We are thrilled to announce that the Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Artist Residency Program, presented by the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation in partnership with Tribeza, has selected its first residents! This exciting initiative aims to breathe new life into vacant or underutilized spaces in downtown Austin, transforming them into vibrant hubs of artistic expression and community engagement.
About the Program
The DASA Artist Residency Program offers a unique opportunity for artists across various disciplines to immerse themselves in a supportive and inspiring environment. The program provides the perfect space to focus on your creative practice, develop new work and engage with a diverse community of artists and cultural enthusiasts.
Residents receive a dedicated studio space in downtown Austin, digital, print and social media promotion through our partnership with Tribeza, access to resources and facilities at DASA Residency spaces, opportunities for collaboration and networking, professional development and mentorship over one year and exposure to new ideas, cultures and experiences.
Each residency window is six weeks, artists are expected to create works available for sale for a public closing exhibition, performance or presentation.
Meet Our DASA Artist Residents
Cat Carter
Instagram Handle: @SuperWomanRecords
Website: superwomanrecords.com
Bio: Cat Carter, a dynamic R&B/Soul vocalist born in Port Arthur, TX, and raised in the Live Music Capital of the world. Renowned in the Austin community, she stands as a pillar known for her myriad of creative talents. Not only an accomplished entertainer, but also a curator of niche events, designer, creative director, and TV personality. Cat is not only the founder of SuperWoman Records but also the proud owner of Cat Carter Productions.
Chris Rodriguez (Tobar)
Instagram Handle: @TobarTakeover
Website: tobartakeover.com
Bio: Chris Rodriguez, known professionally as Tobar, is an accomplished artist and designer based in Austin, Texas. With over a decade of experience in the design field, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role as creative director of a small studio. Tobar is recognized for his innovative approach to design, always striving to push boundaries and engage audiences with his work.
In addition to his studio work, Tobar has made significant contributions to the art community as a curator. From 2020 to 2022, he served as Creative Director for _OFCOLOR, where he collaborated on and curated events such as BLACK ART WKND and LATINO ART WKND, demonstrating his skill in orchestrating impactful experiences.
His involvement also extended to branding projects like BLACK FUTURE HOUSE during SXSW and the curation of successful art shows, including “I FEEL LIKE YE,” “I FEEL LIKE BEY,” and “SNEAK ART.” Tobar’s ability to create immersive and meaningful experiences has resonated deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.
Kiara Harris (Ki)
Instagram Handle: @Swank.Ki
Website: swankki.com
Bio: I am affectionately known as Ki. I am a stylist, tailor and designer. I feel pride especially serving those who identify as gender diverse, non-binary, gender-fluid, gender-nonconforming and/or LGBTQ+. My portfolio includes everything from custom designed wedding garb, to sourcing and upcycling vintage threads and tailoring ready-to-wear clothing to fit the unique needs and bodies of queer folks. I have the privilege of prioritizing folks who have historically been underserved in this area. I pride myself on helping other queer and gender non-conforming folks feel comfortable, confident and unapologetic in their clothing and subsequently their bodies. First I had to learn to do this for myself and that’s how SwankKi was born. I am inspired by pioneers like Dapper Dan. I envision a future where SwankKi Tailor & Threads follows in his footsteps as a southern fashion hub that employs and prioritizes queer folks, folks of color and creatives alike.
Malti B. Lee
Instagram Handle: @MaltiBLee
Website: maltiblee.com
Bio: Malti B Lee Ph.D. (b. London, England, 1990) is a British Indian artist based in Austin and collected internationally. Drawing on her global background, Malti explores the cities she’s experienced through her acrylic paintings. Malti’s works have been presented in solo shows and numerous group exhibits across San Francisco, Northern California and Texas. Notable works include commissions for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and the City of San Ramon, CA.
Megan Hildebrandt
Instagram Handle: @MeganHildebrandt11
Website: meganlynnhildebrandt.com
Bio: Megan Hildebrandt received her BFA from the Stamps School of Art & Design in 2006, and her MFA in Studio Art from the University of South Florida in 2012. Hildebrandt has exhibited nationally and internationally, including: The Painting Center, New American Paintings, The Baltimore Museum of Art, The Museum of Contemporary Craft, Arlington Arts Center, Detroit Contemporary, HEREarts Center, Latitude 53, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the LIVESTRONG Foundation, Hyde Park Art Center, The Torpedo Factory, and Collar Works.
In 2018, Hildebrandt received an Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for the Aesthetics of Health Course she developed for Interlochen Arts Academy. In 2022 Hildebrandt co-authored an article about adapting the Aesthetics of Health curriculum effectively for higher education during the pandemic in the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics.
An artist, educator, and arts-in-health advocate, Hildebrandt currently lives and works in Austin, Texas, where she is Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Art and Art History at The University of Texas.
Haley Levin
Instagram Handle: @HaleySplat
Website: haleylevin.cargo.site
Bio: Haley Levin is an artist and illustrator with roots in LA, Austin, and St. Louis, where she received her BFA from Washington University in St. Louis in 2024.
Dan Jimenez
Bio: Dan Jimenez is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a double major in Media Arts and Communications. After moving to Austin in 2005, Dan began their career at the Texas Senate before working as an editorial assistant at Troublemaker Studios on a Tarantino and Rodriguez double feature. He then founded an independent production company, initially focusing on commercials and independent films, and has since shifted the focus toward 3D animation, character creation, motion capture, and architectural rendering. Since 2014, Dan has also worked as a Video and Audio Engineer, specializing in live events across Austin.
Robin Winter
Instagram Handle @RobinJohnWinter
Bio: (Mostly) Analogue photographer based in Austin, Texas.
Join Us in Transforming Downtown Austin
The DASA Artist Residency Program is more than just a space for artists to work—it’s an opportunity to be part of a movement that enhances the aesthetic appeal of downtown Austin while nurturing entrepreneurship and creativity. Show support for this inaugural program that promises to bring new energy and artistic vibrancy to our city center.
Stay tuned for announcements about our selected artists and upcoming exhibitions. Together, we will create a more dynamic, creative and connected downtown Austin.
The DASA program is made possible by the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation. To learn about how to support this work, click here, or contact foundation@downtownaustin.com.