The Creative Reset

Help Shape the Future of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment in Austin

Welcome to The Creative Reset, a citywide engagement initiative of Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment’s (AACME) one-year strategic planning process. 

PHASE II: AACME Cultural Centers and Facilities

AACME is launching Phase II of the Creative Reset — a community-driven effort to strengthen Austin’s arts, culture, and heritage programs. This phase focuses on gathering community input to guide the future of our City-owned arts and cultural centers and museums. 

All AACME centers and facilities include:

  • 23rd Street Renaissance Artist Market
  • African American Cultural & Heritage Facility + Dedrick Hamilton House
  • Asian American Resource Center
  • Connelly-Yerwood House “Pink House”
  • Dougherty Arts Center
  • Elisabet Ney Museum
  • Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
  • George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center
  • Millennium Youth Entertainment Center
  • Montopolis Negro School
  • Old Bakery & Emporium
  • O. Henry Museum (Brush Square Museums)
  • Susanna Dickinson Museum (Brush Square Museums)
  • UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum
  • Zilker Hillside Theater

Get Involved

As Austin’s creative community evolves, so does the need for a shared vision. ACME was created by combining several divisions across multiple city departments, each with unique histories and ways of doing business. Now, we’re uniting under a single mission – and we’re starting with YOU.

Take the Phase II survey HERE and attend an upcoming community listening session! These events are FREE and open to the public. We are only using tickets to track expected attendance.

IN-PERSON, Carver Museum - Wednesday, November 19, 3-7 PM: RSVP HERE

VIRTUAL - Monday, December 1, 5:30-7:30 PM: RSVP HERE

What should you expect when you attend? 

This is an opportunity to talk with AACME staff about your experiences and visions for our cultural arts facilities and museums*. We will be providing materials and playing games and serving tea, coffee, and light snacks. We will not have childcare available; however, we will have a craft station with children’s activities. We encourage you to visit with the AACME team for as long as you can; however, you are welcome to come and go at your convenience.

PHASE I:  AACME Funding Programs

ACME is reimagining the structure, accessibility, and implementation of its funding programs, including:

  • Nexus Grant Program
  • Elevate Grant Program
  • Thrive Grant Program
  • Austin Live Music Fund
  • Creative Space Assistance Program
  • Heritage Preservation Grant
  • Art in Public Places (AIPP) Ordinance and Program

The Creative Reset is our response to build a community-led effort, ensuring that every Austinite has a voice in shaping these programs. This process will reflect on years of community feedback and will enhance the transparency and accessibility of funding programs that better support the broad cultural landscape of our city.

View the dashboard to learn more!

What Happens with Your Feedback?

Every comment, survey response, and idea will be reviewed by ACME staff. Your input will directly inform the development of:

  • ACME’s Mission and Vision
  • Strategic Goals and Priorities
  • Funding Program Redesigns
  • Community Outcomes and Access Measures

Thank You, Austin

ACME is being built with you, for you. This is your creative city – and together, we can ensure it remains bold, accessible, and visionary.