Austin’s cultural landscape gets a powerful new lens this winter with the arrival of the Holding Spaces Project at the Central Library Gallery—an immersive photographic exhibition honoring Black-owned businesses and the people who hold communities together. Launching January 15 and running through March 29, 2026, the show spotlights the places that continue to define Austin’s identity despite rapid development, with full exhibit details available on the Austin Public Library events calendar.

The project, created by photographer Steven Hatchett, amplifies the significance of restaurants, barber shops, boutiques, and gathering spaces that have long served as the heartbeat of Black Austin. Through large‑format portraits, environmental scenes, and narrative text, the exhibition invites visitors to consider what it truly means to preserve cultural space, echoing Hatchett’s broader work with _OFCOLOR and OFC Creatives to build inclusive arts spaces in the city.

Key event: The artist reception takes place Thursday, February 5 from 5:30–8:00 pm, offering a chance to engage directly with Hatchett and featured community members; you can also find the reception listed on the Austin Chronicle events calendar for quick reference.

INSIDER INTELLIGENCE
• The exhibition includes first‑person stories from business owners rarely highlighted in mainstream coverage, making it an ideal opportunity for journalists and creators to source authentic voices. For additional context on how Hatchett and his collaborators champion Black professionals and culture, CBS Austin’s feature on a related _OFCOLOR exhibit is a helpful companion read.
• Several featured entrepreneurs are currently navigating redevelopment pressures—attending early in the run increases chances of meeting them on‑site. For a deeper look at Hatchett’s approach to community-driven storytelling, explore this Voyage Austin interview with the _OFCOLOR team.
• The Central Library Gallery typically offers quiet daytime viewing on weekdays before 3 pm, making it the best window for photography, interviews, and research; check the latest Austin Public Library events to plan around other programs in the building.
• Pair this exhibition with Austin Public Library’s upcoming community programs, which often align with cultural events and can provide additional reporting angles, such as Austin Public Library’s Lunar New Year 2026 celebration for another family‑friendly cultural experience in the same system.

For more culturally rich and community‑focused Austin coverage, explore Inside Sandra Boskamp at The Cathedral, which dives into another anticipated art opening rooted in local identity, or balance your day with nature by heading to one of Austin’s quietest escapes after your gallery visit. If you’re building a full culture-forward itinerary, consider pairing Holding Spaces with movement- and music-driven happenings like Zouk & Lambada in the Park, which similarly centers community connection in a public space.

This exhibition stands at the intersection of history, identity, and community. Whether you're exploring Austin's cultural evolution or seeking underrepresented stories, the Holding Spaces Project offers one of the most meaningful art experiences of the season and fits alongside other major cultural events like Shen Yun at the Long Center in showcasing how the city’s arts scene reflects its many communities.