Alliance Offers Creatives Unused Downtown Digs

Downtown Austin Space Activation Wants Locals to Take Back the City

The Downtown Austin Alliance launches a new program, Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA), that connects local creatives with vacant downtown spaces. Raasin McIntosh, founder of DASA and VP of Active Urbanism at the Alliance, calls the project her "love letter" to Austin's artists.

Creatives are going through... a healing process...They’re shut out. - McIntosh

With Austin's tech boom causing a rise in prices, the city has become unaffordable, and creatives are leaving. DASA aims to bridge this gap by offering unused storefronts at "very, very affordable" rates, with free downtown parking, and a $30,000 microgrant available to any applicants, in partnership with organizations like Future Front.

I think it’s important to...balance out [the tech community] with amazing creatives. - Preston James, DivInc

In its early stages, DASA will focus on short-term activations ranging from days to weeks, including pop-up shops, exhibitions, and performances. The first space, at 506 Congress Ave., will host local nonprofit DivInc, supporting POC and female entrepreneurs in tech, throughout the month of October.

Additional funding for DASA comes from grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual contributions, with a view to fostering Austin's artistic community and ensuring the city remains true to its creative roots.

More information and applications are available on the DASA website. Artists interested in the residency program can apply here.