Art Alliance Austin

Artists do a lot more than simply produce creative output. They teach the next generation. They carry stories, memory, and culture forward. They care for their communities.

Much of this labor is unpaid and undervalued, sitting outside how we define “work.”

What would it look like to recognize this labor not as extra, but as core to the field itself? Thoughts?

We’ve been out and about soaking up Austin’s creative energy. April photo dump, incoming:

1.1 We loved Jiabao Li’s solo Exhibition “You Can’t Fire Your Mom” at Fusebox 2026. A piece of the artist and her mother. 
1.2 Selfie with Laura and Jiabao Li!
1.3 A shot from Charlie Hyman’s spectacular exhibit “Flat Earth” at Ivester.

2.1 Fusebox always delivers the most provocative experiences like the Double Blade Dance Performance
2.2 and Verses of Filth, featuring a performance team from Mexico

3.1 A shot from Charlie Hyman’s spectacular exhibit “Flat Earth” at Ivester.
3.2 Late April brought an extraordinary performance from Italian guitarist Lorenzo Micheli with Austin Classical Guitar.

4.1 Celebrating Executive Director Matthew Hinsley’s 30th year with Austin Classical Guitar
4.2 Another shot of Double Blade at Fusebox

5.1 A fascinating panel discussion on Public Art in Austin at Future Front Gallery, with panelist Constance White and Jane Hervey.
5.2 The new Verdant Gallery at 703 West Tenth Street is a jewel box of fine art. We stopped by for “Different Dances,” featuring new monoprints by legendary choreographer Deborah Hay and floral abstractions by painter Caroline Wright spanning a decade of work.

6.1 Informative panels at the Austin Together Conference on  April 30th
6.2 A piece from “Different Dances”

Teaching artists are essential to the arts ecosystem. They teach, mentor, and nourish creative communities—often without the support they deserve.

Tomorrow, A3 is hosting a private fundraiser to benefit teaching artists. We’ll share more information about the beneficiaries soon!

In the meantime, if you’d like to support this effort, you can contribute now at the link in our bio.

As we think about what’s ahead for our organization and our city, we’re grounding ourselves in what we’re hearing from the people closest to the work.

These responses from our Board capture something special: a future where people feel more connected, and more of what they care about is supported.

That’s what we’re working for.

The 2026-2027 Micro-Grants cycle is officially OPEN.

This funding opportunity by A3 Art Alliance Austin supports artist educators, emerging visual artists, and community organizations offering free public programming in Austin.

As Austin’s Local Arts Agency, we are committed to building the infrastructure our artists need to thrive. We invest in the artist, not just the project, which is why this year we are offering UNRESTRICTED funding:

• $1,000 grants for individual artist educators & emerging artists
• $2,000 grants for organizations (budgets

As the City’s approach to supporting the arts continues to evolve, this moment raises important questions:

What do these changes mean for artists and cultural organizations?
Will they expand opportunity—or create new challenges?

On May 19th, join A3 Executive Director Laura Esparza at the Rotary Club of Austin for a conversation on the policies, funding shifts, and future outlook shaping the arts in our city.

Guests are welcome to attend!

Austin arts leaders call on businesses, community to support the creative scene City funding can be "fickle," they said, so Austinites need to find alternative sources of support if they want making art to be a full-time career.

Thank you to all the friends and donors who honored us with their presence for our 1st anniversary party! A good time was had by all and we are off to a good start on our annual campaign 2026 called "We are what we create!" Check out our new website at a3austin.org, with thanks to Inspirarecom.com. And as always, give generously to the arts.