Funding Guidelines
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Live Music Fund History

Austin Harpist Sarah Hall Photo

Harpist, Sarah Hall. Photo courtesy of City of Austin


The Austin Live Music Fund encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin’s diverse music industry through supporting a wide array of activities marketed to visiting and potential tourists, including live and online events open to the public; studio, video, and merchandise production; promotional tours outside of Austin; broadcasting; and marketing and promotional campaigns. 

Program goals include increasing Austin cultural tourism; increasing revenue for musicians, promoters, and live music venues; supporting new jobs in the creative economy; and promoting new artist development. 

To learn more about requirements for all AACME Funding Programs, go to FY26 AACME Funding Guidelines

Austin Live Music Fund Guidelines

Grants awarded in the following categories:

For-Profit Applicant
Award Amount

Professional Musician & Independent Promoter

$20,000 with 24-month Grant Agreement

Professional Musician & Independent Promoter

$5,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement

Live Music Venue - At least $60,000 Operating Budget

$70,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement
Eligibility


Eligible Applicants


Professional Musician Definition

Must meet at least one of the following:

  • At least 2 years of documentation showing the applicant has regularly performed as a professional musician—solo or as part of a band—in live performances to public audiences
  • Or, 6 released recordings (singles)
  • Or, 6 promotionally released music videos


Independent Promoter Definition

Must meet all of the following:

  • No more than 3 staff
  • And, at least 2 years of documentation showing the applicant has curated and promoted live shows featuring musicians and bands
  • And, must not be contractually tied to one venue


Live Music Venue Definition

An establishment where live music programming is the principal function of the business and/or the business is a live music destination, and where the venue establishes the ability of an artist to receive payment for work by percentage of sales, guarantee, or other mutually beneficial formal agreement for every performance. A live music venue is a destination for live music consumers, and/or its music programming is the primary driver of its business as indicated by the presence of at least five (5) of the following:

  • Defined performance and audience space
  • Mixing desk, PA system, and lighting rig
  • Backline
  • At least two of the following: (i) Sound engineer; (ii) Booker; (iii) Promoter; (iv) Stage manager; (v) Security personnel
  • Charges admission to some music performances through ticketing or front door entrance fees
  • Markets acts through show listings in printed and electronic publications
  • Hours of operation coincide with performances
  • Programs live music at least five nights a week
     

Eligibility Requirements - All Applicants

Must meet all of the following:

  • Applicant must meet either the Professional Musician, Independent Promoter, or Live Music Venue definition (see definitions)
  • Live Music Venue applicants must provide the previous year’s operating budget or profit & loss statement to evidence at least a $60,000 operating budget
  • Only one Austin Live Music Fund application per Lead Applicant (see definition)
  • Musicians may perform in multiple bands receiving awards; however, a Lead Applicant may only qualify for one application
  • Unless a promotional tour, public activities must take place in a City of Austin Council District or the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) and include at least 51% of performers who fit the definition of "Professional Musician" and live in the MSA (see definition)
  • Professional Musicians compensated through grant funds are paid at least the City of Austin musician pay rate outlined in Resolution No. 20230720-123 (see definition)
  • Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters cannot receive $20,000 awards in two consecutive City of Austin fiscal years; therefore, if an applicant is awarded in Fiscal Year 2026, they are not eligible to apply again until Fiscal Year 2028 


Ineligible Applicants

  • Nonprofits
  • Applicants who do not fit the definitions and requirements for “Professional Musician”, “Independent Promoter”, and “Live Music Venue” are not eligible (see definitions)
  • Applicants who have accepted grant funding from the Cultural Arts Fund (see definition) in the current Fiscal Year grant funding cycle
  • Government agencies or public authorities
Expenses


Eligible Expenses
*51% of expenses must be spent within the City of Austin Council Districts and/or its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
*Expenses must cover grant funded activities marketed and promoted to visiting and potential tourists and convention delegates

  • Commercial Rent – Live Music Venues
  • Compensation – Contractors
    • Accounting  
    • Marketing & Street Teams
    • Public Events
    • Studio and Video Production
  • Compensation – Employee Salaries
  • Insurance – Live Music Venues
  • General Liability
  • Insurance – Professional Musician & Independent Promoter
  • Event Insurance for Public Events
  • Lodging and Travel for Participating Visiting Artists
  • Performance Fees / Guarantees  
  • Stage, Lighting, and Sound Rental  
  • Studio and Video Production Rental, excluding Capital Expenditures
  • Supplies
  • Telephone / Internet
  • Tourism Marketing
    • Paid Ads
    • Merchandise Production
    • Posters, Banners, and Signage
  • Venue Rental - Public Events Only
     

