The City of Austin is no longer accepting applications for the Austin Creative Space Disaster Relief Program. The deadline for submission expired on June 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
We are in the process of reviewing all applications submitted, and we are exploring how we can use additional federal and local funds to offer additional assistance for small businesses, start-up companies, entrepreneurs, creatives, and non-profit organizations.
Find helpful resources:
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City of Austin's ATXRecovers.com - A one-stop resource to help businesses and individuals recover from the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the Musician & Artist section that includes services to help musicians and artists that are recovering from economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find resources related to funding, unemployment assistance, legal aid, consulting help, and more.
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Economic Development Department’s Small Business Resources Directory - Database of local, state, federal, and community resources. Filter by “Disaster Relief” to find immediate support for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20200423-040 on April 23, 2020 to provide $1 million for the Austin Creative Space Disaster Relief Program. This grant will provide direct support to for-profit live music venues, performance spaces, art galleries, arts-focused nonprofits and individual artists facing temporary or permanent displacement.
Applicants may apply for up to $50,000 toward unpaid commercial rent and to defray rent hikes, property acquisition costs, or other space-related needs such as facility improvements or displacement-related expenditures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this grant for residential or commercial leased space?
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This grant is only for commercial leased space. Read the Eligible and Ineligible Applicants section located above.
- When are grants awarded?
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Grants awardees will be announced the week of June 29, 2020.
- Can I use the Austin Creative Space Disaster Relief Program funds for my personal studio space located within a residence?
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No, funds may not be used for home studio space. Funds are only used for commercial leased spaces.
- Can the rent stipend be for up to 12 months?
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Yes, the rent stipend can be awarded for up to 12 months.
- As an independent artist, am I required to apply through a non-profit sponsor?
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No, you are not required to have a non-profit sponsorship. This program allows individual artists to apply.
- Is the maximum of what you can receive for rent stipend only the amount by which your rent has increased?
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You can only receive the difference between your previous rent and current rent. You may receive the amount of missed rent during the COVID-19 pandemic, since March 1.
- Will our creative business financial status affect our score?
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No, your financials will serve to support your answers to the application questions.
- If my organization has already been displaced and is building out a new space, it that considered urgent?
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Yes, it is considered urgent. Read Evaluation Criteria and Scoring section located above.
- Is the City of Austin able to connect artists with spaces?
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No, the City of Austin cannot locate space for you. You must provide an executed lease or lease offer for the space you occupy or intend to occupy.
- Can independent artists earn points in the Co-location category?
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Yes, the application includes questions that are relevant to both organizations and independent artists.