Artists, Spaces and Experiences

Partner

Advertise

Support

Archive

 

No Longer Accepting Applications for Artists, Exhibitions or Pop Ups.

Creative and Business Partners can still apply!

See you in November!

Tour dates: November 9-17

Tour hours: 12 - 6 PM 

Boundaries: Within the 10 City Council districts of Austin, plus a 10-mile radius from the Capitol. Some restrictions may apply.

The Austin Studio Tour will take place over 2 weekends in November and will be divided into two regions, WEST of IH35 and EAST of IH35. This will allow audiences to choose between weekends and regions and plan accordingly. Also, artists from each region can support, visit, and enjoy the tour on their free weekend!

  • Weekend 1: November 9-10 WEST of IH-35

  • Weekend 2: November 16-17 EAST of IH-35


GUIDELINES

Overview

The Austin Studio Tour will take place over 2 weekends in November and will be divided into two regions, WEST of IH35 and EAST of IH35. This will allow audiences to choose between weekends and regions and plan accordingly. Also, artists from each area can support, visit, and enjoy the tour on their free weekend!

  • Weekend 1: November 9-10 WEST of IH-35

  • Weekend 2: November 16-17 EAST of IH-35

The Austin Studio Tour produced by Big Medium, is a free, self-guided art event that combines the West Austin Studio Tour and East Austin Studio Tour to provide opportunities for artists all over Austin to connect with each other, showcase current work, and for the public to experience the cultural vibrancy of our city.

Open Call: July 1, 2:00 pm - July 31, 11:59 pm

Tour dates: November 9-10, and 16-17

Tour hours: 12 - 6 pm 

Boundaries: Within the 10 City Council districts of Austin, plus a 10-mile radius from the Capitol. Some restrictions may apply.

Requirements

1) A location within the 10 City Council districts of Austin, plus a 10-mile radius from the Capitol. The location on the tour must be secured before completing the application by July 31, 11:59 pm. Please note that Big Medium cannot provide studio tour spaces.

2) Complete the application between July 1 - July 31, 2024.

3) Participate by opening your location to the public from 12 - 6pm on the corresponding weekend that is assigned to your side of Austin:

  • Weekend 1: November 9-10 WEST of IH-35

  • Weekend 2: November 16-17 EAST of IH-35

4) Promote yourself and the other artists on the tour by picking up your studio tour sign(s) and placing them in a highly visible location, and use the graphics package to send emails, create flyers, maps, etc. to encourage people to come on the tour. Pick up your studio tour signs from the Carver ( 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702) and place them in highly visible locations to navigate tourists to your space. Use the graphics package to send emails, create flyers, and maps to encourage people to join the tour. Promote yourself and the other artists on the tour effectively.

Fellowships

Thanks to the generosity of Mary Walker, Big Medium will continue to provide Fellowships based on artistic merit and financial limitations. Applicants may apply for a Fellowship to receive partial or full support to cover the participation fee. Full and half Fellowships will be awarded. Please note all applications require a non-refundable $5 processing fee. Fellowship applicants are asked to describe their dedication to their practice and the reason for requesting a fellowship.

Fellowships: are specialized programs designed to support individuals in various fields of study, research, or professional development. They provide financial aid, resources, and opportunities to help fellows (the participants) advance their careers, gain new skills, or conduct significant research

General

As you can tell, there are a few key changes to the tour this year, please review these guidelines thoroughly and email info@bigmedium.org if you have any questions.

All artists are committed to participating in their assigned weekend from 12 - 6 pm:

Artists exhibiting WEST of IH-35: November 9-10

Artists exhibiting EAST of IH-35: November 16-17

This year, Big Medium is continuously improving the website and app that will allow you to showcase your art and engage with a broad audience by sharing your social media platforms, artwork images, and more! Big Medium plans on launching the website and app mid October, to meet our production deadlines no extensions to the application and materials will be provided.

Categories

Like previous years, you can apply in 3 different categories: Artists, Dedicated Art Spaces, and Temporary Art Experiences. If none of the categories match your practice, you can submit a proposal and we will assess it in a case-by-case scenario. We want you to participate! 

Please note: If your practice works more like a business than a private studio, gallery/museum, or temporary art experience, and you would like to participate, please support the studio tour as a Creative and Business Partner. 

Creative businesses such as architecture or design firms, showrooms, or retail-focused collectives should apply as Creative and Business Partners UNLESS the listing focuses on the artists exhibiting in your venue. In this case, the artist should be the main applicant under the Artist or Temporary Art Experience category, and your business can be listed as a venue for an additional fee.