Ineligible Expenses

  • Awardee travel costs, including gas, flights, hotels, tolls, parking, and ferries
  • Expenses paid before the application due date
  • Capital costs, including the purchase, construction, and renovation of equipment and property  
  • Food & hospitality  
  • Fundraisers and benefits, including entertainment and receptions  
  • Start-up costs of a new organization  
  • Consultants who are also employees  
  • Payments to students or interns whose employment is tied to class credit  
  • Operating costs not associated with the project  
  • Purchase of gifts, awards, cash prizes, scholarships, contributions or donations  
  • Existing debts, fines, contingencies, penalties, interest, or litigation costs  
  • Taxes other than retail sales and payroll 
Evaluation Review & Scoring


Professional Musicians & Independent Promoters
*Evidence Documentation from the last three years is prioritized

Category
Criteria
Available Points
Music Industry Accomplishments
  • Music industry recognition
  • Public shows with capacities of 300 or more
  • Audience reach, including recordings; music streams and downloads; sync licenses; tours outside of Austin; distributed physical media; and radio and media broadcasts
Up to 25
Artist Development
  • Career training and professional development
  • Participates in music programs for schools, cultural centers, youth, private lessons, camps, workshops, etc.
  • Performs / volunteers at benefit concerts to raise awareness for nonprofit charity organizations
  • Limited or no access to financial lending (points awarded if no or limited access)
Up to 25
Austin Music Economy Development
  • Pays at least the City of Austin musician pay rate to hired professional musicians
  • Hires creatives and creative businesses year-round for such operations as merchandise production, marketing & outreach, equipment, storage, etc.
  • Hires local creative spaces
  • Collaborates with other local musicians to create new music
Up to 25
Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach
  • Expands audiences and fan bases locally and outside of Austin through multiple marketing strategies
  • Marketing collaborations to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music
  • Provides accessibility features for audiences with disabilities
  • Advertises and promotes activities in publications and other initiatives serving different communities
  • Programming open and accessible to the public
Up to 25 


Live Music Venues

Category
Criteria 
Available Points
Austin Music Economy Development
  • More than 50% of expenses are dedicated to music events
  • Hires at least 25% local musicians
  • Hires local businesses and creatives year-round for such business operations as merchandise production, marketing, equipment, suppliers, etc.
  • Ticketed music events
  • Free or low-cost temporary space for other creative organizations
  • Regular internships and apprenticeships
  • Benefit concerts to raise awareness for nonprofit charity organizations
Up to 40
Audience Development
  • Access to shows for diverse audiences, i.e., all ages, sponsored events for free access, marketing partners to target new fans, etc.
  • Discounted tickets for community, i.e., students, seniors, creative industry workers, etc.
  • Accessibility features for audiences with disabilities
  • Regular programming featuring different genres
  • Programming regularly open and accessible to the public
  • Collaborative programming highlighting additional artistic disciplines, i.e., visual arts, performing arts
Up to 20
Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach
  • Marketing strategies to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music, including:
  • Collaboration with promoters, event organizers, Visit Austin on events related to other major events, festivals, and conventions
  • Partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers to offer attendee benefits
  • Expands audiences and fan bases locally and outside of Austin through multiple marketing strategies
  • Advertises and promotes activities in publications and other initiatives serving different communities
Up to 40 
Awardee Commitments


Applicants must acknowledge and affirm their understanding of the following awardee commitments:
 

Professional Musician Compensation

  • As directed in Resolution No. 20230720-123, the pay rate for Live Music Fund performances is no less than $200 per musician for groups of up to six people; $150 per musician for groups between seven and ten people; and, $1500 total for groups of musicians of ten or more
     

Promotional Tours Outside of Austin - Cultural Tourism Marketing Requirements

  • The tagline “Austin Live Music Fund Presents” before the musician/band name on all promotional materials
  • Tourism marketing plan targeted to potential Austin tourists and convention delegates
     

Public Events  

  • Must be open to everyone
  • Event insurance may be required
  • As confirmed, add events to the Visit Austin’s Event Calendar with the submission link for City of Austin awardees
     

Training 

  • Tourism Marketing & Promotion  
    *Online training options provided at no cost
     

City of Austin Marketing Statements

  • “Austin Live Music Fund Presents”
  • “Support provided in part by Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment
  • "#AustinLiveMusicFund"
     

Outcome and Cultural Tourism Marketing Reporting

  • Progress Report for the second payment  
  • Final Report for the final payment
    *Support provided for Cultural Tourism marketing analytics reporting


Austin Live Music Fund Application Preview

Application Questions - Professional Musicians / Independent Promoters


Narrative – No Points

Describe the proposed activities that would be paid for by grant funds if awarded, including the applicant’s experience for accomplishing these activities.
 

