have rough estimates for the capital expenses and operational costs for opening three music and art hubs at three cultural centers, with a Chicago group likely playing a large role in shaping the offerings and programs included in those facilities. The Music Commission received an update […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Planning underway to bring hubs for music and arts to three cultural centers
The city’s three ethnic cultural centers are being considered to house hubs for music and other artistic endeavors that would provide members of the local Black, Latino and Asian American communities with more opportunities to explore and advance their creative careers. The process is in its formative stages, with a $50,000 request for proposals open […]
Posted inPlanning
MACC board wants questions answered before approving expansion plan
Leaders from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center want the public to have more input on plans to expand the Rainey Street facility, because of concerns early planning documents don’t provide enough details about public access and how large events would fit there. Last week, the MACC advisory board delayed taking any action […]
Posted inPlanning
MACC expansion plans headed for review
City leaders are getting an up-close look this week at the project details for the long-planned expansion of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. The Design and the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory commissions are slated to take presentations on the expansion, which adds roughly 68,500 square feet to the 36,000-square-foot facility […]
Posted inEnvironment
Watershed Protection sets high bar for restoring Waller Creek
With the city and its public and private partners out to restore and enhance the Waller Creek delta that runs from Fourth Street to Lady Bird Lake, the southern stretch of Waterloo Greenway is due for more work. This section of the creek holds the dubious distinction of being one of the five worst erosion […]
Posted inRoads
Renteria opposes Red River extension into Rainey Street, MACC area
Council Member Pio Renteria has come out against a proposal to create a new roadway through the Rainey Street district that would require using some of the land provided by the city for the creation of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. An extension of Red River Street south and then east has […]
Posted inRoads
Red River extension into Rainey neighborhood draws concern from MACC backers
The city’s Transportation Department is circulating the latest plans for a southern expansion of Red River Street, which would create a new thoroughfare through the Rainey Street neighborhood to address growing traffic concerns. While the heaviest public comment on the proposed plan will take place this fall, department officials have started discussing the project with […]
Posted inPlanning
City seeks input on vision, plans for downtown’s Palm District
Residents can begin offering their thoughts to the city about the future use and look of the Palm District, a section of downtown that features historic structures and is surrounded by rapid growth and development. The city will hold a series of virtual meetings and surveys to let those interested in the district share their […]