Please visit ATXRecovers.com for the latest resources and funding opportunities.
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 Programs
Funding opportunities for creatives and creative businesses to survive and thrive. Contact Erica Shamaly for details:
- Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant
Provides one-time, unrestricted $2,000 grants to local professional musicians, independent promoters, and music industry workers facing hardships due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Application Open: January 10 at 10 a.m. to January 28, 2022, at 5 p.m. - Live Music Fund
The Live Music Fund was established by City Ordinance in 2019. - Creative Space Assistance Program
Provides direct support to qualifying creative organizations facing temporary or permanent displacement, or to those previously displaced. - 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.
Artist Programs
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. - 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:
- Special Events and Permits for Music, Creative Space & Film
Informs and connects music, special event, and film communities to other City departments and agencies for permits in Austin. - Community Engagement
Musicians and Live Music & Entertainment Venues
Convenes stakeholders about new and updated policies and rules to inform and gather community feedback.
Live Music Fund Community EngagementProcess with music stakeholders to form Music Commission recommendations for Cultural Funding grant guidelines and implementation related to the "Live Music Fund".
$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.
Entertainment & Amplified Sound Compatibility Community Engagement
Process to identify and promote compatibility goals between live music & entertainment venues and Austin residents.