The concept of the commons refers to public space managed by people who develop and maintain a social relationship that is grounded in collective stewardship and community governance. The concept has been considered through political, anthropological, economic, and artistic lenses to explore nonexclusive, noncommodifiable systems of relation that privilege shared resources, collectivity, and collaboration. The open, imaginative space of the commons relies on flexible dialogues and adaptable vocabularies. As writer Cesare Casarino has stated, “Conversation is the language of the commons.” This spirit of open dialogue, collaboration, and collectively shared resources forms the ethos of COMMONS at the Visual Arts Center.

COMMONS is open to the University of Texas community—students, staff, faculty, and the Austin public—as a place educational activity, meetings, workshops, decompression, and leisure. Visitors are encouraged to utilize the space mindfully to work, meet, engage, rest, relax, and tune in or out. This space is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 5 pm.

While all are welcome to drop in to the COMMONS anytime between 12 and 5 p.m., the VAC invites you to book times for organized meetings, performances, workshops, lectures, or events taking place in this space. Block your time on the COMMONS calendar below. 

Book COMMONS