Artists: Solo artists, collaboratives, and collectives. Only one set of information will be listed online (name, social media, website), and one image in the catalog. Six images will be included on the website and in the app.


Dedicated Art Spaces: Spaces include those that hold art programming throughout the year such as galleries, museums, and cultural centers. In this case, the venue’s information and the name of the exhibit or artists participating in the Austin Studio Tour will be listed. 

Temporary Art Experiences: Groups and organizations coordinating an exhibition or art programming in a temporary space. This can include group exhibitions, markets, pop-up installations, performances, etc. featured in non-arts venues. E.g. Future Front hosting a market or event in a different venue would be listed as a temporary art experience since their space and programming shifts throughout the year, but artists participating in the Future Front space should apply individually as Artists listing Future Front as their venue; OR, if you’re organizing a group exhibition at a friend’s home with multiple artists; the exhibit should have a name, a website or social media account, that represents the whole group or project collectively.

Artists

Big Medium is committed to providing a platform for all artists to showcase their work and engage with the public through the Austin Studio Tour. Artists will have the opportunity to share their work through our website, app, outdoor activities, as well as in-person studio visits.  

Artists choosing to participate in both WEST and EAST must commit to having representatives in both their spaces during the tour (corresponding weekend from 12 - 6 pm) and will have to pay two application fees since each region receives its listing.

Additional Events and Online Content
 We encourage Artists to hold demonstrations, performances, artist talks, opening receptions, and more to augment engagement with the public and display their work. All public events will be listed on the website and app in a calendar of events. The deadline to be included in the calendar of events will be extended into October to allow more time for artists to coordinate these experiences. 

Cost

$200 per artist 

Your participation Artist Package  includes:

  • 1 Catalog That you the Artist/ collective will be featured in (more catalogs can be purchased at $25 each)

  • 1 Official Austin Studio Tour sign for promotion (more signs can be purchased at $12 each)

  • Participant Artist/ Collective profile in the Austin Studio Tour catalog, which includes:

    • Name of Artist

    • 1 image

    • Image details (title, date, medium, dimensions)

    • Studio Tour number

    • Contact info (website, Instagram)

  • Participant listing on the Austin Studio Tour printed and digital map, which includes:

    • Name of Artist

    • Address

    • Studio Tour number

    • Digital map will link to website/app profile with all the below information

  • Participant profile on Austin Studio Tour website and app, which includes:

    • Name of Artist

    • 6 images

    • Image details (title, date, medium, dimensions)

    • Artist bio (200 word limit)

    • Artist statement (no word limit)

    • 1 studio visit video (5 minute maximum)

    • 1 headshot

    • 3 images of your studio/workspace/process

    • Contact info (email, website, phone number, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or other online platform) 

    • ADA information

  • Graphics package for print and digital marketing

  • 1 artwork included in the Group Exhibition hosted at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (maximum size of art is 12” x 12” x 12”).

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your venue is charging artists a fee to exhibit in your space, we ask that you kindly invest a percentage of that fee back into the art community by making a donation to Big Medium. Please note that many artists paying for space during the tour will request a Fellowship from Big Medium to waive their participation fee, and your donation can help support our Fellowship Program, making it possible for artists to participate in the tour and exhibit in your venue.

Please take into account that  

  • All of your exhibiting artists must apply and be accepted into the tour.

  • You must provide artists with specific information about your venue so they may complete their application

    • Full address

    • ADA specifications

    • Images of the spaces they will be occupying 

Dedicated Art Spaces

Big Medium is proud to support and include art spaces of all kinds in the studio tour. We want to highlight what you do year-round and guide people to your space during the tour, and beyond. 

Visits

Dedicated Art Spaces should be open to the public from 12-6 pm on their designated weekend. Your listing will also include your regular hours for future visits.

Additional Events and Online Content
You are encouraged to hold demonstrations, performances, artist talks, opening receptions, and more to augment engagement with the public. Public events submitted within the deadline will be listed on the website and app in a calendar of events. The deadline to be included in the calendar of events will be extended into September to allow more time to finalize these experiences. 

Content using virtual platforms such as Zoom, Youtube, Instagram, etc. is encouraged and may happen in home studios, offices, or spaces of your choosing. You may pre-record a guided tour of the space, and/or host a live artist talk via digital streaming platforms. You are responsible for uploading pre-recorded content to YouTube and submitting the URL to Big Medium; the deadline is TBD. Once you get your acceptance email to the tour, we’ll provide you with assets and content deadlines. 

