Austin is widely known as a center for education, technological innovation and live music. A myriad of festivals and conferences, the University of Texas and a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere have cultivated the city's refined cultural scene and brought artists of all stripes to Austin.  In recent years, the additions of visual art galleries and museums to downtown Austin have morphed the city center into an artistic hub.

Non-profit organizations such as Art Alliance Austin and Landmarks, the Public Art Program at The University of Texas boost awareness and appreciation of art through initiatives such as commissioned work and temporary public art projects. Art Night Austin, Art City Austin, and the East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) occur in various spots around the city and exemplify Austin's effort to infuse local, national and international artist's work into the city's backdrop.

Austin is home to pockets of galleries with two mainstays located downtown. West 5th and 6th streets maintain several galleries open for browsing or purchase.  Haven, Art on 5th, Russell Collection Fine Art, Artworks, the Wally Workmen Gallery, and the B. Hollyman Gallery create a walkable tour of several art destinations and show rooms in the Clarksville neighborhood. Closer to the Texas State Capitol, AMOA-Arthouse at the Jones Center, Davis Gallery, and Champion offer visitors a chance to enjoy photography, paintings, and sculptures in the very center of the city.

Performance art is a budding genre in the city of Austin as well. Ballet Austin enjoys a long and successful history in the city starting in 1956. After relocating to the new Butler Dance Education Center on W. 3rd, Ballet Austin has experienced a surge in popularity and activity. Onlookers are encouraged to drop in and view rehearsals of works in progress, and performances by the Ballet Austin Company and visiting dance companies are hosted at the AustinVentures Studio Theater. The Butler Community School is also housed in the space, offering movement and fitness classes for all ages and abilities.

In four short years, the Long Center has established itself as a destination for headlining performances and community events. Constructed from over 97% of the Lester E. Palmer Auditorium, the Long Center is a reminder than not all art fits into a building, rather it is the building. Austin's creative and innovative Long Center is home to over 200 local small and minority performance groups, chief among them Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Lyric Opera, Ballet Austin, and local musical groups featured in their Terrace Concert Series.

Influenced by the innate artistic environment of the city, The Austonian (link) has integrated art into everyday life at the downtown luxury condos. Over 40 artists have work featured in the communal spaces throughout the building. Special care was taken to choose artists who are either from or have strong Texas roots to honor the talent present in Austin and the surrounding area. Many mediums are represented in the collection – sculpture, photography, ceramic, paint, and more – introducing the residents to various points of view and tastes in an intimate and comfortable setting.

Austin is on a path of perpetual growth and popularity and, with it, a vibrant artistic culture will continue to thrive.  Austin, Texas is not limited to a single expression or perspective, and welcomes this growth in almost any form and fashion it chooses to reveal itself.