Austin Live Music Fund

Austin Live Music Fund is sponsored by City of Austin Economic Development Department. The Austin Live Music Fund encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin's diverse music industry through supporting a wide array of activities marketed to visiting and potential tourists, including live and online events open to the public; studio, video, and merchandise…

Austin Live Music Fund | Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | AustinTexas. gov Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment African American Cultural and Heritage Facility Asian American Resource Center Carver Museum, Genealogy and Cultural Center ESB Mexican American Cultural Center Film Production in Austin Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment The FY27 ACME Grant Cycle is open!

Applications close August 18 at 6:59 PM. Find a Grant Funding Workshop Austin Live Music Fund — for professional musicians, music venues and promoters Join a free workshop before you apply. We'll cover eligibility, the application, and how to submit.

Choose the in-person or virtual workshop that best suits your needs.

The Austin Live Music Fund encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin’s diverse music industry through supporting a wide array of activities marketed to visiting and potential tourists, including live and online events open to the public; studio, video, and merchandise production; promotional tours outside of Austin; broadcasting; and marketing and promotional campaigns. Harpist, Sarah Hall.

Photo courtesy of City of Austin Program goals include increasing Austin cultural tourism; increasing revenue for musicians, promoters, and live music venues; supporting new jobs in the creative economy; and promoting new artist development. The FY27 Austin Live Music Fund is accepting applications from July 7 – August 18th, 2026. There will be $6 million available in funding.

To learn more about requirements for all ACME Funding Programs, go to FY27 ACME Funding Guidelines In March of 2026, ACME supported 399 musicians, promoters, and live music venues with more than $7. 14 million in funding through the FY26 Austin Live Music Fund. See the full awardee list .

Austin Live Music Fund Guidelines Grants awarded in the following categories: Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 with 24-month Grant Agreement Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $5,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement Live Music Venue - At least $60,000 Operating Budget $70,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement Professional Musician Definition Must meet at least one of the following: At least 2 years of documentation showing the applicant has regularly performed as a professional musician—solo or as part of a band—in live performances to public audiences Or, 6 released recordings (singles) Or, 6 promotionally released music videos Independent Promoter Definition Must meet all of the following: And, at least 2 years of documentation showing the applicant has curated and promoted live shows featuring musicians and bands And, must not be contractually tied to one venue Live Music Venue Definition An establishment where live music programming is the principal function of the business and/or the business is a live music destination, and where the venue establishes the ability of an artist to receive payment for work by percentage of sales, guarantee, or other mutually beneficial formal agreement for every performance.

A live music venue is a destination for live music consumers, and/or its music programming is the primary driver of its business as indicated by the presence of at least five (5) of the following: Defined performance and audience space Mixing desk, PA system, and lighting rig At least two of the following: (i) Sound engineer; (ii) Booker; (iii) Promoter; (iv) Stage manager; (v) Security personnel Charges admission to some music performances through ticketing or front door entrance fees Markets acts through show listings in printed and electronic publications Hours of operation coincide with performances Programs live music at least five nights a week See all application definitions.

