It is more than public
You can be part of a unique public art movement in the heart of downtown Austin by donating your stainless steel cooking pots, pans, and strainers to the Djembe Public Art Project
The Djembe Public Art Project is an interactive installation by "reclaimed artist" George Sabra, commissioned by the City of Austin's Art in Public Places (AIPP)
Located at 4th and Neches Brush Square in downtown Austin, it transforms everyday stainless steel cookware into a large-scale artwork inspired by The community vision and the history of the site
Symbolism: The project symbolizes the "heart and rhythm" of the community and celebrates Austin’s vibrant music culture.
Historical Context: The site at Brush Square was once a cotton yard railroad hub and where drumming by enslaved people was historically forbidden as Many other places around the nation. This installation seeks to honor that "silenced history" by creating a permanent space for gathering and noise-making.
Sustainability: As a reclaimed artist, Sabra uses discarded materials—like the donated pots and pans—to explore themes of environmental healing and Social justice, equity.
How to participate the project is "built with Austin" through two primary community-driven methods:
Material Donations:
What to give: Used stainless steel pots, pans, and strainers. The "Magnet Test": Donated items should ideally be 304 stainless steel for durability. If a magnet does not stick firmly to your pot, it is the correct rust-resistant type for the sculpture.
Share a Story: Donors are encouraged to share a brief story or memory associated with their cookware, as these items are viewed as "vessels of memory".
Hands-on Volunteering:Fabrication Support: Working directly with George Sabra on-site to prepare materials.
On-Site Assembly: Helping to attach the donated pots to the final structure during the installation phase.
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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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
your support makes a lasting impact on our art, culture, and community.
We sincerely appreciate your generous in-kind donation of storage shed to our project. Thank you, Gabriel, for your valued support.
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