Cost

$300 per space

Your participation includes:

  • 2 Catalogs (more catalogs can be purchased for $20 each)

  • 1 Official Austin Studio Tour sign (more signs can be purchased for $12 each)

  • Participant profile in the Austin Studio Tour catalog, which includes:

    • Name of Space

    • 1 image

    • Studio Tour number

    • Brief space bio

    • List of artists officially participating at this location *

    • Address

    • Contact info (website, phone number, address)

    • Regular hours of operation year round

  • Participant listing on the Austin Studio Tour printed and digital map, which includes:

    • Name of Space

    • Address

    • Studio Tour number

    • Digital map will link to website/app profile with all the below information

  • Participant profile on Austin Studio Tour website and app, which includes:

    • Name of Space

    • 6 images

    • Space bio (500 word limit)

    • List of artists officially participating at this location with links to their profiles *

    • 1 video of space (5 minute maximum)

    • 1 Headshot

    • 3 Images of your studio/workspace/process (website only)

    • Contact info (email, website, phone number, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or other online platform) 

    • ADA information

  • Graphics package for print and digital marketing

  • 1 artwork included in the Group Exhibition hosted at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (maximum size of art is 12” x 12” x 12”)

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your venue is charging artists a fee to exhibit in your space, we ask that you kindly invest a percentage of that fee back into the art community by making a donation to Big Medium. Please note that many artists paying for space during the tour will request a Fellowship from Big Medium to waive their participation fee, and your donation can help support our Fellowship Program, making it possible for artists to participate in the tour and exhibit in your venue.

Please take into account that  

  • All of your exhibiting artists must apply and be accepted into the tour.

  • All artists exhibiting in your venue must be featured on both of your assigned weekends of the tour (dates aligned with WEST or EAST of IH-35).

  • You must provide artists with specific information about your venue so they may complete their individual application

    • Full address

    • ADA specifications

    • Images of the spaces they will be occupying 

Temporary Art Experience Participation

We understand having a space in Austin is harder every day, and we’re committed to providing a platform for all collectives, groups, and organizations to showcase art and engage with the public through the Austin Studio Tour. 

In-Person Experiences

Group exhibitions, markets, and temporary installations, among others can exhibit their work and welcome visitors to their homes, offices, and any space within the boundaries. 

Additional Events and Online Content
Artists are encouraged to hold demonstrations, performances, artist talks, opening receptions, and more to augment engagement with the public and display their work, these can be virtual or in person. All public events will be listed on the website and app in a calendar of events. The deadline to be included in the calendar of events will be extended into October to allow more time to finalize these experiences. 


Guided tours using a virtual platform such as Zoom, Youtube, Instagram, etc. are encouraged and may happen in home studios, offices, or spaces of your choosing. You may pre-record an artist talk, and/or host a live event via digital streaming platforms. Artists are responsible for uploading their pre-recorded content to YouTube and submitting the URL to Big Medium, deadline TBD. Once you get your acceptance email to the tour, we’ll provide you with assets and content deadlines. 

Cost

$200 per group, exhibition, or experience

Your participation includes:

  • 1 Catalog (more catalogs can be purchased at $20 each)

  • 1 Official Austin Studio Tour sign (more signs can be purchased at $12 each)

  • Participant profile in the Austin Studio Tour catalog, which includes:

    • Name of Temporary Art Experience

    • 1 image

    • Image details (title, date, medium, dimensions)

    • Studio Tour number

    • Contact info (website, instagram)

  • Participant listing on the Austin Studio Tour printed and digital map, which includes:

    • Name of Temporary Art Experience

    • Address

    • Studio Tour number

    • Digital map will link to website profile

  • Participant profile on Austin Studio Tour website and app, which includes:

    • Name of Temporary Art Experience

    • 6 images

    • Image details (title, date, medium, dimensions)

    • Exhibition statement (no word limit)

    • Video for guided tours or engagement materials(5 minute maximum)

    • 1 Headshot (group shots preferred)

    • 3 Images of your studio/workspace/process

    • Links to your platforms (ie. Email, website, Instagram handle, Facebook URL, YouTube Channel) 

    • ADA information

  • Graphics package for print and digital marketing

  • 1 artwork included in the Group Exhibition hosted at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (maximum size of art is 12” x 12” x 12”)


IMPORTANT NOTE: If your venue is charging artists a fee to exhibit in your space, we ask that you kindly invest a percentage of that fee back into the art community by making a donation to Big Medium. Please note that many artists paying for space during the tour will request a Fellowship from Big Medium to waive their participation fee, and your donation can help support our Fellowship Program, making it possible for artists to participate in the tour and exhibit in your venue.

Please take into account that  

  • All of your exhibiting artists must apply and be accepted into the tour.

