The AME Collaborative was established by Michele Jacob, who worked with the OPEN initiative to activate downtown and raise awareness of the vacant properties available during the month of December. Alongside 8 other artists, we were able to attract downtown residents, visitors to San Antonio and those that work downtown will have an exciting opportunity to support local artists and help authenticate downtown as a vibrant urban space for art in public spaces while eliminating the emptiness of these vacant buildings.

AME Collaborative wishes to establish themselves at 115. E. Travis in the Milam Buildings until the space is rented out. The pop-up space will be open at set hours and offer receptions and programming throughout the duration of the exhibitions, offering amenities and experiences in spaces which would otherwise be left vacant during this time. AME will act as a working collaborative studio and art space featuring local artists with art to sell as well. A time-lapse of the work produced in the space will be on view at the storefront window for bystanders to view, engaging them at all times. This space will be activated with free programming, public events: artists talks, zine parties, music, and more. The partnership is between the landlords, the participants and exhibiting artists. There will be media coverage and we would love to share the Awesome SA message and support through all of our outlets and in our space as this initiative is truly awesome for activating downtown and addressing the issues of Vacancy in our most significant parts of our downtown core. Travis Park will be steps away, as well as the river walk. With this grant we will be able to activate vacant downtown storefronts and underutilized spaces by introducing visually dynamic art installations and happenings to attract the public downtown to experience art. We would love to be a stop for Contemporary Art month happening in March 2015 offering programming the entire month!!