Public Performance Program
The Public Performance Program invites Austin-based musicians and bands to add their information to our database to be considered for City organized programs.
As directed in Resolution No. 20230720-123, the pay rate for musicians for live City music performances is no less than $200 per musician for groups of up to six people; $150 per musician for groups between seven and ten people; and, $1500 total for groups of musicians of ten or more.
- Create Your City Account to register and submit qualifications for our database.
- Contact Shelbi Mitchell for details about the Public Performance Program.
- Learn about other ACME Artist Opportunities.
- Music Proclamations for City Hall Sessions
The City of Austin is incredibly proud of our local music culture. Every Austin City Council meeting includes a "Music Proclamation" live performance by an Austin musician or band, which is broadcast live on ATXN.tv and shared as a City Hall Sessions episode.
Performers are bestowed the honor of a “Music Proclamation Day” with an accompanying certificate and their band name permanently included in the City calendar. These musicians will have their own City of Austin “Day” for the rest of their lives, and many have annual celebrations of their day with fans and supporters.
To be considered, contact your City of Austin Council Member or the Mayor to make a request. To determine your Austin Council District, look up your home address, then contact the corresponding Austin City Council Member's office.
- Live Music in the Air at the Airport
For Live Music in the Air at the Airport, featuring live local music is our passion! Austin is a city filled with venues and musicians that truly make it The Live Music Capital of the World®. The minute you step into the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, you can catch local musicians at one of many venues Monday through Friday, and overhead music is provided by partner KUTX 98.9.
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport pays $200 per solo performance and $200 per musician for groups of up to six people. Backline equipment and an Audio Engineer are provided. For more information, contact Celina Zisman at 512-530-5068 or at Celina.Zisman@FlyAustin.com.
- Austin Public Library – Electric Lady Bird
The Austin Public Library is streaming fresh sounds from the Austin music scene through Electric Lady Bird, which delivers commercial-free, curated music from Central Texas artists 24/7, through a user-friendly digital music platform. Start streaming now and learn more about Electric Lady Bird, including Frequently Asked Questions.
Jurors from the Austin music community will select the best albums and selected musicians will be awarded $200 for their album/EP. In exchange, the Library will receive non-exclusive rights to stream the album/EP for a 3-year term. If selected, you will be contacted with instructions on how to join Electric Lady Bird.
- Sounds of Austin
Sounds of Austin is one of the City's fun and unique ways of showcasing Austin’s great music—usually in sixty seconds or less. Anytime someone interacts with the City telephone or web system, they will be listening to a well-curated and licensed playlist of Austin music. Coming soon!
- Sound ON!
ATXN, the City of Austin government access channel, is thrilled to announce the premiere of its newest music series, "Sound ON!" This groundbreaking show follows in the footsteps of ATXN’s Emmy-award winning series "Notes in Time" and promises to be a captivating experience for music enthusiasts.
A collaboration between ATXN, Ice Cream Factory Studio and the City's Music & Entertainment Division, "Sound ON!" reflects the city's commitment to nurturing and promoting its vibrant music culture. This body of work promises to be a must-watch series, capturing the essence of Austin's musical spirit and contributing to the city's legacy as a cultural powerhouse.- Vinyl Brunch
Vinyl Brunch is an ongoing collaboration with the Austin Public Library featuring local DJs spinning from the unique vinyl collection only offered at the Carver Branch.
- Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting
A collaboration with Austin Parks & Recreation Department, this family affair invites all of Austin to kick off the holiday season in Zilker Park for the Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.
This annual event adorns the evening with sights and sounds with performances by Austin's talented musicians and entertainment.
- Spotify Playlists
To offer additional exposure and development of music and creative activities within the greater Austin area, the Music & Entertainment Division curates Spotify playlists for the public. These playlists are limited to musical activities that include Austin's commercial and nonprofit music and entertainment industries.
Spotify FAQ
- How are artist(s) added to each playlist?
- Artists are added to playlists based on categories in which the artist(s), group, or venue has worked or been archived with the City of Austin. These categories may include: an current or former awardee for a cultural funding program, a past or current vendor, or various performance opportunity candidates.
- How do I get myself, my venue, or my group to be removed from a playlist?
- If you see your name somewhere where you think it doesn’t belong, please send us a message and we’ll get it sorted out. Please allow up to 72 hours to process your request.
- Can I submit suggestions to a playlist?
- Absolutely. Submit your suggestion here.
- Does the City align with the artist(s) they are promoting in these playlists?
- The curation, selection, and publication of these playlists, as well as the messages and perspectives expressed in each collection and song, reflect the diversity of thought and experience in our community; and, as such, do not reflect the views or opinions of the City of Austin. Selections may include content that is controversial and offensive to some individuals.
- How are artist(s) added to each playlist?
- Live from the Library Rooftop (2023)
Live from the Library Rooftop is a video series collaboration between ATXN.tv, Austin Public Library, and the Music & Entertainment Division featuring local musicians and bands at the Central Library rooftop garden.
Featured 2023 Artists
Julian Acosta, September 5
Cast Iron Shoes, September 12
Marco Antonio Santos, September 19
NOA, September 26
- Sunset on 2nd St Live Music Series (2023)
Sunset on 2nd St featured live performances in Austin's Downtown 2nd Street District in partnership with Trammell Crowe Development Group and MSD Partners each Thursday in May 2023.
Featured Artists
Waché and DJ Raquiqui, May 4
Kupira Marimba and DJ Tropidelico, May 11
The Relevators and DJ Westen, May 18
Jeff Hughes & Chaparral and DJ Mahealeani, May 25
- Street Performance Program (2018-2019)
- How to Create a City Account
Watch an Informational Video About City Portal Accounts
Watch a video on How to Create a City Account. | Cómo crear una cuenta con la Ciudad.
Create An Account – For First-Time Users
- Step 1: Visit the Economic Development Department Application Portal.
- Step 2: Click the “Create Account” icon.
- Step 3: Enter the required information and click the “Submit” button.
- Step 4: After completing account creation, you will be prompted to fill out your profile information.
- Step 5: After updating your profile information, you will be redirected to the home screen to begin the application process.
How to Redeem Your Access Code
If you have previously applied for a City of Austin Economic Development Department grant or program, you may need to redeem an access code to confirm and access your account. If you received a ‘Your email is connected to our system’ message, follow the steps below to confirm and access your account.
- Step 1: Visit the Economic Development Department Application Portal.
- Step 2: Click the “Create Account” icon.
- Step 3: Enter the required information and click the “Submit” button.
- Step 4: If your information is in our database, your access code will be displayed.
- Step 5: Copy the one-time access code and enter into the Access Code tab.
- Step 6: After you confirm your account, you will be directed to complete your account creation using the “Create Account” tab.
Submit Your Qualifications
- Once you're logged into your City Portal Account, answer all questions to advance to the available programs selection window. This window includes all Economic Development Department programs that you may be eligible for, including the City of Austin Performance Opportunities Submission Form.
- Select the program and then answer all remaining questions and submit.
- Your submission will be added to the selection pool of eligible Austin-area professional creatives for City performance opportunities as they become available.