Art From the Streets (AFTS), an Austin-based nonprofit that supports artistic endeavors by people who are experiencing homelessness, recently announced their move into a new permanent location.
Established in 1991, AFTS has worked with two community partners — the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless and Trinity Center — for the past thirty years to host programs. While these partnerships have been fruitful for all involved, AFTS has intended to move to its own space for decades.
After launching a large gifts campaign to raise funds for the future space, in the fall of 2021 AFTS was able to secure their new permanent location at Canopy (a creative community located in East Austin). The 2,000 square-foot space will enable the organization to host an open studio, events, and community collaborations, as well as provide much needed storage space.
In a video announcing and showcasing the space, Kelley Worden, Executive Director of AFTS, stated, “Our wheel and spoke program that we have right now is not sustainable. We are constantly being squeezed out of our storage, out of time to create, as well as gallery opportunities. This is going to help support and project our program to the future.”
AFTS worked with Wang Architects, an architecture and master planning firm, to develop module components that allow the space to be flexible for the varying needs of the organization.
Modular components designed by Wang Architects for Art From the Streets.
Examples of various ways of setting up the modular components designed by Wang Architects for Art From the Streets.
Out of the Blue, AFTS’ third exhibition in their new space, will be open to the public on Saturdays April 2 and May 7 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Learn more about the organization and the exhibition on AFTS’ website.
