DASA
Downtown Austin Space Activation
We saved a space for you.
The Downtown Austin’s Space Activation program (DASA) is our call to action for Austinites to take an active role in making downtown the place they want it to be. Through DASA, we’re transforming empty, underutilized spaces and are turning them into a platform for social impact, community connectivity, and inclusive prosperity. Through supporting diverse artists, business owners, and more, downtown sustains its vibrancy and cultivates economic, social, and cultural benefits.
A lack of affordable space poses barriers to many Austinites showcasing their talents downtown. Vacant storefronts and spaces downtown lead to fewer folks coming downtown to play, shop and explore. DASA bridges this gap by connecting artists, artisans, musicians, entrepreneurs, and creatives of all kinds with donated space and resources to bring their ideas to life, encouraging diversity and dynamism in our city.
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⟶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.
To transform vacant storefronts into vibrant hubs. To revitalize commercial corridors and main streets.
To provide affordable and flexible spaces for entrepreneurs, artisans and small businesses. To help folks establish a presence downtown and grow customer bases.
To stimulate spending and investment in our local economy. To attract folks to explore an array of downtown spaces.
To create gathering spaces. To promote social gatherings, cultivating and sharing culture and encourage civic pride. To strengthen a sense of belonging and connection.
How DASA Works
Want to be our next DASA Creative? Here’s what you can expect from the process as an applicant:
Applicants send their ideas to the DASA Community Activator database
Selected applicants are matched with donated space and resources and become a DASA Creative
DASA Creatives use DASA space and resources to bring their ideas to life
Through the partnerships forged between DASA Creatives and donors, downtown becomes a more active, vibrant and inclusive place
DASA Participating Spaces
506 Congress Avenue
506 Congress Ave, Austin Texas 78701
Central Presbyterian Church
200 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
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.
Artists & Creatives Thrive Downtown Report
Prepared by Future Front
As Downtown Austin grows, centering diverse creatives continues to drive equity, economic growth and long-lasting culture. The Downtown Austin Alliance partnered with Future Front Texas for their community design framework and public engagement expertise on how we can best nurture downtown’s vibe and culture. This report identifies impact metrics for our cultural programs and initiatives and explores the possibility of a flagship event that centers creative communities and cultural development downtown.