Thank you for your interest in becoming a Downtown Austin Alliance Ally! Our volunteer opportunities provide a chance to engage with the community, support public spaces, and contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Austin.
DASA Community Activator
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The Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Program is designed to breathe new life into vacant or underutilized spaces downtown. By partnering with property owners, local businesses, and community stakeholders, this program seeks to create dynamic spaces that not only attract foot traffic but also stimulate economic activity, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of downtown, and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and creativity to flourish.
Activation programming typically refers to the planning, coordination, and execution of a series of events, initiatives, or campaigns designed to engage, excite, or "activate" a specific audience or community.
The emphasis is on fostering interaction, creativity, and connection among participants utilizing our DASA program. Whether it's themed exhibitions, live performances, hands-on workshops, or community gatherings, activations programming seeks to enliven public spaces, generate buzz, and leave a lasting impact on both individuals and the community as a whole.
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DASA Objectives
Revitalize Downtown
Transform vacant storefronts into vibrant hubs. Revitalize commercial corridors and main streets.
Support Local Businesses
Provide affordable and flexible spaces for entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses to showcase their offerings. Help them establish a presence and grow customer bases.
Catalyze Economic Growth
Stimulate spending and investment in our local economy. Attract patrons to explore an array of downtown spaces.
Foster Community Engagement
Create gathering spaces. Promote social interaction, cultural exchanges, and civic pride. Strengthen a sense of belonging and connection.
Proposal for community programming. A complete proposal will include:
* Proposals must be submitted at least 8 weeks before the activation date no later than 2 weeks prior to the activation.
- A clear description of your workshop/class/program concept
- Date(s) and times of activation
- Tentative run of show
- A description of how your program aligns with the DASA objectives
Space Specifics
- Central space Downtown
- indoor & outdoor spaces
- Capacity between 200-3,000
- Multi-use spaces
- Bathroom and water access
Fee structure
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Activator: $250 per day + Refundable $150 Deposit
For-Profit Activator: $350 per day + Refundable $150 Deposit
***If you are a for-profit or non-profit organization that makes over $250,000 annually with proof of 990 forms you are subject to rate adjustments***
DASA SPACE OPTIONS
Site visits are available Wednesdays 11-12:30
506 Congress Ave
2,000 sq ft
Capacity- up to 150
Other locations available for activation
The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation either manages or is directly in contact with the management of the following areas. These areas are available for activation pending approval.
- Old Bakery Emporium
- 301 Congress Porch
- Republic Square (Republic Square is subject to its own guidelines and separate applications for rentals. Please refer to the Event Guide for more information.)
DASA Property Interest
The Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Program is designed to breathe new life into vacant or underutilized spaces downtown. By partnering with property owners, local businesses, and community stakeholders, this program seeks to create dynamic spaces that not only attract foot traffic but also stimulate economic activity, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of downtown, and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and creativity to flourish.
Thank you for your interest in partnering with the Downtown Austin Space Activation (DASA) Program to revitalize vacant or underutilized spaces downtown. By collaborating with property owners like you, local businesses, and community stakeholders, we aim to create vibrant hubs of activity that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Austin, while supporting the flourishing of local artists.
Why Partner?
Community Impact
Directly contribute to the vibrancy of downtown.Your generosity creates a more inviting environment that benefits residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Social Responsibility
Support initiatives that strengthen your community. Your donation will contribute to the social fabric and sense of belonging in our downtown.
Publicity and Recognition
Your generosity will be publicly acknowledged through various channels, including our website, social media platforms, press releases, and signage.
Be a Trusted Champion
We will work directly with you to activate the space, highlight your participation, and drive foot traffic to the space. We facilitate all aspects of the partnership to ensure positive outcomes.
Support for Entrepreneurs
The program provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses to test new ideas, build customer relationships, and grow their ventures, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering
innovation.
Vitality
Vibrant storefront and public space activations create attractive and welcoming public spaces that encourage social interaction, cultural exchange, and civic engagement, fostering a stronger sense of community identity and pride.
Urban Revitalization
Revitalized storefronts and commercial districts contribute to the physical and social rejuvenation of downtown Austin, making it a more desirable place to work, visit, live, and invest.
Improved Perceptions of Safety
Public space activation contributes to improved perceptions of safety by increasing visibility, fostering social cohesion, creating positive atmospheres through programming and events, and enhancing design and maintenance standards. As a result, people feel more comfortable and secure utilizing public spaces, leading to a greater sense of safety and well-being in the community as a whole.
Economic Impact
Increased foot traffic and sales for local businesses, job creation, and enhanced property occupancy and values contribute to a more resilient and prosperous local economy.
Please fill out the following form to express your interest in participating in the DASA Program:
Whether you’re an established artist looking to showcase your latest work or an up-and-coming talent, this general call for artists provides a dynamic platform to share your creativity! Unlike a traditional call for artists, this platform was created to help artists and creative individuals submit ideas at times most convenient for them and on an ongoing basis without specific project or deadline requirements. Downtown Austin’s Writing on the Walls program curates and launches larger-than-life public artworks that bring people together from all different organizations and areas in the city to uplift the creative community.
What: The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation is accepting applications for our ongoing ARTBOX program which is a part of the Writing on the Wall initiative. The ARTBOX program will enhance utility electric boxes with inspired artwork by the selected artist.
Who: The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation will work with an artist selection panel comprised of community leaders, arts and culture advocates, creatives, and residents in proximity of the ARTBOX to select an artist, approve the design, manage and oversee the execution, installation, and maintenance of the ARTBOX.
Why: The ARTBOX Program will create vibrancy downtown, a platform for local artists to showcase their talents, and bring light to the history and culture of the area
Timing: Rolling Basis
The Downtown Austin Alliance is currently accepting ongoing applications for Food Trucks