AUSTIN, TX - The City of Austin Economic Development Department is giving local musicians more time to apply for the Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund. The application deadline, previously set to close on June 12, has been extended to June 26, 2020. Visit ATXrecovers.com to review grant guidelines or apply now through the MusiCares Foundation.
“We extended the application deadline because our local musicians are juggling many priorities right now,” notes Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Acting Director for the City of Austin Economic Development Department. “Musicians can quickly complete the online application from their phone or computer. The grant can be used for rent, groceries, bills, and many other personal or professional needs.”
The Austin City Council created the Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund to aid local musicians experiencing an economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The $1.5 million fund provides $1,000 grants to Austin’s most vulnerable musicians for their immediate emergency needs. To be eligible for the program, applicants must reside in a City Council district and be able to document their participation as a professional Austin musician.
As part of an existing partnership with the City of Austin, the Austin Music Foundation will provide consultation to potential applicants needing help preparing documentation for the application. Staff will be available to assist in developing an artist bio, creating a resume, and compiling a list of canceled events – which are all supporting documents that will be uploaded through the application website. Applicants with questions about preparing professional experience materials can contact atxrecovers@austinmusicfoundation.org to speak to a staff member through the new application deadline date.
Because the program is focused on helping the most vulnerable musicians in Austin, individuals with more than two months of living expenses or those who have already received a grant from the “MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund” are not eligible to apply.
For more information, including guidelines and eligibility questions, visit ATXrecovers.com or email MusicDisasterRelief@austintexas.gov or call 512-978-7769.
Apply online for the Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund
###
About the City of Austin Economic Development Department
The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd and follow @econvitalityatx on Twitter.