Austin Art Installers

This unique Austin duo makes installing art, well, an art

Jeremy Burks, Kirk Anders and Matt Winters install an exhibit on the UT campus.

Photo by KLRU

Editor's note: CultureMap is proud to present the latest installment in our partnership with KLRU's documentary series Arts in Context. This unique series finds and examines stories about the arts in Austin and the people who make this such a vibrant and creative city.

This winter KLRU takes a behind-the-scenes look at museum art installation with Austin Art Services. Experts in this crucial (yet often hidden) process, Kirk Anders and Jeremy Burks bring craftsmanship, design and creativity to placing every piece of art. With each endeavor, they continue to help museums, artists and art owners to express and realize their visions.

In the video above, Anders and Burks (along with a little help from CultureMap contributor Matthew John Winters) are creating "Weaving the Past: 101 years of the Interior Design Education at the University of Texas at Austin," a three-day event that took place in October 2013 on the UT campus.

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is dedicated to telling stories that entertain, inspire and change our lives. KLRU highlights what makes Austin unique – whether music, arts or public issues – by creating and distributing award-winning original content. In addition to Arts in Context, KLRU produces several series including Austin City Limits, Central Texas Gardener, Civic Summit and Overheard with Evan Smith.

ARIA OF INTEREST

Austin Opera unveils dramatic new headquarters and performance center

Austin Opera

Photo courtesy of Austin Opera.

Austin Opera's Sarah and Ernest Butler Performance Center

The art form of opera may date back to the 16th century, but Austin Opera is looking towards the future. On October 8, the company announced a sweeping investment in the city’s cultural growth.

The nonprofit, a community fixture since 1986, unveiled plans for its new home at 5811 Trade Center Dr. — but it's not finished yet. Austin Opera relocated its administrative offices in September, but the major work will kick off in January 2025. By October 2025, the company hopes to debut the artistic wing of the building, which will include a 195-seat theater.

The undertaking will also make room for rehearsal space, teaching and practice studios, a costume shop, outdoor event space, and a conference center. The artistic hub will allow Austin Opera to serve the Austin community more fully while providing critical performance and rehearsal space.

“The establishment of this new performance center is a historic step for Austin Opera to expand our audience, secure a sustainable future, and provide essential spaces for the performing arts community in Austin,” explained Annie Burridge, Austin Opera’s General Director and CEO, via a release. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with our community to build an inclusive new cultural hub for our thriving city.”

Although the headquarters will have plenty of bells and whistles, like a state-of-the-art A/V system, its most significant impact will be felt in Austin Opera’s artistic scope. The space will allow the company to expand its programming and educational offerings. Music Director Timothy Myers says the center will enable the organization to explore new repertoire, performance formats, and genres.

The ambitious project was made possible by longtime patrons Sarah and Ernest Butler, who will be honored in the performance center’s name. The creators of a $3 million endowment to fund Spanish language programming at the opera, the philanthropists also were lead contributors to the capital campaign. Austin Opera has secured $3.67 million towards its $7.5 million goal.

“We are proud to support the latest innovative undertaking of Austin Opera. This new performance center, which will bear our names, will help secure a sustainable future for opera in Austin and enable numerous cultural institutions to extend their important work into the community,” said Dr. and Mrs. Butler.

More information about Austin Opera and its current season is available at austinopera.org.

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