Funding Programs
Grants and funding for creatives and creative businesses to survive and thrive. Contact Kim McCarson for details:
- Live Music Fund Event Program – Pilot program of the Live Music Fund, launching in 2023.
- Creative Space Assistance Program – Cash grants to qualifying creative organizations facing temporary or permanent displacement.
- Creative Industry Funding & Support – Resources and grants for musicians and artists.
Artist Development
Professional development and compensation opportunities for local musicians to increase earnings and build careers. Contact Greg Gonzalez for details:
- City of Austin Performance Opportunities – Regular performance opportunities for Austin musicians and bands through City departments.
- Faces of Austin – Short film showcases by local filmmakers about diverse faces, voices, and experiences of Austin.
- Music Commission Meetings – Music Commissioners host musicians and bands from their Council districts with video performances and discussions.
- Music Proclamation Days – Live performances during Austin City Council meetings.
- Music on Hold – Listen to a well-curated and licensed playlist of Austin music when calling the City telephone system and placed on hold.
- Street Performance Program – Live and unamplified music performances by Austin musicians during the fall and spring months.
Program Partnerships
Local, national and international partnerships. Contact Erica Shamaly for details:
- Austin-Toronto Music City Alliance – Partnership with Austin City Council, City of Toronto Music Sector, Economic Development & Culture Division, and private industry leaders in both cities.
- Texas Music Office
- Music Friendly Community – Statewide network to foster Texas music industry development.
- Texas Music Industry Directory – List of Austin music businesses, from musicians & bands to education and touring services.
- Love Austin Music Month – Annual celebration of Austin music in February through a partnership with KUTX and the Austin Music Foundation.
- SXSWCommunity Showcases – Paid opportunities for Austin's musicians and bands in official free community showcases during the annual event.
Services & Assistance
Assistance for creatives and creative businesses in City operating, permitting, and code requirements. Contact Kim McCarson for details:
- Permits for Music, Film, Creative Spaces & Events – Informs and connects music, special event, and film communities to other City departments and agencies for permits.
- Community Engagement
- Musicians and Live Music & Entertainment Venues – Gathers stakeholders around new and updated policies and rules to collect and share community feedback.
- Live Music Fund – Gathered music stakeholders to inform Music Commission recommendations for guidelines and implementation.
- Entertainment & Amplified Sound Compatibility – Identified compatibility recommendations for live music & entertainment venues and residents.
- $12M Bond for Creative Space – 2018 City of Austin bond proposition for acquisition and improvement of local creative spaces.