Matt Austin

Founding Director, The Chicago Perch

Chicago

Matt Austin is an artist, educator, and publisher based in Chicago. The output of his creative practice ranges widely in form, but share a focus on the importance of honesty and learning from others. Inspired by failure and often motivated by fear, he demonstrates his enthusiasm for living by trying things out.

Austin is the founder and director of The Chicago Perch, a creative platform for social exchange through cost-free learning. He recently co-founded Candor Arts, a sister company to The Chicago Perch, dedicated to the creation of objects, environments, and opportunities that invite open communication. He teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Marwen and has formerly taught programs through the Museum of Contemporary Photography, After School Matters, and several other institutions throughout Chicago. He has exhibited his work at venues including the MCA Chicago, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Weatherspoon Art Museum, Catherine Edelman Gallery, Ohio State University, as well as solo exhibitions at Johalla Projects and the University of Notre Dame. Austin was recently awarded the 2016 Alumni Residency at the Burren College of Art in Co. Clare, Ireland. He is currently working on several publications including a book and of his own photographs, writing, and conducted interviews called For the Birds Trapped in Airports, part of which will be shown in a solo exhibition at the Seerveld Gallery in August 2016.