Waller Creek Conservancy is proud to present New Monuments for New Cities, the inaugural joint art initiative of the High Line Network. The exhibition features 25 artists selected by five industrial reuse projects in North America. Each artist was asked to respond to the role monuments have played in shaping cities and how they successfully speak to or, in some cases, misrepresent the people who live there. The diverse of array of participating artists each present a poignant perspective that respond to the evolving nature of monuments in our country today. The resulting works are meant to stimulate civic dialogue on what it means to honor a person, idea or moment in time as viewers explore themes of equity, identity, and heritage.
All New Monuments for New Cities programs are free and open to the public. They will take place at the newly renovated Symphony Square.
New Monuments for New Cities: Opening Celebration
Saturday, March 2
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A free, family-friendly celebration of New Monuments for New Cities featuring artist-led walking tours of the exhibit, live music, and hands-on activities with our partners – Anti-Defamation League of Austin, AIA Austin, Mexican American Cultural Center, and Austin History Center.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Hear remarks from Cecilia Alemani, the Donald R. Mullen, Jr. Director & Chief Curator of High Line Art.
Artist Talk
Wednesday, March 27 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Daniela Cavazos Madrigal, Teruko Nimura, and Denise Prince.
Moderated by Sightlines’ Jeanne Claire van Ryzin.
Free; Registration Required
Austin Monuments: Past, Present, Future
Thursday, May 2 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Presented in partnership with Preservation Austin and the Austin History Center. Moderated by KUT’s DaLyah Jones.
Free; Registration Required
Artists in Conversation
Thursday, May 16 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Nicole Awai and Vincent Valdez
Free; Registration Required
Cinema on the Creek
Sunday, March 24, April 14, & May 19 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Taking its inspiration from the exhibition, this free series features films about art and architecture that highlight themes of immigration, civic participation, patriotism, race, and heritage. A community discussion will accompany each film. Presented in partnership with the Austin Film Society.
- Sunday, March 24 – Through the Repellent Fence (2017)
- Sunday, April 14 – The Pruitt-Igoe Myth (2011)
- Sunday, May 19 – Short Films featuring Christo’s Valley Curtain (1974)
New Orleans Club Revisited Concert Series
Thursday, April 25 & May 23 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Red River Street has been the heart of music in Austin, Texas for decades, predating the rock era. The clubs of the ‘50s and ‘60s offered a rich variety of music; house gigs were coveted and the New Orleans Club led the pack. Join us as we pay homage to this venue now located at Symphony Square with a series of free concerts that revisits the sounds of one of Austin’s most beloved music scenes.
- Thursday, April 25 – Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy
- Thursday, May 23 – Tameca Jones
Presented by the Waller Creek Conservancy and the High Line Network.
Sponsored by Michael Chesser, BBVA Compass, Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, and the Susan Vaughan Foundation. Thank you to our media sponsor Do 512.