Music Industry Accomplishments – Up to 25 Points
*Category only applies to applicants applying for $20,000

  • How many professional music industry awards have you received?
  • Have you performed for audiences of 300 or more?
  • How many recordings have you produced?
  • How many streams and downloads do you have for the last 12 months across all online platforms?
  • Competitive ranges will be determined based on the total applicant median after the application closes.
  • Have any of your songs been licensed for use in visual media, such as commercials, movies, video games, podcasts, tv show, etc. (syncs)?
  • What is the total number of physical recordings (cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs) that have you distributed through sales or giveaways in the last 3 years?
  • Competitive ranges will be determined based on the total applicant median after the application closes.
  • How often have you performed outside of the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) over the last 3 years?
  • How frequently has your music played on radio (online included) at any time during the last 5 years?
     

Artist Development – Up to 25 Points

  • Have you attended career training and/or professional development courses, seminars, conference sessions, etc. in the last 3 years?
  • Have you participated in delivering or organizing career training and/or professional development courses, seminars, conference sessions, etc. in the last 3 years?
  • Are you a member of any of the following performing rights organizations?
  • How have you participated in artist development in the Austin community
  • How many times have you performed or volunteered at benefit concerts to raise awareness for nonprofit charity organizations in the last 3 years?
  • When was a commercial loan, line-of-credit, or other type of commercial lending last secured for the applicant’s music business needs?  Do not include credit card borrowing.


Austin Music Economy Development – Up to 25 Points

  • Do you pay at least the City of Austin musician pay rate to hired professional musicians?
  • What local music industry support businesses have you hired year-round for operations over the past 3 years?
  • Have you hired local creative spaces in the past 3 years?
  • How frequently have you produced new music through collaboration with other local musicians outside of your band or organization over the past 5 years? Collaborations may include guest artists for an event or on a recording, co-writer of a song, producer, etc.


Cultural Tourism Marketing and Outreach – Up to 25 Points

  • How have you expanded audiences and fan bases locally and outside of Austin?
  • What innovative marketing collaborations do you use to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music?
  • Have your past activities provided accessibility features for participating audiences with disabilities? Examples include American Sign Language interpretation, materials in braille, online accessibility tools, architectural features, and nondiscrimination policies. ADA compliance of performance venues already required by law will not be considered.
  • Do you advertise and promote activities in publications and other initiatives serving communities who speak English as a second language?
  • Have your past activities been open to the public and easily accessible?
Application Questions - Live Music Venues


Narrative – No Points

  • Describe the proposed activities that would be paid for by grant funds if awarded, including the applicant’s experience for accomplishing these activities.


Austin Music Economy Development – Up to 40 Points

  • Are more than 50% of the venue’s expenses dedicated to music programming?
  • In the last 3 years, what is the percentage of local musicians you have hired to play at the venue?
  • How have the venue’s past activities supported Austin’s local businesses and creatives year-round?
  • Does the venue sell tickets for performances?
  • Does the venue provide free or low-cost temporary space rentals to other creative organizations?
  • Does the venue provide regular internships and apprenticeships?
  • Does the venue host benefit concerts to raise awareness for nonprofit charity organizations
     

Audience Development –  Up to 20 Points

  • How has the venue provided access to shows for diverse audiences?
  • Does the venue offer ticket discounts for any of the following?
  • Have the venue’s past activities provided accessibility features for participating audiences with disabilities? Examples include American Sign Language interpretation, materials in braille, online accessibility tools, architectural features, and nondiscrimination policies. Do not include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) features already required by law:
  • Does the venue’s regular programming feature a diversity of genres?
  • Is the venue’s programming regularly open and accessible to the public?
  • Does the venue’s music programming regularly highlight additional artistic disciplines like visual and performing arts, i.e. spoken word, dance, lighting design, painting, film, comedy
     

Cultural Tourism Marketing and Outreach – Up to 40 Points

  • What innovative marketing strategies does the venue use to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music?
  • Select the marketing strategies the venue uses to expand audiences and fan bases locally and outside of Austin.
  • Does the venue advertise and promote activities in publications and other media serving communities who speak English as a second language?
Application Documentation - Required Evidence


Applicants must upload evidence for each eligibility requirement, as well as for each selected multiple-choice answer to receive points. Uploads may consist of web links to your evidence—which can be entered directly into the application form—or as multiple document uploads of evidence, including screenshots, scans, and photos of online and physical materials.

