The City of Austin is no longer accepting applications for the Live Music Fund Event Program. The deadline for submission expired on May 16 at 5 p.m. CST.

The Live Music Fund Event Program offers $5,000 and $10,000 grants for local professional musicians, bands, and independent promoters to produce and publicize awarded projects. Grant funds may be used to cover expenses for music events, studio and video production, staffing and professional services, merchandise distribution, music broadcasting, and more. 

Assistance

Grant Guidelines

Program Purpose

  • Encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin’s diverse live music industry through supporting live and online music events, recording studio production, video production, merchandise distribution (i.e., vinyl, compact discs, cassettes, posters) and music broadcasting (i.e., television, radio, podcasts) that can be marketed to local audiences, visiting and potential tourists, and conventions delegates. 
  • Eligible applicants include Austin’s professional musicians/bands and independent promoters who produce and promote live and online music events, recording studio production, video production, merchandise distribution, and music broadcasting. 

Core Equity Principles

Music Commission Recommendation 20201019-2bii provided that a Preservation, Innovation and Elevation and Collaboration (P.I.E.) fund be established from the Live Music Fund to create greater equitable economic growth in the music sector. Based on this recommendation, the following P.I.E. core equity principals are incorporated into the 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program:

  • Preservation: Enriching the Past – Investment in the historic cultural heritage of Austin music and the preservation of traditions and legacy of historically underserved communities, including: 
    • Cultural heritage and music history events and projects 
    • Destination events for cultural holidays and annual commemorations 
  • Innovation: Envisioning the Future – Investment in the innovation of traditional business models committed to innovative and inclusive practices that build capacity in underserved communities, including:
    • Genre Diversity
    • Talent Development 
  • Elevation & Collaboration: Empowering the Present – Investment in the elevation, education, and promotion of Austin music from historically underrepresented communities, including:
    • Collaborations with Austin artists of color to create and market showcases of underrepresented genres and artists
    • Partnerships with established global and national music brands to highlight the contributions of Austin artists of color
    • Curation of events highlighting emerging Austin artists of color
    • Utilization of designated City of Austin cultural facilities

Applicant Eligibility

 

Eligibility Definitions

 

Professional Musician Definition (must meet at least one of the following requirements): 

  • At least 2 years of documentation showing that 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 requirements):  

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

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

Professional Musician:

  • Professional musicians who live in the Austin–Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)—which includes Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell Counties—and perform solo, lead a band, or have an equal stake in a band
  • Only one application per individual or band
  • Musicians may perform in multiple bands receiving awards; however, the band leader or lead applicant may only qualify for one application
  • Activities proposed in the application must take place in a City of Austin Council District and/or the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) and include at least 51% performers who fit the COA definition for "Professional Musician" and live in the MSA
  • Compensates participating Professional Musicians and Creative Workers at least the City of Austin musician and living wage standard rates of pay, including: 
    • Professional Musicians ($200 / hour per artist) 
    • Event / show Creative Workers ($20 / hour) 
  • Must be at least 18 years old to apply

 

Independent Promoter:

  • Independent live music promoters who live in the Austin–Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)—which includes Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell Counties)—and regularly curate shows for audiences. 
  • Only one application per promoter is allowed
  • Event activities proposed in the application must take place in a City of Austin Council District and/or the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) and include at least 51% of performers who fit the COA definition for "Professional Musician" and live in the MSA
  • Compensates participating Professional Musicians and Creative Workers at least the City of Austin musician and living wage standard rates of pay, including: 
    • Professional Musicians ($200 / hour per artist) 
    • Event / show Creative Workers ($20 / hour) 
  • Must be at least 18 years old to apply

Ineligible Applicants and Projects

  • Applicants who do not fit the Eligibility definitions and requirements for Professional Musician and Independent Promoter
  • Applicants that have a “Delinquent Status” with the City of Austin Economic Development Department (refer to Glossary of Terms for the definition of “Delinquent Status”)
  • Government agencies or public authorities
  • City of Austin Employees
  • Promoters that work exclusively for one venue.
  • Projects that are organized and confirmed by any other party than the applicant.

