Texas State University System hires first ever director of public art

The Texas State University System has hired Marjorie Flanagan as the system’s first director of public art.

The position was created to coordinate all public art commissions for the system’s seven member institutions, a press release said.

Flanagan most recently served as Interim Program Manager for the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program, guiding the city’s collection of more than 350 artworks valued at more than $18 million. Austin’s art program manages more than 90 active projects, including artwork donations and loans, and public-private partnerships. A graduate of Louisiana State University and the University of Texas at Austin, Flanagan holds a B.S. and M.A. in Art Education.

“My focus remains building dynamic and thought-provoking art collections. I am so excited to do that for the Texas State University System, which values the cultural and intellectual asset experienced through world class public art,” Flanagan said.

Back in 2004, the TSUS Board of Regents approved a policy requiring one percent of all capital projects to be spent on the commission and acquisition of public art.

“Our commitment to education through public art benefits our students and the communities we serve,” said Chancellor Brian McCall in the release. “Public art is inherently for the people and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new director of public art is key in making notable artist connections and ensuring public art is delivered on time and on budget.”