BLOG — AFTS Updates
Austin's Homelessness Advisory Committee Gives a Voice to Individuals
It’s no secret that Austin has been trying to increase their effort towards helping homeless individuals get off the street and to a better place in their lives. Homelessness in Austin is an increasingly pressing issue, and in 2018 there were approximately 2,147 homeless people living in the city, and increase by more than 100 people from the year before.
Austin has been trying to address the homelessness issue in Austin for years with lackluster results, not for the lack of trying. The city is now shifting their focus away from managing the issue, and are focusing more on solving it, which is where the Austin Homelessness Advisory Group is showing to be an integral part to that effort.
Second Phase of Homeless Tiny-Home Village Breaks Ground
East Austin Studio Tour is Here
The East Austin Studio Tour is an annual event that is free to the public and lasts for two weekends during the month of November. During this event, the public can meet many of Austin' artists and artisans in their own unique creative spaces.
It runs from November 10 and 11, as well as November 17 and 18 from 11AM until 6PM.
The tour is organized by Big Medium, a non-profit organization designed with the goal of both cultivating and championing artists and contemporary arts itself throughout not just the city of Austin, but also the entire state of Texas as well.
On average, this event features over 1,000 artists and 100,000 attendees every year. Big Medium considers it a priority to offer access to these types of experiences so that they will be able to continue hosting these types of events for free and ensure that they are open to all members of the public.
New for 2018 is the launch of Creative Standard, which is a professional development program designed for artists. The goal of this program is to enable them to regularly convene, as well as provide various opportunities, information, and resources. The program is also designed to maintain and create standards of both integrity and professionalism which the creative community will uphold and adhere to.
Come find your new favorite local artist, support the local art community and maybe find the perfect piece for that one lonely wall in your house.

