Austin’s Art Scene Gets a Fresh Makeover with Quarters Initiative
In the vibrant city of Austin, home to music, tacos, and a rapidly growing art scene, a new initiative is shaking things up for emerging artists. Quarters, a creative space designed to support artists who may not fit into traditional galleries, has arrived just in time to meet the growing needs of the community.
Goodbye Elitism, Hello Community!
Austin native and talented artist Ashley Blazer made her big move from the competitive Brooklyn art scene to the relatively friendly borders of Austin in 2020. She initially thought she’d enjoy an artistic atmosphere with less competition, saying, “I felt like Austin was so much more community-friendly at first. It was a breath of fresh air.” However, the reality turned out to be a mix of both worlds. Ashley soon discovered that while the city does have a thriving community of artists, there’s still a challenging layer of elitism that sometimes makes it tough for those without formal education or connections to gain gallery representation.
As the city continues to grow, so does its art scene, featuring more white-cube galleries popping up around town. Despite this progress, there’s a noticeable gap for emerging artists whose work doesn’t fit into typical artisan markets, and this is where Quarters steps in. Ashley is thrilled to have found a home for her work through this new initiative. “There’s so much talent in the city,” she notes. “The community of artists here is robust, and everyone has a genuine interest in collaborating.”
What is Quarters?
So, what exactly is Quarters? This innovative initiative, led by the creative mind of Lindsey Schlatter, is designed to bridge the gap for artists seeking a place to showcase their works. Lindsey, who has deep experience in creative directing and working with various galleries, felt a longing for community and a safe space to share her artistic endeavors. “I saw the absolute dire need for so many artists that don’t have a space to put their work in,” she reveals.
The concept is simple yet effective: Quarters operates as a pop-up, hosting four three-month residencies a year. The first show kicked off in July at Civil Goat Coffee, but don’t confuse it with typical coffee shop art displays. Lindsey is dedicated to treating these shows like proper gallery exhibitions. She keeps an email list of interested buyers and connects them with artists, helping to build their audience and providing formal representation akin to more established galleries. And here’s the sweet deal: instead of the usual 50% commission taken by galleries, Lindsey only charges 30%. “As I build that, I didn’t feel it would be appropriate for me to ask for 50%,” she explains modestly.
A New Approach to Showcasing Art
What sets Quarters apart is its inclusivity. Lindsey accepts show proposals through an open link on her Instagram bio, creating a more accessible space for artists. “It’s never gonna be an off-bat denial,” she assures. Understanding that many artists have unique and varying bodies of work, she sees potential in “dusting off” pieces that might not have found their home yet. The goal here is to provide longevity and meaningful conversations through art that resonates with collectors and art lovers alike.
Exciting Future Ahead
As Quarters grows and evolves, Lindsey aims to expand to different creative fields and spaces—whether it’s a gathering space for filmmakers or other artists—where collaboration can flourish and foot traffic can bring new audiences. Her vision is clear: create vibrant environments that encourage creativity and interaction among artists.
So, if you’re in the Austin area and are curious about the up-and-coming artists or looking to support local creatives, keep an eye out for Quarters! With its fresh approach tailored to foster community connections and celebrate artistic talent, the future of Austin’s art scene looks brighter than ever.
