On a quiet stretch of West Campus, a faded beige house hums with life. Guitars echo from inside, slipping out through open windows and into the street. People gather along the front steps and spill into the driveway, some carrying instruments, others just stopping by. From the outside, it looks like any other house. But inside, strangers become collaborators. By the time the first chord settles, the house is already full.

What happens inside is part of “Meet Me Here", a student-led creative project that has turned a small West Campus home into a space for music, storytelling and community. Founded by junior public relations major Anna Buendia, the project has grown from an interview-based docuseries into a series of in-person events, including biweekly Sunday jam sessions that bring together artists and students across The University of Texas.

Through these gatherings, Buendia and her housemates have created an open environment for collaboration, connection and creative expression in a campus area often defined by transience.

“I realized I had an appreciation for telling stories and showcasing the people around me,” Buendia said.

 Originally created as a platform to highlight artists through filmed interviews, “Meet Me Here” has expanded far beyond the screen. Live tapings, art showcases and jam sessions now define the project, with each event centered on building a sense of belonging.

 “It’s not just an online platform,” Buendia said. “It’s a space where people can come together and support local art while creating community.”

The house itself has become central to that mission. More than 100 years old, the home stands in contrast to the modern apartment buildings surrounding it. Its creaky floors and narrow layout force people into close proximity, making it almost impossible not to interact.

“It had this undeniable energy,” Buendia said. “It became a source of inspiration for everything we’re creating.”

That energy is most visible during the Sunday jam sessions. Musicians rotate in and out, picking up instruments mid-song or starting entirely new ones. There is no setlist and no clear structure. Instead, the music builds organically, shaped by whoever is in the room.

 “There’s no real performance,” Buendia said. “It’s all improv. It’s just a way for people to communicate without words.”

Nico Sosa, a senior arts and entertainment technologies major, and Buendia's roommate, agrees and emphasizes the laid back nature of the gatherings.

“Sunday jams are super fun and very low stress," Sosa said. "I just wake up early, set up the instruments, amps, and speakers, and start playing until more people join.”

Some Sundays draw packed crowds, with people dancing and singing along. Others are quieter, with smaller groups sitting on the floor or gathered in corners, listening closely. Regardless of the size, the intention stays the same. Buendia says that even delivery drivers in the area have gotten in on the fun during their routes.

 “I want people to walk in and feel welcomed just for existing,” Buendia said.

"Meet Me Here" and Sunday jams continue to grow, keeping the community at the heart of everything it does. While some events are ticketed, the Sunday jam sessions run thanks to volunteers and local support.

 “We’re not focused on profit,” Buendia said. “We’re focused on creating something meaningful.”

Buendia says that a collaboration between "Meet Me Here" and the Student Solidarity Network, a student organization dedicated to providing students community, support, and resources through a mutual aid framework, are what keeps the Sunday jams sustainable.

"Our community chefs, drivers and volunteers make this a reality," she said. "For us, the emphasis on providing free food and free clothes at every single jam is very important to making a space for everyone, not just artists. This is a space where people can be fed, connect and create."

As the project continues to expand, sessions are drawing in more people each week, reaching beyond campus into Austin’s broader creative scene. Buendia hopes to eventually grow "Meet Me Here" into a creative agency that supports artists long-term. 

 “I just want people to feel like they can be fully themselves,” Buendia said. “To connect, create and know they belong.”

Those interested in learning more can find more information on "Meet Me Here's" social media.