Eligibility Requirements - All Applicants Must meet all of the following: Applicant must meet either the Professional Musician, Independent Promoter, or Live Music Venue definition Live Music Venue applicants must provide the previous year’s operating budget or profit & loss statement to evidence at least a $60,000 operating budget Only one Austin Live Music Fund application per Lead Applicant Musicians may perform in multiple bands receiving awards; however, a Lead Applicant may only qualify for one application Unless a promotional tour, public activities must take place in a City of Austin Council District or the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) and include at least 51% of performers who fit the definition of "Professional Musician" and live in the MSA Professional Musicians compensated through grant funds are paid at least the City of Austin musician pay rate outlined in Resolution No. 20230720-123 Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters cannot receive $20,000 awards in two consecutive City of Austin fiscal years; therefore, if an applicant is awarded in Fiscal Year 2026, they are not eligible to apply again until Fiscal Year 2028 Applicants who do not fit the definitions and requirements for “Professional Musician”, “Independent Promoter”, and “Live Music Venue” are not eligible Applicants who have accepted grant funding from the Cultural Arts Fund in the current Fiscal Year grant funding cycle Government agencies or public authorities Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Employees (full and part-time) *51% of expenses must be spent within the City of Austin Council Districts and/or its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) *Expenses must cover grant funded activities marketed and promoted to visiting and potential tourists and convention delegates Commercial Rent – Live Music Venues Compensation – Contractors Studio and Video Production Compensation – Employee Salaries Insurance – Live Music Venues Insurance – Professional Musician & Independent Promoter Event Insurance for Public Events Lodging and Travel for Participating Visiting Artists Performance Fees / Guarantees Stage, Lighting, and Sound Rental Studio and Video Production Rental, excluding Capital Expenditures Posters, Banners, and Signage Venue Rental - Public Events Only Awardee travel costs, including gas, flights, hotels, tolls, parking, and ferries Expenses paid earlier than 60 days before the grant agreement begins Capital costs, including the purchase, construction, and renovation of equipment and property Fundraisers and benefits, including entertainment and receptions Start-up costs of a new organization Consultants who are also employees Payments to students or interns whose employment is tied to class credit Operating costs not associated with the project Purchase of gifts, awards, cash prizes, scholarships, contributions or donations Existing debts, fines, contingencies, penalties, interest, or litigation costs Taxes other than retail sales and payroll Evaluation Review & Scoring Professional Musicians & Independent Promoters *Evidence Documentation from the last three years is prioritized Professional Musician Rubric ( English PDF ) ( Spanish PDF ) Independent Promoter Rubric ( English PDF ) ( Spanish PDF ) Career training and professional development Participates in music programs for schools, cultural centers, youth, private lessons, camps, workshops, etc. Performs / volunteers at benefit concerts to raise awareness for nonprofit charity organizations Austin Music Economy Development Pays at least the City of Austin musician pay rate to hired professional musicians Hires local Austin music industry support businesses year-round for such operations as merchandise production, marketing & outreach, equipment, storage, and creative spaces etc. Collaborates with other local musicians to create new music or events Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach Expands audiences and fan bases locally and outside of Austin through multiple marketing strategies Marketing collaborations to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music Provides accessibility features for audiences with disabilities Advertises and promotes activities in publications and other initiatives serving different communities Programming open and accessible to the public Music Industry Accomplishments (for $20,000 Awards only) Music industry recognition Public shows with capacities of 300 or more Audience reach, including recordings; music streams and downloads; sync licenses; tours outside of Austin; distributed physical media; RSVP’s; tickets sold; major sponsors and radio and media broadcasts Applicants who have applied in Austin Live Music Fund previously and never been awarded Applicants who have been producing work in Austin the longest Applicants who received the highest total score in the Austin Music Economy Development Section Live Music Venue Rubric ( English PDF ) ( Spanish PDF ) Austin Music Economy Development More than 50% of expenses are dedicated to music events Hires at least 25% local musicians Hires local businesses and creatives year-round for such business operations as merchandise production, marketing, equipment, suppliers, etc. Free or low-cost temporary space for other creative organizations Benefit concerts to raise awareness for nonprofit charity organizations Regular internships and apprenticeships Access to shows for diverse audiences, i.e., all ages, sponsored events for free access, marketing partners to target new fans, etc. Discounted tickets for community, i.e., students, seniors, creative industry workers, etc. Accessibility features for audiences with disabilities Regular programming featuring different music genres Programming regularly open and accessible to the public Collaborative programming highlighting additional artistic disciplines, i.e., visual arts, performing arts Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach Marketing strategies to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music, including: Collaboration with promoters, event organizers, Visit Austin on events related to other major events, festivals, and conventions Partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers to offer attendee benefits Expands audiences and fan bases locally and outside of Austin through multiple marketing strategies Advertises and promotes activities in publications and other initiatives serving different communities Applicants who have applied in Austin Live Music Fund previously and never been awarded Applicants who have been in operation in Austin the longest Applicants who received the highest total score in the Austin Music Economy Development Section Applicants must acknowledge and affirm their understanding of the following awardee commitments: Professional Musician Compensation As directed in Resolution No. 20230720-123 , the pay rate for Live Music Fund 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 Event insurance may be required As confirmed, add events to the Visit Austin’s Event Calendar with the submission link for City of Austin awardees Tourism Marketing & Promotion *Online training options provided at no cost City of Austin Marketing Statement "This project is supported in part by an Austin Live Music Fund Grant of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment."

Outcome and Cultural Tourism Marketing Reporting Progress Report for the second payment Final Report for the final payment *Support provided for Cultural Tourism marketing analytics reporting Austin Live Music Fund Application Preview Application Questions - Professional Musicians Professional Musician Rubric ( English PDF ) ( Spanish PDF ) Scored Application Questions Artist Development – 25 Points Have you attended or led any professional development events in the past 3 years?

Are you a member of or registered with any of the following music rights, licensing, or royalty collection organizations? How have you taken part in artist development in the Austin community? How many times have you performed or volunteered at benefit concerts to raise awareness for nonprofit charity organizations in the last 3 years?

Austin Music Economy Development – 25 Points Do you pay at least the City of Austin musician pay rate to hired professional musicians? What local Austin music industry support businesses have you hired in the last year? How many times have you worked with other local musicians (not in your band or group) to make new music in the last 5 years?

Collaborations can include guest artists at a show, guest artists on a recording, co-writing a song, working with a producer, and similar work. Cultural Tourism Marketing and Outreach – 25 Points How have you grown your audience and fan base in Austin and in other places? What innovative marketing collaborations do you use to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music?

Have you intentionally done anything in the past to help people with disabilities take part in your events? Examples include using ASL interpreters, giving materials in braille, using online tools that make content easier to access, streaming events for people who can’t travel, or getting help from a professional to make your website easier to use. Note: Just using an ADA‑compliant venue does not count.