  • You must provide artists with specific information about your venue so they may complete their individual application

    • Full address

    • ADA specifications

    • Images of the spaces they will be occupying 

Selection Process

Big Medium works with a Review Committee to help select participants. Our focus is mainly on Fine Arts and Artisans; Food, Beauty Products, and Mass-produced goods, unfortunately, do not meet the criteria and are encouraged to apply as a Creative and Business Partner.


Participant Assets

Like previous years, the catalog will be an image-based Art Book featuring the tour number, artwork details, and contact information. The catalog will be approximately 360 pages and 8.5 x 8.5” with a pocket for the studio tour map. The printed map is an 18 x 24” folded asset that fits neatly into the catalog, the map is continuing to be very tight on space but serves as a guide while digital mapping will continue to be a more accurate way to navigate the city. An 18 x 24” sign (plus yard H stake) will be provided to identify the location on the tour. All participants will be assigned a number (based on geography) and this number will be associated with each participant in the catalog, map, signage, and all digital materials. The website and app will feature more images, written statements, pre-recorded videos, contact information, and links to participant websites and social media. The website and app will be filterable and searchable and connect tourgoers to a robust platform to navigate all the participants on the tour. 

The Big Medium team will provide graphic design assets to promote the tour and your work, the graphics package will be ready in late August 2024

Please be aware that the information submitted will not have revisions. Make sure there are no image placeholders, check spelling and grammar, and confirm that all links you submit are working properly


Group Exhibition

The Group exhibition will be held at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, with art drop-off in late October and on view through mid-December. There will be a 25% commission retained by Big Medium on sales, and sales tax will be paid by Big Medium. The 75% portion for the artist will be processed and delivered by check or ACH payment within two weeks after the Austin Studio Tour has ended. Shipping costs and sales tax are not part of the commission structure, the 75/25% split is based on the sale price.

Images

Please submit images for consideration that best represent your art, space, exhibition, or experience you would like to have included on the tour. Because of the short turnaround, no image placeholders will be allowed. One of your images will be featured in the catalog - the rest will appear on the Austin Studio Tour website and app. Big Medium has the final selection of catalog images. Please submit your images in order of your personal preference (catalog image first).


Images Must Meet the Following Specifications

  • Name image files accordingly: FirstName_LastName_Image # (i.e. Hollis_Baxter_1.jpg) 

  • JPG ("Quality" set to Maximum).

  • 300dpi for print

  • Images must be at least 5” or 1500 pixels wide.

  • No logos, please! Do not submit images with text overlaid on the image, or images with multiple pictures collaged together to fit more images into one.

  • Blurry or poor depictions of art will not be printed or put on the website, nor will images taken in poor lighting or with very distracting surroundings.

  • Please note that if your image does not conform to the specifications, Big Medium reserves the right to adjust your image accordingly. 

Images for catalog and website (Artists and Temporary Art Experiences)

  • Image 1

    • This should be the preferred catalog image, but please understand that Big Medium reserves the right to make the final selection on catalog images.

  • Image 2-6

    • These additional images will be for the website, and/or alternatives for the catalog image.

Headshot and Studio Images

  • These images are to help our audience engage with you and connect you to your work.

  • Name images accordingly: 

    • First Name_Last Name_Headshot (i.e. John_Smith_Headshot.jpg) 

    • First Name_Last Name_Studio_Image # (i.e. John_Smith_Studio1.jpg

FAQ

Who can apply as an Austin Studio Tour participant?
Visual artists, artist collectives, performance artists, arts organizations, and dedicated art spaces are encouraged to join in the annual celebration of visual art.

What are the basic requirements for participating?

Space, Availability one weekend 12 - 6 pm, submit a complete application by the deadline.

Space Requirement

  • To apply, you have to have a space secured before completing your application; the space should be available both days of the studio tour, depending on the side of IH-35 you’re located. Please also consider that no changes are allowed once the application process has been closed. Big Medium cannot provide spaces, but we encourage you to contact friends, family, and local businesses to share available spaces. We suggest community spaces, such as libraries, etc.

Availability

  • Artists participating must commit to be present or have a representative for the duration of their participation on the tour, the two designated days from 12 - 6 pm.

What benefits do I receive for participating in the Austin Studio Tour?
The Austin Studio Tour offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Austin’s best and brightest creative minds at work through an approachable, self-guided tour. Art and Community are in deep need of connection these days, so your support and the message that your art provides to Austin is more important than ever. Help us keep the arts alive in Austin!