Please refer to this webpage if you are using a Mac before you start. Apple files are not supported and cannot be uploaded in this application.  

Acceptable file upload types for all computer operating systems (PC and Mac) include .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .png, .mp3, .wav, .mov, .mp4, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, and .xlsx 
 

Application Answers – All Applicants

Applicants must provide uploaded documentation to support their scored application answers, including:

  • Evidence of music industry accomplishments, artist & audience development, Austin music economy development, and cultural tourism marketing & outreach, including executed agreements, reservations, receipts, photos, and such marketing placements as a website, e-newsletter, social media, and printed publications.


Eligibility – Professional Musicians & Independent Promoters

To confirm eligibility to process an application, documentation must demonstrate active participation for at least 2 years, including:

  • Professional Musician: Applicant has regularly performed solo or as part of a band in live performances to public audiences for at least 2 years; or, evidence of 6 released recordings, or evidence of 6 promotionally released music videos.
  • Independent Promoter: Applicant has curated and promoted live shows featuring musicians and bands for at least 2 years; must not be contractually tied to one venue; and has no more than 3 employees.
  • Acceptable Documentation to confirm eligibility as a "Professional Musician" and an "Independent Promoter" include:
    • Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)      
    • Current biography      
    • Screenshot or PDF of LinkedIn work history      
    • Press demonstrating involvement within the music sector  
    • Portfolio (web links, screenshots, printouts, scans, etc.)  
    • Marketing materials for performances, exhibitions, showings, productions, collections, or recitals.  
    • Materials showing merchandise created and sold, including screenshots of websites that exhibit or sell the applicant's products  
    • Credits or liner notes  
    • Purchased advertising to Austin residents  
    • Contracts for performances, exhibitions, showings, commissions, recitals, productions, or production services  
    • Letter from employer or manager stating role and involvement in the music sector  
    • Website screenshot of events or concert schedule with location  


Eligibility – Live Music Venues

Applicants must provide documentation supporting their eligibility as a Live Music Venue, including:

  • Photos of performance and audience spaces, mixing desk, PA system, lighting rig, and backline
  • Employee documentation for sound engineer, booker, promoter, stage manager, or security personnel, including Forms W-2, W-9, 941, or 1099
  • Evidence of marketing placements, hours of operation coinciding with performances, ticketing, and frequency of live music performances through a website, social media, and print publications
  • Previous year operating budget or profit & loss statement to determine grant award amount (accounting software and applications can easily generate this information)


Live Music Fund - History

The "Live Music Fund" was established by City of Austin Ordinance No. 20190919-149, and pilot guidelines were developed based on direction from the Music Commission to prioritize the core principles of Preservation, Innovation, and Elevation & Collaboration (PIE). 

Past Awardees

 

2025


April 7, 2025 – Music Commission Meeting

March 3, 2025 – Music Commission Meeting

February 3, 2025 – Music Commission Meeting

2024


December 2, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting

October 7, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting

September 9, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting

April 1, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting

February 5, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting

2023


December 4, 2023 – Music Commission Meeting

August 2023 – 2023 Awardee Announcement

  • Once evaluation and scoring processes are finished by The Long Center for Performing Arts, 2023 Awardees will be announced.
  • 2023 awarded project activities take place from August 2023 through July 2024.
     

July 18, 2023 – Austin Live Music Venue Summit

May 16, 2023 – Pilot Application Closes

  • 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program application closes and evaluation and scoring processes begin.
     

April 4, 2023 – Pilot Application Opens

  • 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program opens application to eligible Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters.
  • Contract executed with the Long Center for the Performing Arts to act as the Third-Party Administrator for the cultural funding programs managed by the City of Austin's Economic Development Department.
     

February 9, 2023 – Request for Council Action

  • Request for Council Action for approving Third Party Administrator contract with The Long Center for Performing Arts
2022


September to December 2022 – Evaluation and Negotiation

  • Evaluation and negotiation with the only Request For Qualifications respondent, The Long Center for Performing Arts. 
     

August 1, 2022 – Solicitation No. Request For Qualifications 5500 TVN4006

  • Solicitation published and existing qualified vendors were contacted to apply by August 24th; deadline was extended to August 31 to allow more time for vendor outreach and completed responses. 


July 2022 – Request for Qualifications for Third Party Administrator 

  • Purchasing Department commenced the process for the Request For Qualifications to expedite the solicitation process for identifying a qualified Third Party Administrator. 
     

