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.
Experience the dynamic environment of Austin’s oldest community arts venue through theater, music and dance performances, art exhibits, events, and studio arts programs for youth and adults.
The Dougherty Arts Center is part of the Division of Cultural Education & Programs, through the City of Austin's Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment.
The Julia C. Butridge (JCB) Gallery is now accepting exhibit proposals for 2028.
The deadline to apply for an exhibit is January 24, 2027, at 11:59pm.
Located within the Dougherty Arts Center (DAC), the JCB Gallery provides exhibition opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers and welcomes a wide range of artistic practices, perspectives, and experiences. The JCB Gallery welcomes exhibitions that explore cultural, educational, or socially relevant ideas, including but not limited to identity, environment, and unique artistic processes. There is no fee to submit an application and all exhibitions and related events are free and open to the public.
The application includes:
- Exhibition description - 450 words
- Artist statement – up to 1 page
- Artist CV (optional)
- Digital artwork images – 10-20 per applicant or 2-5 per artist in a group
- Image list
- Display and installation requirements
- Exhibition availability
- Website/social media information if applicable
Exhibition proposals are reviewed by an anonymous panel of jurors and selected based on artistic and conceptual strength, the quality and cohesion of the proposed exhibition, suitability for a public space, and the potential to engage audiences. Result notifications will be sent no later than Friday, March 5, 2027.
Selected artists are responsible for the transportation and installation of their exhibition. Exhibitions are scheduled for 5-8 weeks in one of three exhibition spaces and include an artist reception and artist talk. Exhibiting artists may also have opportunities to host demonstrations and exhibition tours.
Exhibition Spaces
The JCB Gallery includes three distinct exhibition spaces within the Dougherty Arts Center. Artists apply to exhibit with the JCB Gallery rather than to a specific space. Exhibition placement is determined during the selection process and is based on the nature and scale of the proposed work and the gallery's exhibition schedule.
- South Gallery – At 2000 sq ft the South Gallery is the largest of the three exhibition spaces and serves as the entrance to the building.
- East Gallery – At 480 sq ft the East Gallery extends through the hallway of the DAC’s East wing, alongside adult studio art classrooms.
- West Gallery – At 480 sq ft the West Gallery extends through the hallway of the DAC’s West wing alongside reservable creative community spaces and the Artist Resource Center.
Questions? Contact JCBGallery@austintexas.gov