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 Ave
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⟶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.
DASA Artist Residency 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.
Special thanks to Peak and Kilroy Realty for subsidizing our artist residents’ parking.
Recent DASA News
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⟶2024 XOXO Photography Fellows Announced
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever XOXO Photography Fellowship program! This initiative is part of the XOXO Downtown Austin campaign, which aims to bring Austinites and downtown back together through the lens of talented local photographers....
Learn More⟶Best Spots for Brunch in Austin’s Downtown
Originally written in July 2021, updated July 2023 Brunch is a lifestyle. It’s a fun outing with friends, a chance to snag a reservation at one of the newest places in downtown Austin or the solution for missing breakfast. Head...
Learn More⟶