In addition to having the opportunity to share your work with art enthusiasts, industry leaders, and collectors, you will receive the following perks during the Austin Studio Tour:

  • Listing in the Austin Studio Tour catalog, with a combined 3,000 copies distributed citywide.
    A coffee table-style book that is referenced year-round for art sales and as an artist directory by our members and community.

  • Listing on the Austin Studio Tour website including contact information, images of your work, links to your sites, video studio visit, and calendar for your virtual events.

  • Access to the Austin Studio Tour promotional materials for distribution to your networks, including the Austin Studio Tour design assets, social media content, customized press release templates, and more.

  • Opportunity to participate in the Austin Studio Tour group exhibition at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center.

  • Consideration for year-round visits with Big Medium’s donors and collectors

  • Social media and web promotion of the tour

If I share a space with another participant, what is the fee?
Each participant is encouraged to register individually unless you create artwork collaboratively. There are no discounts for group registrations. The benefit of registering individually is that you will receive better promotion for your work—the public will have access to your work, artist statement, and contact information, so you will be open to more opportunities throughout the year. 

If an organization or venue is charging you an additional fee to exhibit in their space, please get in touch with info@BigMedium.org. We want to make sure you’re supported in every way possible!

Can I set up in another participant’s studio but not apply myself?
We do not recommend this. It is in your best interest to apply and officially be included on the tour. This way you can participate in the Austin Studio Tour Group Exhibition, benefit from visibility on the catalog, website and app, and be included in the Austin Studio Tour promotional materials. Often times patrons reach out to us trying to find artists that participated unofficially and sadly we cannot identify them to make connections with buyers and supporters.

Do I still have to pay the participation fee if I don't get accepted into the tour?
We fully refund applicants not accepted into the tour, except for the $5 application processing fee.

What does my participation fee go to?
Your participation fee contributes to the services and platform the tour provides, as well as the production of promotional materials—including the catalog, app, flyers, events, graphics package, etc.—and our marketing efforts, including digital and print ads in various media outlets. Big Medium is a nonprofit; our efforts and dollars go toward serving artists.

The registration fee is a lot of money for me right now, but I really want to participate. What should I do?
We strongly encourage artists who find the fee inaccessible to apply for a Fellowship. The Austin Studio Tour applicants may apply for a Fellowship by selecting that option in the tour application to receive partial or full financial support to cover the fee. The Austin Studio Tour’s registration fee is comparable to other nationally acclaimed open studio tours and we are committed to keeping the cost as low as possible for our artist participants.

How do I format my images for print?
Images should be at least 1500 pixels in 300dpi. If you do not have Photoshop, free alternatives include: Pixlr and GIMP.

If I run a non-profit gallery and want to participate in the tour with an exhibition, how do I apply?
Nonprofits must apply under one of our three categories. If you would like to partner with Big Medium to co-present programming, please reach out to trevino@bigmedium.org.

How do group exhibitions apply?
Artists and groups presenting group exhibitions must apply under one of our three categories: Artists, Dedicated Art Spaces, or Temporary Art Experiences. We encourage each participant to apply individually so they may be represented on our platforms. There are no discounts for group registrations. Each group should have a virtual platform like a website, or social media account. If you’re exhibiting under another organization, they may host you on their platforms.

I am registered but no longer wish to participate. What is your cancellation policy?
Our work begins when you submit your application; therefore, we are not able to provide refunds. If you experience unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from participating, please notify us immediately at info@bigmedium.org. We will do our best to help you find a mutually agreeable solution.

If I want to participate in the group exhibition and have other venues around town I am participating in, am I able to submit more than one artwork for the group exhibition?
Big Medium wishes to provide a diverse range of participating artists from Austin in our group exhibition. Although we are happy to hear you're very involved in the tour, please consider showing another artist from your group or collective, as we limit each artist to ONE piece of 12 x 12” art in the Austin Studio Group Exhibition.


Does Big Medium take into account my emails or survey responses regarding the tour?
Big Medium and its staff have dedicated over 20 years, starting with the simple idea of allowing Austin artists to open up their studios and share their art practice with the public. As the tour has grown from just the East side to now all of Austin, we have a wide range of participating artists, collectives, and dedicated spaces wanting to participate, which we love! As the tour has grown, so have all the changes that we are rigorously adapting for all our participants in the tour, with a fair and clear perspective. Our team listens carefully to every phone call, email, and message and considers all positive and negative feedback. Your choice of words and kindness when addressing any issues with our small team is greatly appreciated. Big Medium reserves the right not to work with hostile and unaccommodating individuals at any point. We are grateful for your help in improving positively and with everyone’s best interest at heart!

Thank You!