Commissioner Sharon Keyes and other commissioners told the Austin Arts Commission that multiple artists and curators went unpaid for events at the Carver cultural center and that the situation went unaddressed for months.

The allegations prompted Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) staff to say the department has requested a Human Resources investigation and is working to resolve outstanding payments. Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager for Cultural Education and Programs, told the commission she could not discuss personnel details because the matter is under investigation, but said the department has reviewed contracting procedures and is implementing changes.

The commissioners said the problem was not a single missed payment. “Artists went unpaid for nearly a year,” Commissioner Keyes said during the meeting, and she described instances in which curators and artists were told payments had been made when the invoices showed they had not. Keyes said she reviewed invoices and found at least one fraudulent invoice submitted by an employee. She said three different artists tied to multiple projects were affected.

Marjorie Flanagan said the immediate administrative problem in at least one case was the absence of a contract, which “is outside of the policies of the facility.” She said the department has reviewed and reinforced the contracting process at the site and that those steps would have prevented many of the payment problems in question.

ACME Assistant Director Morgan Messick said staff had taken action to make affected artists “whole” while internal inquiries proceed. Messick said the department used available program funds to remit payments in good faith while the situation is evaluated, and she emphasized ACME’s commitment to process improvements.

Flanagan and Messick both said one outstanding payment remains pending because the artist has not yet submitted the required invoice through the city’s payment system; they said payment will be issued when the required paperwork is received. Flanagan also said the Carver has been operating without a permanent manager for an extended period and that a new manager is being assigned.

Commissioners asked what options community members have if payment or other problems arise. Flanagan said members of the public can contact her directly, and Messick noted that complaints can also be filed with the City Auditor’s Office for independent review. Commissioners requested an update to the Arts Commission after HR completes its review.

Why it matters: The Carver and other city cultural facilities are intended to serve artists and community groups. Commissioners said delayed payments and administrative failures erode trust and may deter artists from programming future events at city-run venues.

What’s next: ACME staff said they will complete the HR investigation and produce process changes, including requiring contracts at sites and reinforcing staff training on payment procedures. Commissioners requested a follow-up report when the investigation concludes.