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.

Application Open: April 4 at 10 a.m. – May 16 at 5 p.m.

  • See the Application Preview section below to prepare your application now.
  • See the Live Music Fund Master Timeline to learn more about how the Music Commission and community contributed feedback to finalize program guidelines.

Assistance

Application Preview

 

Project Details

  • Amount Requested - Enter an amount of $5,000 or $10,000 
  • What category best fits the proposed project? 
  • Does the proposed project require a Special Events Permit? 
  • Describe the project thoroughly, including the date and location, the music performed, who will perform, expected audience size, and how the project supports the P.I.E. principles (Preservation, Innovation, Elevation & Collaboration. Also, describe the ability to carry out the project.

 

Access To Services

  • How long have you been banking with a traditional bank or credit union? 
  • When was financing last secured for you or your business? This includes loans, lines-of-credit, or other types of traditional financing. 

 

Preservation

  • Does the proposed project celebrate or showcase diverse cultural heritage and music history? If yes, explain how the project supports cultural and musical heritage and detail any partnerships with artists or talent that support this goal. 
  • Explain how the project supports cultural and musical heritage and detail any partnerships with artists or talent that support this goal. 
  • Will the project be shown or made in any of the following locations? 

 

Innovation

  • Does the project generate new income for musicians, creatives, and music industry businesses? Examples include ticket sales, content distribution, publishing, sync licensing, or virtual experiences. If yes, describe how the proposed project will create new income for musicians, creatives, and music industry businesses. 
  • Does the proposed project have accessibility features for people with disabilities to participate? If yes, explain the accessibility features that will be available for people with disabilities at the project. 

 

Elevation and Collaboration

  • When is the last time you or your business received professional development or training or technical services support? 
  • Does the proposed project feature local emerging professional musicians or talent who are beginning their professional careers? If yes, describe how this proposed project will highlight local emerging professional musicians or talent who are beginning their careers. 
  • Will the project involve working with new partners or businesses? If yes, explain how and which new partners will be included in the proposed project. 
  • Will the proposed project have partnerships with notable artists or brands to show the work of local talent? If yes, explain how the proposed project partnerships will elevate local talent. 

 

Important Tax Information

  • Receipt of grant funds or loan funds forgiven may result in a significant tax liability in the year of benefit. It is the responsibility as the grant recipient to consult with a tax adviser to understand impacted based on individual tax situations.

 

Required Documentation

  • See Application Materials section for more information.
Application Materials

Upload the following documents to be considered for eligibility of the Live Music Event Fund Program. Acceptable file formats include: .csv, .doc, .docx, .odt, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, .wpd, .wpf, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .svg, .tif, .tiff. Max file upload: 10MB

 

Eligibility Documents

Documentation must demonstrate active participation as a Professional Musician and/or Independent Promoter for at least two years. Scored points are not associated with this application requirement, but documentation is required to confirm eligibility to process an application:

  • “Professional Musician” evidencing at least one of the following:
    • 2 years of documentation showing applicant has regularly performed solo 
    • Or as part of a band in live performances to public audiences 
    • Or evidence of 6 released recordings (link) 
    • Or evidence of 6 promotionally released music videos 
  • “Independent Promoter” evidencing all of the following:  
    • No more than 3 staff 
    • And at least 2 years documentation showing that applicant has curated and promoted live shows featuring musicians and bands 
    • And must not be contractually tied to one venue. 
  • 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 of 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 

 

Application

Acceptable documentation to confirm program application selections for scored points include: 

  • Preservation 
    • Executed agreements or letters of interest demonstrating the project celebrates or showcases diverse cultural heritage and music history 
    • Executed agreements or letters of interest demonstrating the project will be presented and/or produced in the African American Cultural Heritage District or a designated City of Austin cultural facility 
  • Innovation 
    • Marketing Plan for New Audience Development & Cultural Tourism - Downloadable Marketing Plan Template provided by City of Austin 
  • Elevation & Collaboration
    • Executed agreements or letters of interest with emerging Professional Musicians 
    • Executed agreements or letters of interest with new partners and collaborators 
    • Executed agreements or letters of interest with global and national brands 
  • Project Budget 
    • Downloadable Project Budget Template provided by City of Austin 

How to Create a City Account

Watch a video on How to Create a City Account.  | Cómo crear una cuenta con la Ciudad.

 

Create An Account – For First-Time Users

  • Step 1: Visit the Economic Development Department Application Portal.
  • Step 2: Click the “Create Account” icon.
  • Step 3: Enter the required information and click the “Submit” button.
  • Step 4: After completing account creation, you will be prompted to fill out your profile information.
  • Step 5: After updating your profile information, you will be redirected to the home screen to begin the application process. 
     

How to Redeem Your Access Code

If you have previously applied for a City of Austin Economic Development Department grant or program, you may need to redeem an access code to confirm and access your account.

If you received a ‘Your email is connected to our system’ message, follow the steps below to confirm and access your account.

  • Step 1: Visit the Economic Development Department Application Portal. 
  • Step 2: Click the “Create Account” icon.  
  • Step 3: Enter the required information and click the “Submit” button.    
  • Step 4: If your information is in our database, your access code will be displayed. 
  • Step 5: Copy the one-time access code and enter into the Access Code tab.  
  • Step 6: After you confirm your account, you will be directed to complete your account creation using the “Create Account” tab. 

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
  • 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.

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 

 

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