At the Dougherty Arts Center (DAC), we offer a variety of ways for individuals or organizations who are passionate about the arts to get involved.
Employment | Volunteer Opportunities | Contract Instructor | Visual Artist Residency | 23rd Street Artists' Market
Employment
Work for the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Museums and Cultural Programs Division. Schedule and hours vary depending on position and program. Pay rates start at $21.63 per hour.
- Adult Studio Program Instructors
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The Dougherty Arts Center is currently hiring Professional Instructors in a variety of mediums for the Adult Studio Program. We are looking for applicants that teach workshops or classes in the following areas: ceramic hand building and wheel throwing, drawing, painting, watercolor, and loom weaving.
For more information, email Daphne.Holland@austintexas.gov
- Teen Internships
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Works in Progress (WIP) is an immersive program that prepares teens living in the Austin metropolitan area for careers in the arts. WIP Interns will focus on projects throughout the Dougherty Arts Center in art education, gallery exhibits, and event planning.
For more information, visit the Works in Progress website.
WIP is an Internal City Pathway with Austin Civilian Conservation Corps.
Volunteer Opportunities
One Time Volunteers:
The DAC depends on the support and time of volunteers. Volunteers help our staff maintain our dye garden, as well as assist with events, exhibits, and other special projects.
For individuals who may only want to volunteer occasionally, volunteer as a group, or for special events, visit the DAC GivePulse page where you will find all current volunteer postings. These opportunities are open to the general public who may only wish to volunteer occasionally, without the time commitment required of Program Volunteers.
- Reoccurring Program Volunteers
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The DAC is not currently accepting applications for Reoccurring Program Volunteers.
The DAC’s Program Volunteers are committed to providing service and support on a regular basis, for at least 3 months. Because of this level of commitment, they are involved with every aspect of the DAC, which makes their role quite unique.
Roles and responsibilities can include but are not limited to:
- Clerical duties
- Monitoring and/or facilitating art activities
- Special Event assistance
- Customer service
- Assisting in the DAC Natural Dye Garden
- Research Projects
Program Volunteers do not have to have any prior experience volunteering or working within an arts organization. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels to volunteer. If you are interested in being notified when Program Volunteer Applications open in early 2025, please join our Program Volunteer Mailing List.
For any questions or inquiries, please call (512) 974-4400 or e-mail us at DACInfo@austintexas.gov.
Contract Instructor Program
Interested in teaching a class as a Guest Artist?
Austin Parks and Recreation Department utilizes independent contract instructors to provide unique programming services at its recreational facilities. A contract gives you the ability to have your programs/activities based on the needs and space availability at our Facilities or Parks. Class fees are set by the contractor and a percentage is paid back to the city.
Class proposals may select the Dougherty Arts Center as your preferred location or other Austin Parks and Recreation facilities. Proposals will be reviewed and accepted based on site need, demand, and capacity.
Learn more and complete a class proposal at the Contract Instructor Program webpage.
Visual Artist Residency
The Visual Artist Residency Program provides visual artists with the space, facilities, time and professional interaction that will foster and further develop their ideas, skills, abilities, and focus as practicing artists. This is a work exchange program where resident artists are invited to create outreach opportunities within our community such as teaching workshops, giving public presentations, critiques and monitoring our independent study program and open studio hours.
For more information visit our Visual Artist Residency page.
23rd Street Artists' Market
The 23rd Street Artists' Market is Austin's original open-air artists' market for artists to make and sell their own work. Licensed artists sell their handcrafted art year round, 7 days a week. The Dougherty Arts Center hosts membership meetings of the 23rd Street Artists' Market on the third Wednesday of each month. Attend an upcoming meeting, to learn more about getting involved with Austin's original outdoor market for handmade crafts.
Visit the 23rd Street Artists' Market on Facebook.
For more information, contact DACInfo@austintexas.gov.
- Monthly Meeting Dates
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- Wednesday, January 15, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, February 19, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, March 19, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, April 16, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, May 21, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, June 18, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, July 16, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, August 20, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, September 17, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, October 15, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, November 19, 2025 7-9pm
- Wednesday, December 10, 2025 7-9pm