Arts in Context

Austin creatives answer: 'When did you first know you were an artist?'

Austin artists share when they realized their artistic passions.

Courtesy photo

Editor's note: CultureMap is proud to present the latest installment in our partnership with KLRU's documentary series Arts In Context. The series explores the process of creation and what it's like to be a working artist in the Austin area. You can watch more stories at klru.org/artsincontext.

"When did you first know you were an artist?" Throughout its eight seasons, Arts in Context has interviewed hundreds of local artists ranging from painters to dancers to actors and beyond. In this episode, the show asks artists a simple question with surprisingly complex answers.

Some were born with a calling, others figured it out later in life. Regardless of when they knew, these Austinites are compelled to create. And for some of them, like SkyCandy founder Winnie Hsia, they knew they had to do it right here in Austin.

"Moving to Austin and being in a DIY, gritty, artistic community gave me permission," says Hsia. "I moved here from New York, and and in New York I had to make enough money to survive, and do what I had to do. I just wasn't allowed to breathe and make things. Austin gave me that."

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is dedicated to telling stories that entertain, inspire, and change our lives. KLRU highlights what makes Austin unique — whether music, arts, or public issues — by creating and distributing award-winning original content. KLRU produces several series including Austin City Limits, Arts In Context, Central Texas Gardener, Decibel, and Overheard with Evan Smith. As a nonprofit educational organization, KLRU also prepares children to succeed in school and creates lifelong learning opportunities for all.

ARIA OF INTEREST

Austin Opera unveils dramatic new headquarters and performance center

Austin Opera

Photo courtesy of Austin Opera.

Austin Opera's Sarah and Ernest Butler Performance Center

The art form of opera may date back to the 16th century, but Austin Opera is looking towards the future. On October 8, the company announced a sweeping investment in the city’s cultural growth.

The nonprofit, a community fixture since 1986, unveiled plans for its new home at 5811 Trade Center Dr. — but it's not finished yet. Austin Opera relocated its administrative offices in September, but the major work will kick off in January 2025. By October 2025, the company hopes to debut the artistic wing of the building, which will include a 195-seat theater.

The undertaking will also make room for rehearsal space, teaching and practice studios, a costume shop, outdoor event space, and a conference center. The artistic hub will allow Austin Opera to serve the Austin community more fully while providing critical performance and rehearsal space.

“The establishment of this new performance center is a historic step for Austin Opera to expand our audience, secure a sustainable future, and provide essential spaces for the performing arts community in Austin,” explained Annie Burridge, Austin Opera’s General Director and CEO, via a release. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with our community to build an inclusive new cultural hub for our thriving city.”

Although the headquarters will have plenty of bells and whistles, like a state-of-the-art A/V system, its most significant impact will be felt in Austin Opera’s artistic scope. The space will allow the company to expand its programming and educational offerings. Music Director Timothy Myers says the center will enable the organization to explore new repertoire, performance formats, and genres.

The ambitious project was made possible by longtime patrons Sarah and Ernest Butler, who will be honored in the performance center’s name. The creators of a $3 million endowment to fund Spanish language programming at the opera, the philanthropists also were lead contributors to the capital campaign. Austin Opera has secured $3.67 million towards its $7.5 million goal.

“We are proud to support the latest innovative undertaking of Austin Opera. This new performance center, which will bear our names, will help secure a sustainable future for opera in Austin and enable numerous cultural institutions to extend their important work into the community,” said Dr. and Mrs. Butler.

More information about Austin Opera and its current season is available at austinopera.org.

arts opera openings

Loading...