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 main components- The Dougherty Theater, Julia C. Butridge Gallery and the Dougherty Arts School.

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

Permit Parking Dates:

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

Saturday, January 8 10am-10pm
Saturday, January 15 10am-10pm
Tuesday, January 18 3pm- 10pm
Wednesday, January 19 3pm- 10pm
Friday, January 21 10am-6pm
Saturday, January 22 10am-6pm
Friday, January 28 10am- 6pm
Saturday, January 29 10am-10pm

Planet Music "Dance Around The World" Photo Courtesy Miklos Lorant

Support Us!

Want to support the Dougherty Arts center and stay up to date with the latest news on workshops, performances, exhibits, receptions and more? Join our mailing list and receive our monthly e-newsletter. You can also follow the Dougherty Arts Center on Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor. For more information on becoming involved with the DAC and support the Austin arts community visit our Get Involved page.

"Saude", Adrienne Hodge & Katie Ryan

Staff

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

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

Daphne Holland Adult Arts Education Specialist 512-974-4033

Cidnye Stott Youth/Teen Arts Education Specialist 512-974-4026

Catherine Chao Youth Arts Education Specialist 512-974-4022

James Byers Youth Arts Education Specialist 512-974-4069

Ariel Ximenes Community Events Specialist 512-974-4032

Lori Luce Business Office Specialist 512-974-4036

Jefferson Lykins Theater & Events Assistant Producer 512-974-4002

Lucio Comin Cultural Arts Specialist 512-974-4021

Dan Wolff Marketing Specialist 512-974-4035

Drew Garcia Maintenance 512-974-4010

Norma Zapata Housekeeping 512-974-4010