520+
Activations Hosted
DASA
Downtown Austin Space Activation
We saved a space for you.
The Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) program transforms vacant storefronts into vibrant hubs for creatives, small businesses, artists, and community events, driving economic growth and cultural engagement in downtown Austin. By providing affordable, accessible, short-term space opportunities, DASA lowers barriers for entrepreneurs and creatives to test ideas, grow their audiences, and connect with the community. The program partners with property owners and local organizations to revitalize underutilized spaces, increase downtown foot traffic, and foster a more active and inclusive downtown.
The DASA program is made possible by the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation. Learn more about our mission and give here.
there's a space for you
Take Up Space
Want to become one of the first DASA Creatives? Apply today to bring your energy and ideas to a DASA space downtown.
Apply for Space⟶Activate Your Space
Have an empty or underused space downtown? Let us know. You have the space, we'll bring the magic.
Submit Your Space⟶Support
Don't have a space but still want to support DASA creatives and enhance downtown's vitality? Give today.
Donate Today⟶Storefront Transformation
Be a part of the XOXO Downtown Austin Storefront Campaign and get secure your free window decal on a first-come, first-served basis. All Downtown Public Improvement District properties are eligible for the program.
Transform My Space⟶Our Goals
By partnering with property owners, local businesses, and community stakeholders, we can create dynamic spaces that not only attract foot traffic but also stimulate economic activity, enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and creativity to flourish.
REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN
To transform vacant storefronts into vibrant hubs. To revitalize commercial corridors and main streets.
SUPPORT LOCAL
To provide affordable and flexible spaces for entrepreneurs, artisans and small businesses. To help folks establish a presence downtown and grow customer bases.
CATALYZE GROWTH
To stimulate spending and investment in our local economy. To attract folks to explore an array of downtown spaces.
FOSTER COMMUNITY
To create gathering spaces. To promote social gatherings, cultivating and sharing culture and encourage civic pride. To strengthen a sense of belonging and connection.
DASA’s Impact
Since Launching in May 2024
6,700+
People Served
471,000+
In Cost Savings for Participants
How DASA Works
Want to be our next DASA Creative? Here’s what you can expect from the process as an applicant:
APPLY
Applicants send their ideas to the DASA Community Activator database.
MATCH
Selected applicants are matched with donated space and resources and become a DASA Creative.
CREATE
DASA Creatives use DASA space and resources to bring their ideas to life.
THRIVE
Through the partnerships forged between DASA Creatives and donors, downtown becomes a more active, vibrant and inclusive place.
our programs
DASA Artist Residency
The DASA Artist Residency Program allows artists across disciplines to immerse themselves in a supportive and inspiring environment. Residents receive dedicated studio space in Downtown Austin, promotion through our partnership with TRIBEZA, access to resources and facilities at DASA Residency spaces, opportunities for collaboration and networking, professional development, mentorship and exposure to new ideas, cultures and experiences.
Learn More⟶XOXO Videography Fellowship
The XOXO Videography Fellowship Program is an XOXO Downtown Austin campaign initiative aiming to empower videographers. This fellowship celebrates the unique perspectives that make our city vibrant and welcoming. Through the campaign, we aim to create a sense of belonging and empower our community to build an authentic, connected Downtown Austin.
Learn More⟶XOXO Photography Fellowship
The XOXO Photography Fellowship Program is an XOXO Downtown Austin campaign initiative aiming to empower emerging photographers. This fellowship showcases Downtown Austin through the eyes of our fellows. Through the campaign, we aim to showcase what makes Downtown Austin welcoming and to create a sense of connection from Austinites to Downtown Austin.
Learn More⟶XOXO Cultural Curators
XOXO Cultural Curators serve as guides offering valuable context to help Austinites navigate the social, cultural and historical significance of in-person engagement. XOXO Cultural Curators boost underrepresented stories and encourage inclusivity and belonging downtown, fostering a more equitable Austin through content creation.
Become a Cultural Curator⟶ABOUT THE DASA SPACE
Located at 506 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701. Interested in activating this location? Reach out to DASA@downtownaustin.com to schedule a walk-through during our weekly office hours on Wednesdays from 11am – 12:30pm. Learn More about 506 Congress Avenue, including parking and how to get here information, in our Activator Guide.
See the Activator Guide⟶VIBE Downtown
Everyone is welcome to discover Downtown. We’re launching a new annual event series to amplify the art, culture and vibe of Austin, Texas. Designed to help everyone discover underutilized spaces, these activations will occur in collaboration with a number of community partners—all working together to bolster creative industries and enhance visitorship in Downtown Austin.
Save the date: Join us on September 19 & 20, 2025, for our inaugural VIBE Weekend.
Community Partners
Downtown Austin is better together; DASA is only made possible through the partnerships we cultivate and grow with intentionality. We’re proud to be uplifting the good work these organizations are already doing for Austinites through our DASA program.
Special thanks to Peak and Kilroy Realty for subsidizing the parking of our DASA artist residents.
Recent DASA News
2025 XOXO Videography Fellows Announced
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever XOXO Videography Fellowship program! This initiative is part of the XOXO Downtown Austin campaign, is a place-love campaign to show that everyone is welcome downtown because of the unique perspectives each one of...
Learn More⟶Discover the Impact of the Downtown Austin Alliance
We partnered with local realtor Jessica Pino to highlight our vibrant and transformative Writing on the Walls program. Writing on the Walls brings together artists, community members and local leaders to create stunning murals in the heart of Downtown Austin...
Learn More⟶2024 DASA Artist Residents Announced
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...
Learn More⟶