For more than two decades, the Austin Studio Tour has opened doors across our city: connecting neighbors, artists, and creative spaces in one of Austin’s most beloved cultural traditions. Each November, nearly a thousand artists welcome the city into their studios, transforming Austin into a walkable celebration of creativity.
Now, with Almost Real Things (ART) leading the way, we’re carrying that legacy forward, keeping the Tour free, inclusive and artist-driven for generations to come.
If you’ve ever discovered a new favorite artist, attended the Studio Tour for free, or simply felt proud to live in a city where creativity spills into every neighborhood, this is your moment to give back.
Your support keeps doors open for artists and audiences alike, sustaining the connections that are Austin’s creative heartbeat.
ABOUT
Almost Real Things
Founded in 2015 by Natalie Earhart and Zachary Zulch, Almost Real Things is an Austin-based creative organization that has spent a decade amplifying artists, curating exhibitions, and producing large-scale community events.
Over the past ten years, ART has:
- Featured 4,500+ local creators
- Hosted 230+ community events
- Paid $320,000+ directly to Austin artists
- Engaged 155,000+ community members every month
Almost Real Things has been part of the Austin Studio Tour for nearly a decade, as participants, curators, consultants, and organizers of the beloved ART Bus Tours that make the event more accessible and fun for everyone. Now, they’re stepping into the leadership role to ensure that the Tour not only continues, but thrives.
Why your support matters
The Austin Studio Tour isn’t just an event, it’s the backbone of Austin’s creative ecosystem, keeping artists visible, neighborhoods connected and creativity accessible to all.
- For many emerging artists, the Austin Studio Tour marks a powerful milestone and is often their first time opening the studio door and sharing their work with the public. It’s a leap from creating in private to being seen, supported, and celebrated. It's a moment that can launch an artist’s career.
- For established artists, the Tour offers a chance to reconnect with their community, experiment with new ideas, and inspire others by sharing their experience and craft.
- For audiences, it’s an invitation to engage directly with the artitsts and spaces driving Austin’s creative future. This direct engagement gives Austin's artists an opportunity to talk about their work, connect with buyers and collaborators, and build relationships that sustain their practice.
THE TRUTH:
We're rebuilding from the ground up
This year, the Austin Studio Tour nearly disappeared.
After years of underfunding and organizational changes, the program was left without the resources to continue. Almost Real Things stepped up to steward the Tour forward, rebuilding its foundation from scratch, securing partners and rallying the community to make 2025 not only possible, but the biggest Tour to date. But the work is far from over.
To sustain this beloved Austin tradition, we need your help.
Your donation today keeps the Tour alive this year, and it ensures that there will be a next year. The future of the Tour depends on community support. Together, we're building a model to keep Austin’s artists and audiences connected for decades to come.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The future of the Tour
With your support, Almost Real Things has the vision to expand and strengthen the Austin Studio Tour in 2026 and beyond through:
- Improved Accessibility: Ensuring venues meet accessibility standards and promote their accessibility features, in addition to producing multilingual materials so everyone feels welcome participate.
- Artist Sustainability: Expanding mentorship programs, stipends, scholarships and professional development to help artists build sustainable careers.
- Community Engagement: Partnering with local schools, businesses and cultural organizations to make art visible year-round.
- Technology & Innovation: Launching a series of upgrades to the freshly overhauled website and digital map to create a world-class experience and the most comprehensive directory of Austin artists ever.
- Long-Term Stability: Creating a dedicated fund at the Austin Community Foundation to ensure the Tour’s financial health for years to come.
Your gift today builds a future where Austin’s creative community continues to grow, thrive and inspire.
What artists are saying
“The Austin Studio Tour gives art supporters and artists a chance to connect during a time of year when people are excited to engage and give back. Natalie and Zach prioritize the success of artists, which I find so important.”
~ Akki Brathwaite, Artist & Former Big Medium Program Coordinator
“Almost Real Things centers artists, while also making space for play, experimentation, and community engagement. They listen, adapt, and build with intention.”
~ Moyo Oyelola, Creative Director & Former Big Medium Board Member
“They’re professional, inclusive, and always communicative. They understand the needs of artists and audiences and bring a fresh, forward-thinking approach to everything they do.”
~ Ella Nilsson, Artist & Gallery Owner, Hangar Art Studios
Invest in Austin's Creative Future
Your gift ensures that the Austin Studio Tour remains free and open to the public while providing vital support to the artists who make it possible.
Suggested Gifts
$25 — Keeps the map and tour listings free for all
$75 — Supports artist resources and outreach
$150 — Expands accessibility and translation efforts
$500 — Funds community events, digital upgrades and production costs
$1,000+ — Join the Sustainability Circle
The Sustainability Circle
At this pivotal moment, we’re inviting visionary supporters to help secure the future of Austin’s creative community.
Join the Austin Studio Tour Sustainability Circle with a gift of $1,000 or more to become a foundational partner in shaping the Tour’s next chapter. Your contribution goes into our Designated Fund at the Austin Community Foundation, a fund created for and dedicated solely to the long-term sustainability and growth of the Tour.
Whether you’ve supported before or are joining this movement for the first time, your leadership gift will help build the foundation that keeps Austin’s artists visible, connected and celebrated, year after year.
To learn more or donate through the Designated Fund, please email: development@almostrealthings.com
Other ways to give
If you prefer to donate by check, please make checks payable to our fiscal sponsor:
ArtUs Co (EIN: 20-3406526)
Include “Austin Studio Tour” in the memo line.
Mail to:
ArtUs Co
℅ Zachary Zulch
5304 Summer Circle
Austin, TX 78741
While Almost Real Things awaits our official non-proift status, your donation is still tax-deductible through ArtUs Co.
Thank you to ArtUs Co for providing fiscal sponsorship while Almost Real Things completes its nonprofit status.
Help keep Austin creating
Every contribution—no matter the size—helps ensure that artists can open their doors, share their stories and continue the creative tradition that defines our city.
Donate today. Keep the Tour alive. Keep Austin creative.
