The Economic Development Department’s Cultural Arts Funding Program supports cultural arts programs for the Austin community by contracting with arts organizations for specific services. The Cultural Arts Division has administered various funding programs since 1981 through the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) authorized by state law.

Current Funding Opportunities

Learn about our current funding opportunities and apply. More info coming soon!

Cultural Funding Programs

Thrive, Elevate, and Nexus cultural funding programs were developed in consultation with Austin’s creative community from 2019-2022. Funding prioritizes equity through a combination of seed funding, broad sector support, and targeted investment. Read the Cultural Funding Report (PDF, 1.8 MB)El camino hacia la equidad cultural (PDF, 2.2 MB)


Closed Grants:


Apply to be a Review Panelist

Learn about review panelist responsibilities and apply.

Apply to be a review panelist


Helpful Information

  • Arts Commission - Find information on the Arts Commission members, upcoming meetings, and more.  
  • ATXN Video Archive - Access recordings of City Council meetings, including Budget Work Sessions. To filter for Arts Commission events, click on the “Boards and Commissions” tab, and then select “Arts Commission” from the “Filter by Subcategory” dropdown menu. 
  • Community Navigators – The Economic Development Department’s Community Navigator Program offers one-on-one coaching, virtual classes, and help applying for government and philanthropic support.