Bastrop's Art Institute of Austin location set to close

Art Institutes around the country, including Bastrop's Art Institute of Austin location, will close permanently Sept. 30. According to an email announcement, the Art Institutes will cease all operations after students finish classes this term.

In the same email, the organization attributed the close to "external and internal" events over the past 10 years, notably COVID-19.

Current students are advised to review their contact information on the institute's portal and update mailing addresses if needed, as well as download their student ledger and unofficial transcript.

According to the email, academic and financial aid staff will be available at the campus through the end of the year.

"Due to the timing of this decision, The Art Institutes have not had sufficient time to engage with other colleges and universities in their respective markets to sign formal agreements for students to transfer and continue their studies elsewhere," a statement from the institute reads. "The Art Institutes are working with state agencies and The Art Institutes' accrediting agency, Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, to identify appropriate academic transfer opportunities for students affected by this closure."

• Closing Sept. 30
• 1204 Chestnut St., Bastrop
• www.artinstitutes.edu/austin