Austin-Based Community-Driven Art Gallery DORF Announces Move to Zilker Point

DORF, the Austin art space supporting creatives since 2018, announces its move to a brand new gallery space inside the Zilker Point Development (located at 218 South Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704). This relocation is made possible through a landmark agreement between public and private entities: the City of Austin and 218 Zilker Point Owners, LLC. DORF has secured an up to ten-year lease for just 1 dollar per year, with a city ordinance protecting this rent-free space for future arts nonprofits.

To celebrate their new space, gallery founders Sara Vanderbeek and Eric Manche will be hosting an Opening Reception Event on Friday, October 25th, at the new gallery from 7 pm to 11 pm. For more information about this exciting event, see below and the following link.

The event will feature the opening of a two-month-long exhibition entitled “Soft Opening,” which will run from October 25th through January 11th, available to the public on Saturdays from 12 pm to 6 p.m., and for the Austin Studio Tour happening November 9th and 10th from 12 pm to 6 p.m. each day. The show will explore the theme of softness in all its forms and feature works by local, as well as NY and LA-based artists Eepi Chaad, Michael Anthony Garcia, Nitashia Johnson, Bárbara Miñaro, Natalia Nakazawa, Rebeca Proctor, Libby Rosen, and James Viscardi. Programming will also include a performance by Michael Anthony Garcia at 8 pm, music by DJ Apanda, complimentary libations, and the Connor’s Creamery soft serve truck.

Sculpture by Jessica Bell outside the new DORF Gallery entrance

The new gallery space will be stripped down, with no walls or furniture, allowing the art to interact fully with the expansive room. The artworks for this inaugural show were specifically curated to highlight the openness and in-progress nature of the space as it continues to be built, taking full advantage of the high ceilings and natural light flooding the space.

During the Austin Studio Tour, DORF is partnering with East Side Pot Shop (ESPS) for a special pop-up ceramic workshop in the new gallery space led by ESPS owner and “Soft Opening” artist Rebeca Proctor. The workshop takes place November 10th from 2 pm to 4 pm. For more information and to sign up, visit DORF’s website. This project has been financed in part by the City of Austin’s Elevate Grant Program.

Vanderbeek and Manche comment:

“We’re so thrilled to have secured a rent-free space for our art organization thanks to a unique arrangement between public and private entities.

“This collaboration shows what is possible when cities recognize the value of art and invest in its sustainability. We hope this model inspires future collaborations between city officials and Austin’s many essential arts nonprofits. We can’t wait to open the doors to our new home, welcome guests, and continue to amplify the many vital voices of Austin’s creative community.”

DORF Gallery opening flyer

This initiative is a significant victory for the creative community in a city where many independent arts venues have been forced to close due to skyrocketing real estate prices. DORF serves as a model for how creative spaces can thrive in a rapidly developing city through partnerships with city council members. Also included in the negotiation is a 100,000 dollar Tenant Improvement budget to build out the space. The building is designed by distinguished local architects Runa Workshop.

This move positions DORF in the heart of a new arts district alongside cultural landmarks such as Zach Theatre, Dougherty Arts Center, and The Long Center for the Performing Arts. DORF’s new space includes a 1,062-square-foot gallery, a rooftop garden, an outdoor plaza with a stage for performances, and a commissioned permanent sculpture by artist Jessica Bell, all within walking distance from Lady Bird Lake.

Plans for the new space include DORF’s Fellowship in Professional Practice program (FiPP) to help provide professional development and exhibition opportunities for local emerging artists, a family-friendly clay workshop open to the public, and more regularly scheduled, exciting art exhibitions and programs to come.