UTSA begins process to evaluate scenarios for Institute of Texan Cultures

Visitors gather to watch a Korean drumming performance in the dome theater of the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC). UTSA is now starting the evaluative process to explore future scenarios for the ITC.

AUGUST 10, 2022 — The University of Texas at San Antonio has begun an evaluative process designed to diligently and carefully explore each of the three scenarios presented by the Steering Committee as part of the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) Centennial 2068 visioning process. This process will continue to be rooted in UTSA’s vision to give a voice to the experiences of people from across the globe who call Texas home by providing insight into their past, present and future and showcasing the uniqueness and beauty of the many cultures that comprise Texas.

The conceptual scenarios developed by the Steering Committee will serve as a launching point for evaluation and exploration of specific issues to move the process beyond the visioning phase. Each scenario will be thoroughly vetted by subject matter experts including museum and cultural stakeholders, architects, engineers, property consultants and real estate developers.

“Great museums embody the intersection of education, knowledge creation and community engagement, and our efforts to realize a sustainable ITC for the next 50 years is centered on this fundamental tenet,” UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said. “Our team looks forward to advancing the process to the evaluative phase, working closely with The University of Texas System, to realize the future ITC.”

“We will focus on ensuring a thorough and transparent process that reflects our dedication and responsibility to identifying the best path forward.”

The evaluative process will be led by Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs Veronica Salazar. To begin the process, UTSA is reviewing the institute’s needs, based on accreditation standards and current and future space requirements.

“As we reflect on nearly 50 years of stewardship, UTSA recognizes and shares in honoring the significant community impact of the ITC and Texas Pavilion,” Salazar said. “Throughout the evaluative phase we will focus on ensuring a thorough and transparent process that reflects our dedication and responsibility to identifying the best path forward.”

The university has engaged external firms to prepare a property condition assessment report, environmental assessment, archeological investigation and a detailed review of the Texas Pavilion building and surrounding site. The evaluation will thoroughly examine details related to all scenarios presented to Eighmy.

Once these reports and reviews are complete, the university will request feedback from subject matter experts on the Steering Committee’s three scenarios and ask them to provide alternatives for consideration through a formal Request for Information (RFI). The RFI process will be used to gather valuable data to evaluate the scope of work required for each scenario and to provide creative solutions to address complex constraints.

UTSA will assemble an internal team to review and analyze the submissions received from subject matter experts. The responses will provide constructive insight and valuable information on the feasibility and benefits of each scenario to help inform the determination of what the next phase of the process could be.

This long-term planning effort will be supported through numerous due diligence efforts, a considerate community engagement process and broad private market feedback to make data-informed decisions around the future of the ITC as a world-renowned museum that showcases Texas culture to the San Antonio community and visitors from around the world.

— Brandie Yale