Expense Eligibility

 

Eligible Expenses

  • Contractors
    • Accounting
    • Event, Studio, Video
    • Security (if separate from other fees)
    • Stage Crew (if separate from other fees)
  • Employee Salaries Dedicated to Project
  • Distribution Materials & Fees (Vinyl, Digital, Compact Disc, Cassette, Video)
  • Insurance - General Liability
  • Marketing
    • Advertising Paid Placements 
    • Design Fees for Artwork 
    • Project Merchandise 
    • Posters, Banners, Signage 
    • "Street Team" Contractors
  • Miscellaneous Project Expenses (please specify)
  • Performance Fees / Guarantees
  • Stage Lighting Rental (if separate from any Venue Rental Fee)
  • Stage Rental (if separate from any Venue Rental Fee)
  • Stage Sound Rental (if separate from any Venue Rental Fee)
  • Studio Production & Rental, excluding Capital Expenditures (see “Ineligible Expenses)
  • Supplies for Project Activities
  • Telephones / Internet
  • Venue / Office Rental
  • Video Production & Rental, excluding Capital Expenditures (see “Ineligible Expenses)
     

Ineligible Expenses 

  • Previously completed activities
  • Capital expenditures, purchase, repair or renovation of equipment or real property, including construction, renovation or purchase of equipment and/or real property
  • Food expenses that are not essential to the event
  • Costs associated with the start-up of a new organization
  • Direct project costs incurred prior to the application due date
  • Any fundraising expenses, including but not limited to entertainment, reception or hospitality functions expenses
  • Consultants who are members of an Applicant’s staff
  • 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
  • Purchase of gasoline; however, mileage is allowed at the approved per diem rates when accompanied by a completed City of Austin Private Vehicle Report. Travel activity must be essential to the event
  • Property Taxes or any other tax with the exception of retail sales or payroll tax

Application Scoring

Category

Criteria

Available Points

Access to Services
  • Applicant demonstrates greatest level of urgent need and lack of access to health services and financial capacity & support.
  • Applicant and/or project are located in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT).

Up to 30 Points

Preservation
  • Project celebrates or showcases diverse cultural heritage and music history
  • Project is presented or produced in the African American Cultural Heritage District or a designated City of Austin cultural facility

Up to 20 Points

Innovation
  • Project highlights accessible tools and technologies ensuring the project is revenue generating and can be accessed by a wide range of visitors and residents
  • Marketing Plan for New Audience Development & Cultural Tourism for reaching new audiences, conference attendees, and potential visitors

Up to 20 Points

Elevation & Collaboration
  • Applicant demonstrates a critical need for professional and technical assistance
  • Project highlights emerging professional musicians and/or new collaborators and partners 
  • Applicant demonstrates partnerships established with notable artists or brands to elevate the work of local talent

Up to 20 Points

Project Budget
  • Project Budget demonstrates how the award will cover expenses for a successful project

10 Points

Grant Awardee Commitments and Award Amounts

 

Grant Awardee Commitments

Awarded applicants will enter into grant agreements for proposed activities. Applicants must acknowledge and affirm understanding of the following commitments: 

  • Musician and Creative Worker Compensation: At least the City of Austin musician and living wage standard rates of pay 
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training: No-cost options provided by the City of Austin 
  • Training and Professional Development: No-cost options provided by the City of Austin 
  • Project Final Report

 

Award Amounts

  • Eligible awards of $5,000 or $10,000
  • Awards are paid over a grant agreement period of up to 12 months
  • The first disbursement of funds will be 50% of the total award within 30 days of grant agreement execution and confirmed attendance at required agreement kick-off meeting
  • The second disbursement of funds will be 40% of the total award once a progress report evidencing expenditures for the first disbursement is accepted
  • The final 10% of the total award will be paid upon receipt of the final report

Glossary of Terms

 

African American Cultural Heritage District

Boundaries include: 

  • (1) West Boundary: I-35 East frontage road 
  • (2) East Boundary: Airport Blvd.
  • (3) North Boundary: Manor Rd. 
  • (4) South Boundary: Beginning on East 11th St., then South on Chalmers Ave., then East on East 7th St., then North on Chicon St., then East on Rosewood Ave., then merge into Oak Springs Dr. until connection with the East Boundary (Airport Blvd) 

 

City of Austin Council District

The City of Austin is made up of ten single-member districts. To determine where address is located, go to the Council District Map and click “I Want to...” then click “Find my Council District”. 

