The Art Institute of Austin Selects Bastrop as New Central Texas Location

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2019

BEDC brings first institution of higher learning to Bastrop, fueling the creative economy through long-term partnerships with 921 Main Street, Lost Pines Art Center and Silos and New Republic Studios

BASTROP, TEXAS – August 7, 2019 – The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) today announced The Art Institutes is pursuing plans to relocate the Austin campus to Bastrop in summer 2020. Upon approval of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), The Art Institutes will proceed with an agreement with BEDC for a 10-year lease at 921 Main Street, along with leases at Lost Pines Art Center and Silos and New Republic Studios (NRS) to provide additional facilities for the campus.

The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston, has served as an important source of creative professionals for more than a decade. It is one of The Art Institutes, a system of private, nonprofit schools located throughout the US that extends back to 1921. The institution offers diploma through bachelor's degrees in the areas of design, media arts, culinary and fashion.

This will be the first institution of higher learning located in Bastrop. The campus alone will bring many jobs to the city over the course of the next 10 years, and the student community will create a positive economic impact on local real estate, hospitality, retail and more while building a pipeline of talent in the Bastrop area.

“Bringing the Art Institutes to Bastrop is a significant milestone for our community,” said Bastrop Mayor Connie Schroeder. “Not only will this partnership bring postsecondary education to the area for the first time, but it will also create a positive, long-term impact on our local economy as Bastrop continues to grow.”

The Art Institute of Austin will offer a variety of programming across the three proposed facilities. The Art Institutes’ film and production courses will be a featured program at the campus, as part of a unique collaboration with New Republic Studios. The Bastrop location will be a significant step toward industry immersion for students, with training programs side-by-side with media professionals in the field. Not only will Austin students be able to take advantage of the new campus offerings, but students studying at The Art Institutes’ campuses in Houston and San Antonio will also enjoy the benefits.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for our institution as we continue to evolve through strategic partnerships and innovation with a focus on delivering the most comprehensive learning experience to our students,” said Byron Chung, Interim President of The Art Institute of Houston.

Request for approval of the relocation is currently being reviewed by SACSCOC. In the interim, BEDC is working with The Art Institutes on plans to construct a new, two-story, 9,000-square-foot facility at 921 Main Street, purpose-built to serve the institution. The new building will provide an anchor space with industry-current classrooms and amenities. Upon approval of the relocation, The Art Institutes will also lease gallery and teaching space at the Lost Pines Art Center and Silos.

“We are honored to partner with the Art Institutes on this new campus,” said Mark Rose, President of the Board of Directors for the Lost Pines Art League. “We are excited to share the Lost Pines Art Center and Silos with the new school, fostering an even greater appreciation of the arts in our city and training up the next generation of artists.”

As an extension to what students learn in the classrooms at 921 Main Street and the Lost Pines Art Center and Silos, New Republic Studios will provide a unique, immersive experience in coordination with local industry professionals. Students will have access to New Republic’s production facilities, audio engineering rooms and other ancillary spaces where they will gain hands-on experience and see their potential future careers in action.

“This is a huge opportunity to give The Art Institute students a hands-on, real-world experience, connecting them directly to those are working professionally in the creative industries. Allowing for internships, mentorships and a chance to take a deep dive into what it takes to truly make a living in their chosen field,” said Mindy Raymond, President of New Republic Studios. “This symbiotic relationship can be enhanced through the years as both New Republic Studios and The Art Institute look to expand in both vision and reach.”

Construction is planned to begin in August 2019 for the new building at 921 Main Street, and renovations at the Lost Pines Art Center and Silos will begin in late 2019. All construction is scheduled to be completed in June 2020, with the campus opening to students for the summer quarter upon receipt of necessary approvals.

About the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation:
Established in 1995, the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) enhances the quality of life in Bastrop, Texas by advancing the investment, development, growth and relocation of companies within the area. In addition to providing appropriate infrastructure, it promotes and supports economic development in the community that offers the people of Bastrop sustainable, meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities, and greater access to desirable goods and services. To learn more, visit BastropEDC.org.

About The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston:
The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston, provides a very special experience for its students and the city’s local arts scene. Austin is a city that strives to “keep it weird,” and in doing so, it is an arts magnet. Founded in 2008, the school offers degree programs in the areas of Design, Fashion, Media Arts and Culinary. For more information about The Art Institute of Austin, please visit www.artinstitutes.edu/Austin.

The Art Institute of Austin is a branch campus of The Art Institute of Houston. The Art Institute of Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of The Art Institute of Houston.

The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston, is one of The Art Institutes, a system of private, non-profit schools throughout the United States. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. 101 W. Louis Henna Blvd, Austin, TX 78728. © 2019. The Arts Institutes International LLC. All rights reserved.

About the Lost Pines Art League:
The Lost Pines Art League (LPAL) is a non-profit corporation, which owns and operates the Lost Pines Art Center (LPAC). The mission of the LPAL is to foster the creation and appreciation of fine arts through rich and diverse educational programs. The vision of the league is to enhance lives through the creation and healing power of art and to establish the LPAC as a major art destination. Learn more at LostPinesArtCenter.org.

About New Republic Studios:
The newly renovated New Republic Studios welcomes content of all kinds. From student films, industrials and commercials to TV shows and feature films, we have been a part of their success and they have been a part of our landscape, which spans 200 acres along the Colorado River. Currently, we offer three sound stages ranging from 1,200 sq ft to 6,500 sq ft, as well as production office space, private screening rooms, diverse production- friendly terrain, and on-site construction builders and set designers. Having an extensive background in production, we know the stress that comes with producing content and our mission at New Republic Studios is to make your experience as easy and seamless as possible. We guarantee a personalized experience that fits your production needs. Come and experience for yourself! Learn more at NewRepublicStudios.com.