July 11, 2022 – Music Commission Meeting

June 21, 2022 – Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission

May 24, 2022 – Memo to Mayor and Council 

May 2, 2022 – Music Commission Meeting

April 4, 2022 – Music Commission Meeting

  • Based on Music Commission Recommendation 20220207-3b, Staff incorporated additional uses of funds into updated Live Music Fund Event Program guidelines. The draft included a 24-month contract term for set $20,000 awards to create less contracts to execute and manage, while providing more impactful and targeted support to local musicians and promoters. However, the Music Commission reiterated their preference for 12-month contracts for $5,000–10,000 awards.
  • Watch the April 4 Music Commission Meeting. 
     

February 7, 2022 – Music Commission Meeting

  • Music Commission Recommendation 20220207-3b: Commission recommends "Option 2" to amend guidelines presented on September 13 according to feedback from the Live Music Fund Stakeholder Working Group formed during the November 1 meeting. The recommendation stated:
    • “Includes all eligible uses (live music performance plus music industry production activities which support the music ecosystem) and with Musicians and Independent Promoters as eligible applicants. Includes Live Music Venue Promoter as an eligible applicant in year two of the program. Implements metrics to measure outcomes and to ensure accountability.”
  • Watch the February 7 Music Commission meeting.  
     

January 2022 – Relief and Recovery Funding Programs 

  • The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches fiscal year 2022 Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant with additional funds authorized through Resolution No. 20210610-077. 
2021


November 1, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting

October 4, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting

  • Discussion from the Third-Party Administrator Working Group about application questions and solicitation recommendations. Commission voted to deliver the recommendations to the Economic Development Department for incorporation into the application and solicitation processes.
  • Listen to the October 4 Music Commission meeting. 
     

September 13, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting 

  • Presentation on final draft guidelines for the Live Music Fund Event Program, which incorporated community feedback.
  • Third-Party Administrator Working Group established to “develop guidelines/recommendations around criteria for the third-party for Live Music Fund”
  • Listen to the September 13 Music Commission meeting. 
     

August 23, 2021 – Hispanic / Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting


August 3, 2021 – African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting

August 2, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting

July 12, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting

June 2021 – Relief and Recovery Funding Programs 

  • Additional funds allocated to Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund through Resolution No. 20210610-077 to make payments to additional venues not yet awarded due to lack of funds.
2020


December 2020 – Relief and Recovery Funding Programs  

  • The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches the fiscal year 2021  Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund 
     

December 12, 2020 – Building an Equitable Cultural Funding Review: Arts, Heritage, Music - Meeting 2

October 19, 2020 – Music Commission Special Called Meeting

October 7, 2020 – Building an Equitable Cultural Funding Review: Arts, Heritage, Music - Meeting 1 

September 18, 2020 – Music Commission Special Called Meeting 

  • Cultural Funding Review Process: Arts, Heritage, Music presentation – update on process for aligning Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funded programs within EDD to prioritize equity.
  • Watch the September 18 Music Commission meeting. 
     

August 2020 – Relief and Recovery Funding Programs

  • The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches the fiscal year 2020 Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund second round.
  • The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division and Cultural Arts Division launches FY20 Austin Creative Worker Relief Grant. 
     

July 6, 2020 – Music Commission Special Called Meeting

  • Systemic Racism Working Group established to advise on Live Music Fund and relief and recovery programs.
  • MJR Partners presentation to set expectations and goals, define equity, and draft racial equity focused distribution plans for Live Music Fund.
  • Watch the July 6 Music Commission meeting. 
     

June 2020 – Relief & Recovery Funding Programs

  • The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches the fiscal year 2020 Austin Creative Space Disaster Relief Program.
  • The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches the fiscal year 2020 Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund. 
     

April 8, 2020 – Music Commission Special Called Meeting

  • Approved Recommendation 20200408-2b, which stated that the Live Music Fund should be considered as a last resort for funding pandemic relief and recovery programs and only if reimbursed (relief and recovery programs were subsequently funded through other sources).
  • Watch the April 8 Music Commission meeting. 
2019


December 16, 2019 – Live Music Fund Community Forum 

  • Gathering of Live Music Fund Working Group, community members, and staff to share priorities for funding and learn the latest information about next steps and ways to be involved in the process. 
     

September 19, 2019 – City Council Action 

  • Live Music Fund Working Group was established. 
     

December 2, 2019 – Music Commission Meeting

 

Related Links
Austin Music Commission
More Grants and Support for Austin Creatives
Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment
Austin Center for Events
Cultural Arts Division