 

City of Austin Cultural Facility

Designated as the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, the Asian American Resource Center, and the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center. 

 

Cultural Heritage

An expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values, that produces representations of the value systems, beliefs, traditions, and lifestyles of that particular culture. It inspires community pride and awareness of local historic resources, emboldening a sense of identity and responsibility to society at large. 

 

Delinquent Status

An Applicant who has failed to comply with or complete all requirements of another Economic Development Department funding program. 

 

Emerging Professional Musician

Emerging talent refers to artists who don't yet fit the definition in the eligibility section of this application for “Professional Musician”, but who are beginning their professional careers. 

 

Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)

Includes the unincorporated land within 5 miles of Austin’s full purpose city limit not within the city limits or ETJ of another city. Austin’s ETJ currently extends into 4 counties including Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop. To learn where the address is located, go to the Jurisdiction Web Map and click “I Want to...” then click “Find my Jurisdiction”. 

 

Independent Promoter (all of the following requirements) 

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

 

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Austin–Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Willamson Counties. 

 

MSA Eligibility Search 

Look up the home address to ensure it’s located in the Austin-Round Rock, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) via the Geocoding Mapping System.  

 

Professional Musician (at least one of the following requirements) 

  • At least 2 years of documentation showing that 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 

 

Qualified Census Tract (QCT)

A qualified census tract is a geographic area defined by the Census Bureau in which 50% of households have an income less than 60% of the Area Median Gross Income.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why should I apply as an "Individual / Household" when I'm actually a "Sole Proprietor / Independent Artist" or other listed category?

Applying as an "Individual / Household" will eliminate several sections of informational in-take questions not related to the Live Music Fund Event Program application or grant guidelines. The in-take questions are not evaluated or scored and are for Economic Development Department research purposes only.

Selecting "Individual / Household" will move you through the application much more quickly to the application sections related to the grant guidelines.

 

What if the project locations, dates, times, and talent are not yet confirmed?

We understand project details cannot always be confirmed or fully confirmed by the time the application is submitted.

Describe your concept for the ideal project that represents the equity P.I.E. concepts, while being realistic considering the potential budget & award.

For example, you could propose a live event in the springtime at a potential location / cultural destination with a potential lineup of bands and new collaborators of other genres or experiences that are different from applicant. If the proposed project elements fit within the core equity principles of P.I.E., responses will be scored as if confirmed. Just know that the resulting confirmed projects should fit within the same P.I.E. scope of the proposed project described in the application. 

 

Does the award have to cover the entire project cost? 

No. The award could cover the entire project budget or just a portion of the project budget, as long as a marketing plan for promoting the project to potential tourists is included.

 

Can several applicants apply as collaborators on a larger project? 

Yes. Multiple applicants may apply for different parts of a main project, each taking lead on one set of expenses. For example, one person may apply for merchandise expenses, while another applies for talent expenses. 

Just be sure that the band leaders are the ones applying for the grants while collaborating on the project and marketing. The P.I.E. equity principals are meant as inspiration for all applicants, leading them to new ideas and resulting projects.

 

Studio time, merchandise production, and CD / record distribution are allowed? 

Yes. These projects are allowed as long as the project is marketed and promoted to potential tourists to Austin. And remember that projects representing the core equity principals of P.I.E. will be prioritized in scoring.

For example, you could take part of the budget to cover the costs of video edits of recording sessions for boosted digital placements about the coming public-facing end-product in Austin, like a record release show or a heritage festival. Or it could be marketing the resulting record to potential tourists.

Remember that award funds are sourced from Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenue, which is intended to support cultural experiences that draw visitors to Austin. Market and promote your project like you normally would in order to expand your fan-base—take every opportunity to promote to potential audiences while recording, touring, producing music videos, etc.

 

Is a business plan required? 

No, but a project budget is required through the provided template. Some applicants may not be accustomed to creating and budgeting all elements of potential projects like booking live shows, recording a record, etc., which is the core reason a project budget is required. Applicants and awardees should learn how to advance their projects, from concept to final product. Through this professional development, applicants will learn music industry standards and best practices, which in turn will better prepare them to advocate for themselves as professionals in the industry.

Mentorship and ongoing technical assistance will be provided to applicants and awardees to ensure projects stay on track as intended in their applications. 

