Supporting the Arts and Helping the Homeless in Austin
Homeless art Austin. Austin, Texas is known for its creativity. Not only is Austin home to world-class museums like the Blanton Museum, the Harry Ransom Center, and The ContemporAry Austin, it is also a creative center where many artists live. Some of the best artists in the city, however, have no place to create art because they have no real place to call home. Yes: many amazing Austin artists are homeless.
Art From the Streets provides assistance to local artists experiencing homelessness by providing them with both a safe and nurturing environment where they can produce art. Art From the Streets (AFTS) is an organization located in East Austin, in a new 2000 square foot space in the Canopy community of artists, gallerists, and other creatives. This alliance of people offers a space for homeless and at-risk artists to express their creativity and share their love of art with one another and the wider community.
Established in 1991, AFTS originated in the hope that it would be a helpful strategy for impacting the homeless population in a positive and productive way. The non-profit organization gives transient artists the opportunity to cultivate their artistic skills and grow in their expressiveness while developing a greater sense of stability; the artists get the chance to use art in a restorative way.
Art isn't just a tourist attraction in Austin. It is part of the city’s creative spirit. You can explore the work of artists of all kinds in Austin, at any time of year, in a variety of venues. If you are exploring art in Austin, consider supporting the artists of Art From the Streets. Original artwork created by AFTS artists is for sale online year-round, and at scheduled art shows held at their new home and throughout the Austin, Texas area. The artists receive a percentage of sales, and the art you purchase goes immediately to supporting homeless artists.
To learn more about the benefits of art for the homeless and how the AFTS team encourages transient people to tap into their creativity, check out “Art From the Streets: a documentary by Layton Blaylock.”
Art From the Streets is an Austin-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1991 to give transient people a way to develop as artists and to use their creativity to climb 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.
