How Art From the Streets is Making Change in Austin

Art From The Streets is an all-volunteer program located in Austin, Texas developed from the idea that providing a safe and nurturing environment for transient people to produce art could be a helpful strategy for impacting the homeless population positively and productively. Art From the Streets (AFTS) uses art for change in the local community, offering a location for homeless and at-risk artists to express their creativity and share their love of art. The non-profit organization gives these artists a chance to cultivate their artistic skills and grow in their expressiveness while developing a greater sense of stability.

AFTS participates in and presents several art events in Austin every year, including its annual art show and sale every Fall. Proceeds from art sales, both in-person and via the AFTS online shop, go towards supporting the organization and the artists themselves. Moreover, your generous contributions enable Art from the Streets to provide a safe and encouraging environment for talented artists experiencing homelessness. (Note: If you are unable to contribute financially to this worthy organization, consider giving of your time by volunteering in their studio or during one of their art events.)

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AFTS is doing its part, as it has for over three decades, to address the problem of homelessness in Austin. AFTS supports transient artists in the local community, but the benefits are more far-reaching than many might realize. Besides being a boon to the unhoused population in Austin in terms of providing them with art supplies and classes and ways to earn some income from their creativity, the organization also helps them make connections within the community so they can uncover helpful resources such as job leads and housing programs.

Homelessness in America is a solvable problem. A coordinated approach is needed, including developing and implementing assistance programs, making housing available, and providing other services such as more accessible physical and mental health care to transient people. Great strides are being made to address homelessness in Austin. From government programs to assistance from nonprofit organizations like AFTS, Austin is a great example of a community making concerted efforts to provide opportunities for people to have safe and stable housing. Join Art From the Streets as a community advocate for the homeless and as a supporter of the fine arts as a means to ending the crisis of homelessness in Texas’ capital city.

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.