 

What does “released” mean in the musician definition? 

Publicly distributed.  We’ll accept evidence of recordings released on Bandcamp, SoundCloud, YouTube, your own webpage, streaming services, records or CDs in stores, etc.

 

To be considered a qualifying musician, must you have 2 years performing in only Austin? 

Professional experience can happen anywhere. And experience can come from any two years within a professional music career and not just the last two years from application submittal.

 

What percentage of band members must live in the Austin-Round Rock, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)?

Only the lead who is submitting the application must live in the MSA.  But the project must take place in Austin or the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).

 

I have a regular gig in Austin where I invite different musicians from different genres and backgrounds to play.  Does that qualify?

Yes, regularly scheduled and currently ongoing events qualify for this grant.

 

What counts as cultural heritage? 

Cultural heritage is about the people, under-represented voices, and history of a community.  For example, a Juneteenth celebration event is considered a cultural heritage event. 

 

Can I apply for more than one project? 

No, only one project per applicant will be considered. 

 

Can I apply for a series of projects and events?   

Yes, applying for multiple projects is acceptable as long as the projects are taking place in Austin or in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).  Just be sure that all projects are being promoted through a targeted marketing plan aimed at attracting new audiences to Austin.

 

Under “Elevation & Collaboration”, what does “notable” artist or brand mean? 

“Notable” can mean locally recognized, regionally known, known within a certain genre, nationally recognized, etc. Describe any known entities, like an established music festival or a well-known musician, involved to boost or promote local emerging talent.

 

How soon or how late should this project take place?   

August 2023 – July 2024.  However, if unexpected circumstances delay a project, such as inclement weather, agreement terms may be extended. 

 

I can’t fill out the project and marketing budget templates, including pasting in my numbers from another document. Why are the template fields locked? 

You must first download and save the budget templates onto your computer or mobile phone, and then fill out or copy/paste your numbers. If you are using a Mac, please first download the templates, then open in Acrobat Reader, which is free, to fill in the templates. 

Please note: The budget templates are not meant to be edited by applicants but filled in for the purpose of the application. For your personal use, we can provide an unlocked and editable version of the templates after the application closes.  

 

Why are the numbers I’ve inputted into the budget templates not properly calculating? 

The PDF budget templates will correctly calculate your inputted numbers but there’s a slight delay from the time the numbers are inputted to the time you see correct calculations. Please wait around 30 seconds after inputting all numbers to see the correct calculations. 

 

On the Project Budget template, what does “VIP Project Units” mean?

VIP project units represent special packaging or tickets for additional revenue.  Examples of VIP project units include VIP tickets, meet and greet opportunities, drink specials, special addition record or poster, etc.

 

I'm hearing that City of Austin cultural facilities (Mexican American Cultural Center, Asian American Resource Center, George Washington Carver Museum) will be undergoing renovations for most of 2023 and 2024. Do you have details?

The Mexican American Cultural Center will be closed until 2025 but is operating out of the George Washington Carver Museum on a temporary basis. The Carver has capacity in the lobby for 250 standing and 150 seated and there’s a grassy area for events. The Carver theater will be renovated from June 2023 - March 2024 then available.  The Asian American Resource Center will be adding a new building, but the main building will not be affected for use.

 

What are “revenue shares” in the Project Budget template? 

Revenue shares represent components of a deal structure, like sharing bar sales with a venue or licensing income with a co-writer. Shares are anything where revenue is created and shared with a partner in the project. 

 

Live Music Fund Master Timeline

2023

 

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

 

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 guidelines included a 24-month contract term for set $20,000 awards to create less contracts to execute and manage, considering limited staff capacity, 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 working group formed to “discuss Live Music Fund guidelines in terms of stakeholders” 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 Working Group about application questions and recommendations for the Third Party Administrator solicitation. Commission voted to deliver working group recommendations to the Economic Development Department for incorporation into the application process for the Live Music Fund Event Program and Third Party administrator. 
  • 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. 
  • New working group approved to “develop guidelines/recommendations around criteria for the third party for Live Music Fund...” 
  • Listen to the September 13 Music Commission 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
Cultural Funding Review: Arts, Heritage, Music
Austin Music Commission
City of Austin Economic Development Department