The 2023 Austin Studio Tour

NOTE: This blog was originally posted on November 3, 2023 and has been updated to include information for 2024

You are cordially invited to celebrate art in Austin, Texas during the 2023 Austin Studio Tour! This year marks the 30th edition of Big Medium’s Austin Studio Tour, made possible through funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, as well as the generosity of sponsors and community partners, and Big Medium members. This year the studio tour will be showcasing the work of hundreds of Austin-based artists, including many from Art From the Streets, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been catering to the needs of homeless and at-risk artmakers in Austin for over three decades.

The 2023 Austin Studio Tour is slated as “an occasion to honor Austin artists, providing the public with fresh and contemporary avenues to appreciate art and gain insight into the creative processes of artists throughout [the] city.” Presented by Big Medium, an artist-run, grassroots, nonprofit organization that “supports artists through equitable and inclusive platforms to explore their practice and advance their careers,” the studio tour’s theme this year is inspired by a taro cards design aesthetic.

The 2023 Austin Studio Tour is a citywide event being presented on Saturday and Sunday of the first three weekends of November, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. Art From the Streets will be participating during the weekends of November 11-12 and 18-19. Number 348 on the tour, artwork created by Art From the Streets member artists will be displayed at their gallery at Canopy, located at 916 Springdale Rd Bldg 2, #105 in East Austin. (Note: Artwork on display for this exhibit is available for purchase, as is other art created by Art From the Streets member artists. Speak with one of the organization’s representatives to find out how you can purchase a piece or two to add to your personal art collection.)

The 2023 Austin Studio Tour is free and open to the public. If you will be in the Austin area during either of these weekends, consider taking advantage of the opportunity to experience art in Texas’ capital city through the self-guided studio tour, and visit Art From the Streets and learn more about their mission to provide a safe space for transient artists and those at risk of losing their homes to create art and forge a pathway out of homelessness.

UPDATE FOR 2024

The Austin Studio Tour continues in 2024 as one of the city’s most anticipated annual art events. Organized by Big Medium, the event spans three weekends in November, offering visitors a chance to explore artists' studios across the city. The 2024 edition promises to be bigger, with hundreds of local artists, including Art From the Streets, showcasing their work. This year emphasizes a focus on community and inclusion, providing artists, particularly those at risk of homelessness, a platform to share their stories and creativity.

Updated Highlights for 2024:

• The 31st edition runs across the weekends of November 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17, featuring open studios, galleries, and art spaces.
• Art From the Streets will showcase at Canopy in East Austin, where their homeless and at-risk member artists will present their work. This event helps raise awareness of AFTS’s mission and directly supports artists through artwork sales.
• New digital guides are available in 2024, allowing participants to navigate the studio locations and events via interactive maps.

What’s New for 2024?

• Virtual Tours: In response to the growing digital trend, the Austin Studio Tour has introduced an online gallery component. This enables art lovers who cannot attend in person to experience the tour remotely. Virtual sessions with artists and live studio walkthroughs will be available during the event weekends.

• Expanded Venues: For the 2024 edition, Big Medium has partnered with additional galleries and cultural spaces, enhancing the geographic diversity of tour locations throughout Austin’s east, west, and central districts.

• Community Engagement: This year’s tour emphasizes inclusivity, with workshops, community projects, and collaborative art installations focused on bringing together diverse communities across Austin. The 2024 theme, "Unity in Creativity," reflects this mission.

Art From the Streets: A Focus on Empowerment

Art From the Streets (AFTS) is a crucial part of the Austin art community, providing homeless and at-risk individuals with a creative platform. Since 1991, AFTS has helped these artists generate income and build a path toward self-sufficiency. In 2024, AFTS's participation in the tour continues to highlight their commitment to empowering marginalized artists.

Visitors to the AFTS exhibit at Canopy can purchase artwork directly from participating artists. Proceeds go directly to the artists, helping them gain financial independence and recognition for their work. Additionally, donations to AFTS help fund their Open Studio program, which provides free access to art supplies and space for creative expression.

How to Participate

• In-Person: Join the tour by visiting studios and gallery spaces throughout Austin. Each weekend will focus on different regions, allowing participants to explore the city’s vibrant art scene.
• Virtual: Explore artists' work online through the 2024 Virtual Studio Tour, where artists will provide live demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and insights into their creative process.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or simply someone looking to enjoy Austin’s creative energy, the 2024 Austin Studio Tour offers an exciting way to connect with local talent and support the arts community. The event, free and open to the public, continues to be a key feature of Austin’s rich cultural landscape.

READ ALSO: Art From the Streets: Who We Are and Why We Matter

Frequently Asked Questions About the Austin Studio Tour

1. What is the Austin Studio Tour?

The Austin Studio Tour is a citywide art event that gives the public an opportunity to visit artists' studios, galleries, and creative spaces throughout Austin. Presented by Big Medium, the tour provides a way to discover local artists and learn more about their creative processes.

2. Who organizes the Austin Studio Tour?

The Austin Studio Tour is organized by Big Medium, an artist-run nonprofit organization that supports artists through inclusive platforms and opportunities designed to help them develop their practices and careers.

3. Is the Austin Studio Tour free to attend?

Yes. The Austin Studio Tour described in the article is free and open to the public, allowing art enthusiasts, collectors, and community members to explore participating studios and art spaces throughout Austin.

4. When does the Austin Studio Tour take place?

The 2024 Austin Studio Tour took place over three weekends in November: November 2-3, November 9-10, and November 16-17. Visitors were able to explore participating studios, galleries, and other creative spaces during the event.

5. Does Art From the Streets participate in the Austin Studio Tour?

Yes. Art From the Streets participates in the Austin Studio Tour and showcases artwork created by its member artists. Its participation provides artists experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness with an opportunity to share their work with the Austin community.

6. Where can I see Art From the Streets artwork during the tour?

The article states that Art From the Streets showcased member artwork at its gallery at Canopy in East Austin. Visitors could view and purchase artwork created by participating artists while learning more about the organization's mission.

7. Can I purchase artwork from Art From the Streets artists?

Yes. Artwork created by Art From the Streets member artists is available for purchase. Buying artwork provides a direct way to support the artists while adding original work to a personal collection.

8. How does the Austin Studio Tour support local artists?

The tour gives Austin artists opportunities to showcase their work, connect with audiences, share their creative processes, and reach potential collectors. Events like the tour also help strengthen connections between artists and the broader Austin community.

9. How does Art From the Streets support artists experiencing homelessness?

Art From the Streets provides a nurturing and safe environment where people experiencing homelessness or at risk can create art and develop their artistic abilities. The organization also provides opportunities for artists to generate income through artwork sales and supports a free Open Studio program.

10. How can I support Art From the Streets?

You can support Art From the Streets by purchasing artwork created by its member artists, donating to the organization, participating in its events, or helping raise awareness of its mission. Donations help support programs such as the free Open Studio for people experiencing homelessness and those at risk.

Art From The Streets is an Austin-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering homeless or at-risk a nurturing and safe place to create art. Art From the Streets was established in 1991 to give transient people a way to develop as artists and to use their creativity to generate income through art sales, with the ultimate goal of climbing out of homelessness. Purchasing artwork supports the artists directly. Donating to our program helps us to offer a free Open Studio for the homeless and at-risk.