AAPI+ Artists working in a variety of media are invited to submit artwork for a curated group exhibition opening on CelebrASIA Austin 2025 and closing on June 6th, 2025.  

Artists are limited to two artworks each. All artwork submitted must be available to showcase in-person at the AARC. Artists must be able to travel to and from the AARC for install and deinstall needs. Artworks that are connected to or inspired by Asian American History and community building are encouraged. 

Questions:If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email AARC@AustinTexas.gov. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact (512) 974-3914 or Relay Texas 7-1-1.  

Welcome:

 At Austin's Museums and Cultural Centers we create community through the languages of music, dance, film theater and art. We create community each and every day with every person who walks in the door.

Purpose:

 The purpose of the Artist Access Program is to provide free or low-cost use of space, available equipment and staff expertise to artists and musicians through an annual adjudicated process. Space can be used for rehearsals, performances, workshops or to create smaller works of art at Austin Parks and Recreation Department Cultural Center sites.

Overview:

 The Artist Access Program was created out of a directive from City Council to utilize Hotel Occupancy Tax’s Cultural Arts funds to expand hours at the four City-owned cultural centers. Applicants are ranked by an impartial panel made up of professional artists from Austin using an established criterion and provided free rehearsal space as well as performance space at a reduced rental rate of $1 per ticket sold. Applicants are also asked to provide a free educational program enhancement for the public.  

Qualifications:

 Applicants must live in Austin or ETJ (Extra-territorial jurisdiction) and be a working artist. Check out GIS Maps if you’d like to find out if your location qualifies and provides programs and services for citizens of Austin and/or the ETZ and be open and marketing broadly to residents, visitors and tourists.




Process:

 1. Read the guidelines

 2. Check your eligibility.

 3. Fill out an application once you have confirmed your eligibility. Submit by March 15, 2025 by clicking the submit button on the SUBMITTABLE form OR mail a paper application and support materials to ARTIST ACCESS PROGRAM, 1110 BARTON SPRINGS ROAD, AUSTIN TX 78704. All materials must arrive by the deadline.

 4. Panel Process: Artists are ranked by the panel in a public process. Panelists may have questions for the applicants during their review.

 5. Schedule your project with staff. Staff will contact top scorers to negotiate and schedule dates. (Note that we may not be able to schedule all applicants due to the volume of artists applying for this program.)

 6. Sign a contract. Once scheduling is completed to everyone's satisfaction, the applicant signs a rental contract with an AAP Addendum confirming that they will abide by the program rules and follow the laws of the land.




Dates for FY26: 10/01/2025 - 9/30/2026