City of Austin

In recognition of Austin’s thriving creative community and in conjunction with the national celebration of Arts and Humanities Month, Mayor Lee Leffingwell will proclaim October “Austin Creates!” month at the October 11 City Council Meeting. The proclamation will be accepted by Cultural Arts Program Manager Megan Crigger. Members of the creative sector are invited to come and share in the recognition. The proclamation will be announced at 5:30 p.m. at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers.

While the exceptional quality of life benefits that a vibrant cultural scene produces have long been recognized in Austin, several economic reports released earlier this year have also quantified the impact of the arts. The arts, culture, and creative industries are an important economic force in our city, accounting for over $4.35 billion in economic activity and almost 49,000 jobs; and those industries continue to grow. The City’s Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office supports the development of the creative sector through cultural funding for nonprofit arts organizations and artists, public art commissions, exhibition opportunities for visual artists and filmmakers, as well as organizational and professional development programs.

National Arts and Humanities Month, the largest annual celebration for the arts and humanities in the nation, is designed to recognize the importance of culture in America and encourage all citizens to actively participate in the arts. Locally, the month of October will be host to numerous events presented by, or in partnership with, the Cultural Arts Division including Art After Six @ The People’s Gallery on October 5 at City Hall and professional development workshops for artists on October 8 and 9. Visit www.austincreates.com for more information about upcoming events and the ongoing activities and programs of the Cultural Arts Division.

The City of Austin Cultural Arts Division

The Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office provides leadership and management for the City’s cultural arts programs and for the development of arts and cultural industries. The Cultural Arts Division is responsible for the Cultural Arts Funding Programs, Art in Public Places Program, community-based arts development, and programs to assist the development of film and creative industries in Austin. For more information, visit www.austincreates.com.