Art at AUS

The Changing Exhibits Program provides exhibit opportunities for local, central-Texas regional and state-based cultural organizations, individual artists, K-12 student classes, and collectors who have art, objects, artifacts and collections of public interest with artistic merit, cultural significance, educational value, or historical relevance.

Artwork may be made, constructed, or designed using most media suitable for respective environments in 2-D or 3-D; and installed in storefront gallery spaces, wall galleries, vitrines, passenger hold rooms, baggage claim and other allowable spaces. The duration of exhibitions spans four to 12 months and scheduled up to three years in advance.

Currently there are no open calls. 

Artists will be invited to submit to open calls on an ongoing basis.

In the Terminal Now

History of Music at AUS: A Visual Showcase

The AUS Passenger Experience presents an interpretive survey that looks back on the many years of live music at AUS. Borrowed artifacts alongside AUS archives share an insider perspective of the program that connects the historical significance of staging live music at the airport to the vibrant music scene happening throughout the city of Austin. Just over 26 years ago Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) launched its live music program: an edge-leading effort among airports nationally and internationally. At the time (1999) there was only one main stage and one weekly performance. Today, there are 8 stages and no less than 25 weekly performances.

From pre-security baggage level and mobility lounge to secure-side gates 12 through 30, discover big and small moments about this visionary music program that link the airport’s aspirations to the city’s prolific music vibe. A highlight of the exhibition is an immersive experience in AUS ’s largest gallery that re-imagines the space as a vintage club environment where passengers can sit and listen to recorded interviews of some of Austin’s famed musicians who have played at AUS. This multi-sensory exhibition underscores AUS’s commitment to maintaining a legacy of supporting musicians local to Austin.

This exhibition was prepared by AUS staff in partnership with KUTX, HAAM, Antone’s, Saxon Pub, Almost Real Things, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and points to the intentional efforts of airport concessionaires, AUS leadership and the will of the community to keep Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. Whether passing through or returning home, we hope to elevate your Journey with AUS.

ATX Photographic Tribute - From the AUS Archives

Austin-based music photographer, Michael Wright, offers a visual celebration of many musicians who have shaped Austin’s sonic identity. This collection of photographs, previously displayed throughout Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s Barbara Jordan Terminal by various Austin photographers, captures vivid moments of Austin musicians performing in venues across the city as well as some taken from the Saxon Pub by Wright himself.

Location: Mobility Lounge View on Map

Stefanie Distefano, (Untitled from Dozen Street Bar), 2014, mosaic guitar, Courtesy of Miriam Conner Private Collection 

This mosaic guitar lived on the mirror-mosaic facade of the bar and music venue, Dozen Street (2014-2020). The eastside dive bar welcomed all genres and was home to multiple weekly residencies that showcased established and emerging talent from Austin’s music scene. Distefano, whose mosaic murals can be seen throughout Austin, is the sister of Dozen Street owner Madi Distefano. 

Audition CDs - From the AUS Archives 

Before streaming and digital media, physical media was used to audition talent for stage bookings and to build bespoke playlists of Texas and local artists for the live music program at AUS. Cassette tapes and compact discs (CDs) were essential tools for the AUS music program. A case at each security checkpoint holds the analog origins that once shaped the daily soundtracks of the AUS soundwaves.

Location: Security Pylons (West) 

Deborah Renfrew, Honor the Things that Make You Happy, not dated, mosaic guitar, Courtesy of Musician Walt Wilkins Private Collection  

Created by New York-based multi-media artist Deborah Renfrew as a gift for friend, Austin-based musician, Walt Wilkins. The mosaic guitar was featured as a part of the album artwork “Plenty”, the 2012 release by Wilkins.

Location: Security Pylons (East) View on Map

Show Posters and Commemorative Guitars (Ray Benson's Birthday '23, HAAM Day '24, CBOB '24), Courtesy of Health Alliance for Ausin Musicians (HAAM) 

Every year AUS makes space for our concessionaires and supporting partners to participate in HAAM Day. The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) provides Austin-area musicians access to affordable health, wellness, and prevention services. HAAM Day, which takes place every year on September 23, is the world's largest one-day, all-local music festival and the primary fundraiser for HAAM. Held in Austin, Texas, this family-friendly city-wide event features 400+ local musicians playing over 120 hours of free, live music at 100+ locations—including AUS, grocery stores and parks—to raise funds for essential healthcare services for local musician industry professionals.

Location: Clarksville Gallery

Music at AUS Timeline - Hitting the High Notes 

AUS chronicles over 26 years of milestones from what began as a single stage with weekly shows, to feature coverage in Rolling Stone Magazine and now surpassing 17,000 annual performances. Follow along here in gates 24 and 25, AUS’ journey to center stage as a nationally recognized model for presenting live music programming at airports.

Location: Gates 29 and 30

Famous Faces - photo montage

Generations of Austin's finest musicians have graced the stages of AUS. From established icons like Ray Benson and Ruthie Foster to rising stars Gary Clark Jr. and The Tiaras, AUS has welcomed Texas music royalty right along with tomorrow's legends. See if you can recognize who’s who.

1. Ray Benson

2. Carolyn Wonderland

3. Gary Clark Jr.

4. Shelly King

5. Jackie Venson

6. Band of Heathens

7. Ruthie Foster

8. The Tiaras

9. Brannen Temple

10. Redd Volkaert

Location: Gate 25

From the AUS Archives – Video Clips from the AUS Asleep At the Wheel Main stage

Bringing the city’s sound to every traveler. From regular performances to special events such as Chinese New Year, South by Southwest (SXSW), and SIMS Day, the airport has continually brought music to life, proving that supporting local talent is not just a program, but a lasting commitment. Explore highlights from our video archive, where curated clips tell a story of AUS’s lasting dedication to live music.

Featured video clips

Location: Video towers Gates 1 through 12