March 26, 2020

After consulting with our artists and partners, Big Medium has decided to postpone the West Austin Studio Tour (WEST). While this has been a difficult decision, we believe it is the responsible course of action in order to maintain the safety and well being of our community. 

We are currently working on creative solutions that will not only serve artists in the present, but complement and reinforce our mission and programs year round. We will continue to provide ways for artists to create, exhibit, and discuss their work both virtually this spring and in-person this fall. More details to be announced soon.

We believe art is needed more than ever in these moments, and we are grateful for your continued support of Big Medium and our studio tours. If you would like to further support our efforts, we invite you to sign up for a membership or make a donation today. Your gift today will help us address the immediate economic impact the postponement of WEST will have on Big Medium and our creative community. Thank you.

Programs

West Austin Studio Tour

About

Big Medium’s West Austin Studio Tour (WEST) is a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning two weekends. WEST provides opportunities for the public to meet the artists of Austin in their creative spaces.

Following the success of the East Austin Studio Tour, Big Medium founded the West Austin Studio Tour in 2012 to provide a broader opportunity for artists across Austin. Together, the two tours form a comprehensive platform for artists working and exhibiting in the city.

Mission

The mission of WEST is to provide an inclusive and accessible platform for a diverse group of artists to create, exhibit, and discuss their work, to increase the audience that experiences the artists work, and for that experience to create conversation and build relationships around art and the creative practice. WEST isn’t a craft fair or a street festival, and while sales are an important aspect of any artist’s career, they are not our primary focus. We believe an interconnected art community that supports each other will produce more impactful and sustainable benefits for everyone involved.

Goals

Through the studios, WEST highlights process, tools, and inspiration in the spaces where art is created. Through galleries, the tour recognizes the permanent institutions dedicated to showcasing art in Austin year round. Temporary exhibitions and happenings give opportunities for artists to present work in unexpected spaces or experiment with performance and time-based events designed specifically for the two weekend span of the tour when our city is focused on art.

Core values of WEST

Diverse
Accessible
Experimental
Inspirational
Community building