Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Grant Would Support Austin Arts and Cafe Hub

A $980,000 arts and cultural center would be created in Austin through a Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant proposed to City Council today by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Outwest Gallery and Cafe would use the $663,000 grant to repurpose a vacant, one-story building at 5249 W. Chicago Ave. into a 2,500-square-foot community space that showcases the work of local artists and offers healthy food through a pay-what-you-can model. An additional $75,000 in grant funding would be provided for local hiring and training after the project is completed.

Programming would leverage the building's proximity to the POPCourts! community plaza, which opened on the same block in 2021 and is available for outdoor events.

The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund allocates fees paid by downtown construction projects to support neighborhood investment on the South, Southwest and West sides. Grant amounts exceeding $250,000 require City Council approval.

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