As Black Austin’s population continues to dwindle, several local businesses and organizations are attempting to do their part to retain the remaining community while also hopefully welcoming more residents of African descent. One of these businesses is Origin Studio House.
Knowing that one of the biggest gripes of Black Austinites is that there’s nothing for “us” to do and very few commonplaces for us to get together, Origin Studio House founders Brittney Williams and Dante Clemons, started by hosting events on the massive lawn of their studio, collaborating with the likes of City Hall, The Contemporary Austin, and others to help be the entertainment the community yearned for.
Origin Studio House is a community space located in the historic Rosewood neighborhood of East Austin that offers art, coffee, food, cocktails, and events. occupying 2,000 SF of a formerly residential home on a quarter acre of land. Origin’s mission is to do its part in making Austin more equitable by creating space for Black artists, creatives, and their supporters to convene, rest, and celebrate their work.
“Origin Studio House has an opportunity to anchor a critical cultural layer by highlighting the Black entrepreneurial spirit and creativity in Austin and the greater Texas region, said Ms. Williams.”
Though Origin has been hosting events inside and outside of their studio since 2021, they haven’t actually had their grand opening, but Austinites as well as those visiting for AfroTech will have the opportunity to experience all the space has to offer this Thursday, November 2, 2023, for Come Thru 2023, Origin Studio House’s open house/kickback. Attendees can expect coffee, cocktails, music, and an oasis from the hustle of AfroTech 2023. They will also be able to see the studio’s progress and learn about the plans Origin has in store. Even more, this event is free and open to the public. So, AfroTecher or not, feel free to stop by 10am to 10pm.
Founder Brittney Williams, Chief Experience Officer, is an interior designer and expert in hospitality design, cultural curation, and storytelling. She’s worked for two of the leading hospitality groups in Austin: MML Hospitality and Emmer and Rye Hospitality Group. Brittney developed expertise in retail as a buyer at ByGeorge in Austin and honed her skills in client experience at BDDW in New York.
Some of Brittney’s notable design contributions include Swedish Hill in Austin, Texas; Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans, Louisiana; Clark’s Oyster Bar in Aspen, Colorado; Joann’s Fine Foods in Austin, Texas; and more. Brittney majored in Urban Studies under Eugene Lang at The New School in New York City.
Founder Dante Clemons, Chief Executive Officer, is a strategist at the intersection of design, culture, commerce, and community.,Her experience includes work in advertising, e-commerce, architectural planning, and the arts. Her clients have spanned from Nike, Twitter, Michael Kors, and The Coca-Cola Company to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Dante graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Architecture, graduated summa cum laude from Pratt Institute’s graduate Design Management Program and serves on the Board of The Contemporary Austin.
Meet both founders in person and discover your new go-to spot for unwinding, experiencing unique activations, having drinks from non-alcoholic to alcoholic beverages or coffee, and partaking in culinary arts at Come Thru 2023. RSVP here to this rain-or-shine event.
