by Sandra Beckmeier

Welcome to our first issue of the new arts season. After surviving my first summer as an arts administrator in the nonprofit world, funding cycles and all, I now understand why headaches are such a seasonal occurrence in nonprofit arts. But seasons do change, and change can be a good thing.

There are now a lot of changes in progress within this particular publication and in the community. Our mission statement has always been to serve the soul of Austin. I'm surprised, it seems that most people don't know where to look for Austin's soul. But it's all around.

Issues that relate directly to our town's soul are addressed in the September 26th bond election. A variety of important political and cultural issues are finally being handed over to voters to make far-reaching decisions. Public cultural institutions need renovation and expansion from time to time; this includes the Carver Museum and the Elizabet Ney Museum. And perhaps, after a 10 year delay, it really is time for our Capital City to build a Mexican American Cultural Center. Aside from the arts, there are also other important environmental issues to consider, such as development in East Austin. Concerned citizens groups have spoken-up and supporters, of such issues as funding for destination parks and urban farming, are trying to jump political hurdles in their quest for amenities that enhance preservation of city parks all over town.

Here at Austin Downtown Arts we are becoming more focused, departmentalizing the magazine,working to hone in on the talents of all of our writers, while at the same time redefining our energies, and requestioning the who, what, where and how our magazine serves the community.

For instance, I recently took a South First Street Arts District tour and, although there are a lot of popular projects and events starting up this fall, I reaffirmed that there is a lot in South Austin that isn't necessarily "popular," but really connects to what I mean when I talk about "the soul of Austin." Raul Salinas at Resistencia Bookstore is well known in certain circles for reaching out and organizing. His project history is vast, and includes projects that are vital to the overall health of multiculturalism -- not just in this community, but in this country. He spent this summer working with a group of troubled girls on a writing project geared to giving children an opportunity to express their opinions, their problems, and pride in their heritage.

Resistencia Bookstore, Raul's home base, carries a good selection of independently published plays, poetry, short fiction and culture criticism by authors who have achieved tremendous respect and recognition from people throughout the country. Salinas' Red Salmon Press is also housed here.

I've heard about Vince Hannemann's work for a long time. And, although I couldn't find his house nor his "Backyard Castle of Junk," I understand his home assemblage art is well worth the finding. Please call (512) 442-6312 for directions.

Behind Alternate Currents Art Space at 2209 South First is the Scrap Yard Studio. There you'll find an interesting found objects sculpture garden, great examples of moveable ideas at work. While at the complex, ask Alternate Currents' Susan Maynard to see her small studio space built from multi-colored glass bottles set in concrete. It's a structure worth its weight in gold.

In fact, a trip to check out the other happenings in and around the South First Arts District will hip you to some of South Austin's cultural treasures.

Have a good September, enjoy reading our little magazine, and support local art and artists whenever you can. That's the soul of Austin!