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.
Visit Artist Career Training to apply by September 6th, 2022, and ATXRecovers.com for the latest resources and funding opportunities.
Funding Programs
Funding opportunities for creatives and creative businesses to survive and thrive. Contact Kim McCarson for details:
- Live Music Fund Event Program
Pilot program of the the Live Music Fund, which will launch applications in 2023. - Creative Space Assistance Program
Direct support to qualifying creative organizations facing temporary or permanent displacement. - Grants & Resources for Creatives
Resources and grant opportunities for musicians and artists recovering from economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artist Development Programs
Professional development and compensation opportunities for local musicians to increase earnings and build careers. Music & Entertainment Division supported programs compensate each musician at $200 per performance hour. Contact Erica Shamaly for details:
- City Council Live Music Proclamations
Austin City Council meetings include live Music Proclamation performances during the lunch hour live at ATXN.tv. - Faces of Austin
Annual program showcasing short films by local filmmakers reflecting the diverse faces, voices, and experiences of our City. - Music Commission Meetings
Music Commissioners take turns recommending a musician or band from the district they represent to present a video performance and answer questions about their music at each regular meeting. - Music on Hold
One of the City's fun and unique ways of showcasing Austin’s great music—usually in sixty seconds or less. Anytime someone calls into the City telephone system and placed on hold, they will be listening to a well-curated and licensed playlist of Austin music. - Street Performance Program
Live and unamplified music performances by Austin musicians downtown on Saturdays during the fall and spring months. - City of Austin Performance Opportunities
Several City departments have opportunities for Austin-area musicians and bands to be considered for live and virtual performances during their programs and events.
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:
- Permits for Music, Film, Creative Space & Special Events
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 Engagement
Process 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.