Mission | History | Planning Your Visit | Parking Lot Closures | Support Us | Staff
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
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:
| Date | Time(s) | Reason For Closure |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, June 28 | 10am-9pm | Multiple Community Events |
| Tuesday, July 1 | 6:30-9pm | Community Event |
| Wednesday, July 9 | 6:30-9pm | Artist Reception |
| Tuesday, July 15 | 5:30-9pm | Community Events |
| Wednesday, July 16 | 6:30-9pm | Community Event |
| Saturday, July 19 | 7pm-9pm | Performance in Theater |
| Thursday, July 31 | 6-9pm | Performance in Theater |
| Friday, August 1 | 6-9pm | Performance in Theater |
| Saturday, August 2 | 6-9pm | Performance in Theater |
Summer Camp Parent Drop Off / Pick Up Parking
The DAC holds a large summer camp which will run from June 9 to August 13 this year (2025). Parking along the east side of the building near the school entry (pictured below) is designated as 15 minute Parent Drop Off / Pick Up Parking on weekdays Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 9am and from 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 drop off and 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
Kyle Armstrong Graphic Designer 512-974-4035
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.