Mission | History | Planning Your Visit | Parking Lot Closures | Support Us | Staff


Image of a gallery space with vibrant art on the walls

The exhibit Nature in Vogue by artist Neena Buxani.

Mission

The mission of the Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) is to support emerging through established artists who create, showcase, and experience the arts first hand.

We envision the DAC as Austin’s cultural living room where people of all ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic statuses, nationalities, and religions gather to create community through the arts. 

History

​​Formally a Naval and Marine Reserve Center, built in 1947, the building was dedicated to the City and named for the late arts advocate Mary Ireland Graves in 1978.

Since then, the Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) has been offering arts experiences for a broad audience through its three (3) main components:

Image of Trouble Puppet Theater Company performance

Trouble Puppet Theater Company Presents: The Bomb In HayMarket Square.

Planning Your Visit

Located just south of the Colorado River (see map for directions), the Dougherty Arts Center overlooks the iconic Butler Park and ever growing Austin skyline. Admission to the Julia C. Butridge Gallery is always free. After visiting the DAC, enjoy a meal at one of the many nearby popular Austin restaurants, located along Barton Springs Road.

Click here for more FAQs about visiting the DAC. 

Parking

Metered parking is available at the Dougherty Arts Center. Guests can pay for parking using the app Park ATX.

During business hours, guests will need to check in at the front desk to receive a parking permit while on premise.

Patrons and guests of the DAC will need to display a parking permit when the parking lot is officially closed to the general public. Patrons and Guests include anyone visiting the gallery, creative spaces, performance or special events, or anyone who is attending a workshop or class.

During special events, the DAC will close its parking lot to the public. (See Parking Lot Closures.)

Parking Lot Closures

The DAC parking lot (facing Barton Springs Road) will be closed to the general public on the following dates and times:

Date Time(s) Reason For Closure
Saturday, March 23 5-9pm Performance in Theater
Wednesday, March 27 6-9pm Artist Reception
Wednesday, April 3 5-9pm Performance in Theater
Thursday, April 4 5-9pm Performance in Theater
Friday, April 5 5-9pm Performance in Theater
Wednesday, April 10 6:30-9pm Artist Reception
Thursday, April 11 6:30-9pm Performance in Theater
Saturday, April 13 6-10pm Performance in Theater
Wednesday, April 17 6:30-9pm Artist Talk and Community Event
Friday, April 19 6-9pm Performance in Theater
Saturday, April 20 6-9pm Performance in Theater
Friday, April 26 6-9pm Performance in Theater
Saturday, April 27 1:30-8:30pm Performance in Theater

 

 

Two people performing a dance together with flowing gestures

Dance India Presents: Breaking the Binary

Support Us

Want to support the Dougherty Arts Center and stay up to date with the latest news on workshops, programs, performances, exhibits, receptions and more? 

Two people and a child look at artwork on a gallery wall

The exhibit Boxed In, by artist Jacob Guzman

 


Staff

Guiniviere Webb Culture & Arts Education Manager  512-974-4019

Lucy Miller-Downing Culture & Arts Program Supervisor 512-974-4045

James Byers Theater & Event Coordinator 512-974-4020

Morgen Denton-Jackson Gallery & Outreach Coordinator 512-974-4007

Lori Luce Business Specialist 512-974-4036

Cidnye Stott Visitor & Volunteer Services Specialist  512-974-4026

Jefferson Lykins Theater & Event Specialist 512-974-4002

Daphne Holland Culture & Arts Education Specialist, Adult Programs 512-974-4033

Catherine Chao Culture & Arts Education Specialist, Youth Programs 512-974-4022

Mackenzie Jones Culture & Arts Education Specialist, Youth Programs 512-974-4046

HR Wright Visual Artist Residency Program Advisor 512-974-4391

Drew Garcia Maintenance 512-974-4010

Louis Arellano Building & Grounds Assistant 512-974-4010

Claire Bryant Marketing Specialist 512-974-4021

Kyle Armstrong Graphic Designer 512-974-4035