City of Austin Artist Opportunities

Artist Opportunities

Performance Opportunities

Artist Opportunities

Art in Public Places  Commissions visual artists who work across all media to create site-specific installations and unique public art that reflect the history and values of our communities.

Artist Access Program  Provides free rehearsal space and low-cost performance space for Austin artists through a competitive process.

Artist Open Calls  Current opportunities for Austin creatives to participate in the Art in Public Places Program (AIPP).

Caminos An immersive; one year long paid internship empowering Austin-area Teens to carve their own path in the creative arts.

Museums and Cultural Programs Collaborations  Creates programs in response to a community need.

Visual Artist Residency  Provides visual artists with the space, facilities, time and professional interaction that will foster and further develop their ideas, skills, abilities, and focus as practicing artists.

The People's Gallery The People’s Gallery is a free exhibition of the work of Austin-area artists within the City of Austin’s City Hall. An opening reception kicks-off the new exhibit each year and the exhibit remains on display for one year.

Works in Progress A paid internship program for emerging creative professionals ages 17-19 who are ready for a career in the arts.

Performance Opportunities

Provides ongoing paid opportunities for Austin musicians and bands in coordination with the Music Commission and other City departments.

AACME Music and Entertainment

Musician Pay Rate

As directed in Resolution No. 20230720-123, the pay rate for musicians for live City music 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. 
 

Live Music in the Air at the Airport

For Live Music in the Air at the Airport, featuring live local music is our passion! Austin is a city filled with venues and musicians that truly make it The Live Music Capital of the World®.

The minute you step into the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, you can catch local musicians at one of many venues Monday through Friday, and overhead music is provided by partner KUTX 98.9.

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport pays $200 per solo performance and $200 per musician for groups of up to six people. Backline equipment and an Audio Engineer are provided.

For more information on live music sponsorships, contact airport coordinator Celina Zisman at 512-530-5068 or e-mail Celina.Zisman@FlyAustin.com.
 

Public Performance Program

The Public Performance Program provides ongoing paid opportunities for Austin musicians and bands in coordination with the Music Commission and other City departments.

Sounds of Austin

Sounds of Austin is one of the City's fun and unique ways of showcasing Austin’s great music—usually in sixty seconds or less. Anytime someone interacts with the City telephone or web system, they will be listening to a well-curated and licensed playlist of Austin music.  Coming soon!
 

Spotify Playlists

To offer additional exposure and development of music and creative activities within the greater Austin area, the Music & Entertainment Division curates Spotify playlists for the public.   These playlists are limited to musical activities that include Austin's commercial and nonprofit music and entertainment industries. To learn more, read our FAQ below.

Spotify FAQ

• How are artist(s) added to each playlist?
  • Artists are added to playlists based on categories in which the artist(s), group, or venue has worked or been archived with the City of Austin. These categories may include: an current or former awardee for a cultural funding program, a past or current vendor, or various performance opportunity candidates. 
     
• How do I get myself, my venue, or my group to be removed from a playlist?
  • If you see your name somewhere where you think it doesn’t belong, please send us a message and we’ll get it sorted out. Please allow up to 72 hours to process your request.
     
• Can I submit suggestions to a playlist?
  • Absolutely. Submit your suggestion here.
     
• Does the City align with the artist(s) they are promoting in these playlists?
  • The curation, selection, and publication of these playlists, as well as the messages and perspectives expressed in each collection and song, reflect the diversity of thought and experience in our community; and, as such, do not reflect the views or opinions of the City of Austin. Selections may include content that is controversial and offensive to some individuals.

Austin Public Library – Electric Lady Bird

The Austin Public Library is streaming fresh sounds from the Austin music scene through Electric Lady Bird, which delivers commercial-free, curated music from Central Texas artists 24/7, through a user-friendly digital music platform. Start streaming now and learn more about Electric Lady Bird, including Frequently Asked Questions.

Jurors from the Austin music community will select the best albums and selected musicians will be awarded $200 for their album/EP. In exchange, the Library will receive non-exclusive rights to stream the album/EP for a 3-year term. If selected, you will be contacted with instructions on how to join Electric Lady Bird.