About
Since 2018, The Artist Access Program has provided free or low-cost rehearsal and production spaces to both emerging and established performance artists from the Austin area. Created to address the needs of local artists, participating organizations partner with the City of Austin’s Cultural Centers to produce professional performances for both local and visiting audiences. In addition to space, AAP partners are provided with marketing support, assistance with event planning and opportunities to collaborate. The Artist Access Program is facilitated by the City of Austin and department of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. For more information visit https://www.austintexas.gov/acme
2027 Applications
The City of Austin will begin accepting applications for the Artist Access Program 2027 season on Monday, March 9 at 10am. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:59pm.
Applicants selected will work with City staff to coordinate proposed productions between October 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027. Participating facilities include The Asian American Resource Center, Dougherty Arts Center, George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, and Zilker Hillside Theater.
2027 Application: https://mcp.submittable.com/submit
- Application Process and Guidelines
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To Qualify:
Applicants must live in Austin or ETJ (Extra-territorial jurisdiction), be a working artist or organization that provides programs and services for citizens of Austin and/or the ETZ and be open and marketing broadly to residents, visitors and tourists.Application Process:
Fill out an application once you have confirmed your eligibility. Submit by April 13, 2026 at 11:59pm 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.Review and Selection Process:
Artists are ranked by the panel in a public process. Panelists may have questions for the applicants during their review. 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.) 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.
- Participating Venues
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Asian American Resource Center
- Available Spaces: Ballroom, great lawn, foyer, four classrooms and a conference room. Get more information on Asian American Resource Center rentals.
- Phone: 512-974-1700
- Address: 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754
- Site Contact: Fabian Duran, Event Coordinator, Email
Dougherty Arts Center
- Available Spaces: Two rehearsal rooms and a 150 seat theater. Get more information on Dougherty Arts Center rentals.
- Phone: 512-974-4000
- Address: 1110 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
- Site Contact: James Byers, Theater & Events Coordinator, Email
George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center
- Available Spaces: Boyd Vance Theatre, indoor atrium, and dance studio. Get more information on Carver Museum rentals.
- Phone: 512-974-4926
- Address: 1165 Angelina Street, Austin, TX 78702
- Site Contact: Jasmine Games, Event Coordinator, Email
Zilker Hillside Theater
- Available Space: Outdoor Amphitheater, festival and event grounds.
- Phone: 512-974-4000
- Address: 2206 William Barton Drive, Austin, TX 78746
- Site Contact: James Byers, Theater & Event Coordinator, Email
- Past and Current AAP Partners
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Salvage Vanguard Theatre ¡Escándalo! Generic Ensemble Company Austin Samba Spectrum Theatre Company Theatre en Bloc Shrewd Productions Isabella & The Runaway Train Austin Shakespeare A’lante Flamenco Ensemble Heartland Theatre Collective Ballet Afrique Glass Half Full Theatre Austin City Ballet Austin Dance Ensemble Austin Mayan Collective B. Iden Payne Award Council Color Arc Productions Austin Dance India Lannaya Drum & Dance Ensemble Pollyanna Theatre Company Proyecto Teatro Ariel Dance Theatre Company Teatro Vivo Reclaim! Xavier Jara Artistic Education Company Early Era Collective Fisterra Project Different Stages Theatre Kendra Wiley Kung Fu Cowgirl Austin Asian American Film Festival Texas Accountants & Lawyers For The Arts Texas Bengali Cultural Alliance Austin Sister Cities International Diversity Band Dance Waterloo Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance