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The City of Austin Music & Entertainment Division—part of the Economic Development Department—manages programming, services, and funding to diversify and accelerate the growth of Austin's commercial and nonprofit music and entertainment industries. We serve as a central liaison and resource for all music industry stakeholders in order to promote increased jobs, compensation, sector development, nightlife compatibility, and talent export in Austin.
Funding
Provides funding opportunities for creatives and creative businesses to survive and thrive. Contact Erica Shamaly for details:
- Live Music Fund
The Live Music Fund was established by City Ordinance in 2019. Staff is now coordinating 2021-22 funding programs with the other Economic Development Divisions included in the Cultural Funding Review: Arts, Heritage & Music.
- Grants & Resources for Disaster Relief and Recovery
Resources and grant opportunities to help musicians and artists that are recovering from economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- $12M Bond for Creative Space
City of Austin voters approved a bond proposition in 2018 that would provide funding for acquisitions and improvements of local creative spaces.
- Creative Space Assistance Program
Provides direct support to qualifying creative organizations facing temporary or permanent displacement, or to those previously displaced.
Artist Programs
Artist programs provide professional development and compensation opportunities for local musicians to increase earnings and build careers. Contact Stephanie Bergara for details:
- City of Austin Event Performances
Local musicians are each paid $150 per hour to perform either live or virtually during official City events like Music Commission and City Council meetings.
- Creative Ambassadors Program
Open to creative professionals across disciplines, the Creative Ambassadors Program provides official City designations and small stipends to Austin artists traveling outside of Texas in promotion of their creative projects. On hold due to COVID-19.
- Music on Hold Program
Anytime someone calls into the City telephone system and placed on hold, they will be listening to a well-curated playlist of Austin music.
- Street Performance Program
Presents live music performances by Austin musicians downtown (500 W. 2nd Street) every Saturday during the fall and spring months. Each musician is compensated for their performance through funding by the Trammell Crow Company. On hold due to COVID-19.
Music & Entertainment Services
Serves as an ombudsman and resource for creatives and creative businesses about City operating, permitting, and code enforcement requirements, and acts as a liaison for these groups to other City Departments. Contact Kim McCarson for details:
- Amplified Sound & Film Permits
Connects music, special event, and film producers to City departments and other agencies for permits in Austin.
- Live Music & Entertainment Venues
Convenes venue stakeholders about new and updated policies and rules to inform and gather feedback, and connects venues that may require permits with the correct City departments.
- Community Engagement
Entertainment & Amplified Sound Compatibility Community Engagement is a process to identify and promote compatibility goals between live music & entertainment venues and Austin residents.
Live Music Fund Community Engagement is a process with music industry stakeholders to form Music Commission recommendations to City Council & Mayor for Cultural Funding grant guidelines and implementation related to the "Live Music Fund".