Torch Literary Arts Opens New Creative Hub for Black Women Writers in Austin
Austin has gained two new spaces aimed at supporting creative work. Torch Literary Arts, a nonprofit that supports and promotes Black women writers, has opened the Torch Center at 6406 N. I-35 Frontage Rd., Suite 1807, in The Linc shopping center in North Austin. Downtown, Estudiosix, known as e6, has launched a peer-led residency and creative workspace at 612 E. Sixth St. in the Old Sixth redevelopment area. Founded by artist Mark Hilton and directed by gallery director Jordan Nelsen, the program offers artists time and studio space for research, experimentation, and independent work. Its studios opened to the public for the first time on August 23 with works in progress by nine summer residents, as well as an exhibition and site-specific installations. The first fall and spring cycle begins September 1, when 14 artists will occupy the studios for six months. Residents pay $250 a month for dedicated workspace and 24-hour access to shared equipment, exhibition space, a communal kitchen, and common areas. They retain control of their work while taking part in critiques, peer mentorship, visits from artists and curators, and public programs. Matt Rebholz is the only returning resident in the incoming group. Estudiosix occupies the former Daruma Ramen site and is part of Stream Realty Partners’ wider Old Sixth project, which is restoring 31 historic East Sixth Street properties between I-35 and Brazos Street. These openings matter for Austin because they add distinct resources for writers and visual artists while bringing creative activity to both North Austin and the evolving downtown Sixth Street corridor.
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