About the Dougherty Arts Center

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

The exhibit Nature in Vogue by artist Neena Buxani.

Mission and Vision

Vision: The Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) is Austin’s cultural living room where all people are invited to gather and create community through the arts.

Mission: The Mission of the Dougherty Arts Center is to provide support and opportunities for emerging though established artists and arts enthusiasts in a welcoming and safe place, and to experience the arts firsthand. 

Annual Report

Check out our 2024 Annual Report to learn more about our work!

History

​​Formerly 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 four (4) main components:

• The Dougherty Theater
• Julia C. Butridge Gallery
• Dougherty Arts School
• Artist Professional Development

Dance India Presents: Breaking the Binary

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.

Visitor's Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 168kb)

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 below.)

Parking Lot Closures

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

After School Pick Up Parking 

The DAC runs a large after school program, Creativity Club, during the school year, and follows the Austin ISD Calendar. Parking along the east side of the building near the youth entrance (pictured below) is designated as 15 Minute Parent Pick Up Parking Monday through Friday, 4pm to 6pm. Signage listing this information will be visible from the parking lot.  

We ask the public to be considerate and not to park in the designated spaces during those times, to help parents access the building to pick up their students. 

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? 

• Join our Mailing List to receive our monthly e-newsletter.
• Follow the Dougherty Arts Center on Facebook and Instagram.
• Visit our Get Involved page to find ways to get involved at the Dougherty Arts Center and support the Austin arts community.

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 Jackson Gallery & Artist Professional Development 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 Blair Culture & Arts Education Specialist, Youth Programs 512-974-4046

Claire Bryant Marketing Representative 512-974-4021

Drew Garcia Maintenance 512-974-4010

Louis Arellano Building & Grounds Assistant 512-974-4010

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is taking the next steps toward moving the Dougherty Arts Center out of the beloved naval center and into a newly envisioned building to be constructed on Butler Shores Park. Learn more by visiting the DAC Replacement Project Webpage.