the
concept

Djembe, pronounced “jem-bay” an interactive public art installation by George Sabra, stands next to the O. Henry Museum at Brush Square in downtown Austin.

Commissioned by the City of Austin, it symbolizes the heart and rhythm of the community, inviting all to participate in a living musical experience that reflects Austin's vibrant music culture.

The project will begin soon, with official announcements starting in early November 2025.

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austin
community
engagement

Djembe, Djembe is more than just an artwork—it’s a community-driven project that transforms Brush Square in Austin into a vibrant space of shared expression. Standing next to the O. Henry Museum, this interactive installation invites the public to engage with its rhythm and presence.

Local residents contributed materials, participated in the assembly, and helped bring the artwork to life. This collaborative effort ensures the sculpture remains deeply rooted in the spirit of Austin’s diverse and dynamic community.

The installation symbolizes the heart and rhythm of the community, reflecting Austin's vibrant music culture. It serves as a testament to the power of collective creativity and the importance of community involvement in public art.
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Donate your cooking pots

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donation
Guidelines

Donate to the Djembe Public Art Project
We’re collecting stainless steel cooking pots, pans, and strainers to become part of the Djembe public art sculpture — a community piece celebrating unity and rhythm.

Drop-off Guidelines:
Accepted items:
used stainless-steel pots, pans, strainers, and wooden spoons
No plastic or non-stick parts Please wash items before donating You
Please wash all items before donating
may include a short note or story about your item

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel: We’re looking for 304 stainless steel (18% chromium, 8–10% nickel) because it resists rust and lasts outdoors.

Try this simple magnet test:
If the magnet sticks firmly, it’s not the right kind.
If the magnet barely sticks or falls off, that’s the good kind to donate.
Drop-Off Locations: Find an official drop-off partner here

For large donations:
Call 512-845-9155 or
email team@djembepublicart.com

overview
draft Timeline

the ARTIST

George Sabra is a reclaimed artist who transforms discarded materials—plastic bottles, cookware, and oil barrels—into works of renewal and resistance. His art explores environmental healing, social justice, and the reclamation of cultural narratives. His work goes far beyond recycling; he gives new life to what the world throws away, turning waste into meaningful statements.

In works like Djembe, he reimagines sites of oppression as spaces of freedom and celebration, while his sculptures made from plastic waste highlight overconsumption, pollution, and global inequality.

Through community collaboration, Sabra turns art-making into a shared act of renewal. Through his hands, discarded things become instruments of hope and change, inspiring viewers to rethink value, waste, and their role in shaping a more just world.

household
items
symbolizing drums

Friends
of
Djembe

With Gratitude to
Our In-Kind Sponsor

your support makes a lasting impact on our art, culture, and community.

Sturdi-Bilt

We sincerely appreciate your generous in-kind donation of storage shed to our project. Thank you, Gabriel, for your valued support.

JE Dunn Construction