Do you promote your activities in media that reach people who don’t speak English? * Have at least half of your past activities been open to the public and easily accessible? Music Industry Accomplishments – 25 Points *Category only applies to applicants applying for $20,000 Have you received professional music industry awards?

Have you participated in public shows with capacities of 300 people or more? How many songs/tracks have you recorded? In the last 12 months, how many streams and downloads have you had across all online platforms?

Have any of your songs been licensed for use in audiovisual media, such as commercials, movies, video games, podcasts, tv show, etc. (syncs)? Do you have any physical recordings (cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs) that have you distributed through sales or giveaways in the last 3 years? How often have you performed outside of the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) over the last 3 years?

How frequently has your music played on radio (online included) at any time during the last 5 years? Application Questions - Independent Promoters Independent Promoter Rubric ( English PDF ) ( Spanish PDF ) Artist Development – 25 points Have you attended or led any professional development events in the past 3 years? Are you a member of any professional organizations?

How have you taken part in artist development in the Austin community? How many times have you participated in or volunteered at benefit concerts to raise awareness for nonprofit charity organizations in the last 3 years? Austin Music Economy Development – 25 points Do you pay at least the City of Austin musician pay rate to hired professional musicians?

* What local Austin music industry support businesses have you hired in the last year? How many new events have you put on in the last 5 years with musicians or venues you had not worked with before? * Cultural Tourism Marketing and Outreach – 25 points How have you grown your audience and fan base in Austin and in other places?

What innovative marketing collaborations do you use to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music? Have you intentionally done anything in the past to help people with disabilities take part in your events? * Do you promote your activities in media that reach people who don’t speak English?

Have at least half of your past activities been open to the public and easily accessible? Music Industry Accomplishments – 25 points Have you received professional music industry awards? Have you participated in public shows with capacities of 300 people or more?

Over the past year, how many events have you produced? How many shares, likes, or RSVPs have your events received in the last 12 months? Have you produced events with major brands or sponsors in the last 12 months?

How many tickets have you sold for your events in the last 3 years? * How often have you produced events outside of the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) over the last 3 years? How frequently have your events been promoted on radio (online included) at any time during the last 5 years?

Application Questions - Live Music Venues Live Music Venue Rubric ( English PDF ) ( Spanish PDF ) Austin Music Economy Development – 40 points Do more than 50% of the venue’s direct expenses go towards music programming? In the last 3 years, what is the percentage of local musicians you have hired to play at the venue? How has the venue supported Austin’s local businesses year-round?

Does the venue sell tickets for performances? Does the venue offer internships or apprenticeships? Audience Development – 20 Points How has the venue provided access to shows for diverse audiences?

Does the venue offer ticket discounts for any of the following? Does the venue provide services for people with disabilities? Examples include American Sign Language interpretation, materials in braille, online accessibility tools, architectural features, and nondiscrimination policies.

Do not include things required by the ADA, like handicap parking or accessible restrooms. Does the venue’s regular programming feature a diversity of music genres? Cultural Tourism Marketing and Outreach – 40 Points What innovative marketing strategies does the venue use to promote Austin as a global cultural and tourist destination for music?

What marketing strategies does the venue use to expand audiences and fan bases locally and outside of Austin? Application Documentation - Required Evidence Applicants must upload evidence for each eligibility requirement, as well as for each selected multiple-choice answer to receive points.

Uploads may consist of web links to your evidence—which can be entered directly into the application form—or as multiple document uploads of evidence, including screenshots, scans, and photos of online and physical materials. The right upload clearly verifies that you completed the activities you are claiming. This guide helps you select the strongest possible upload and explain how it supports your answer.

Please refer to this webpage if you are using a Mac before you start. Apple files are not supported and cannot be uploaded in this application. Acceptable file upload types for all computer operating systems (PC and Mac) include .

doc, . docx, . pdf, .

jpg, . png, . mp3, .

wav, . mov, . mp4, .

ppt, . pptx, . xls, and .

xlsx Application Answers – All Applicants Applicants must provide uploaded documentation to support their scored application answers, including: Eligibility – Professional Musicians & Independent Promoters To confirm eligibility to process an application, documentation must demonstrate active participation for at least 2 years, including: Professional Musician: Applicant has regularly performed solo or as part of a band in live performances to public audiences for at least 2 years; or, evidence of 6 released recordings, or evidence of 6 promotionally released music videos.

Independent Promoter: Applicant has curated and promoted live shows featuring musicians and bands for at least 2 years; must not be contractually tied to one venue; and has no more than 3 employees.

Acceptable Documentation to confirm eligibility as a "Professional Musician" and an "Independent Promoter" include: Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) Screenshot or PDF of LinkedIn work history Press demonstrating involvement within the music sector Portfolio (web links, screenshots, printouts, scans, etc.) Marketing materials for performances, exhibitions, showings, productions, collections, or recitals.

Materials showing merchandise created and sold, including screenshots of websites that exhibit or sell the applicant's products Purchased advertising to Austin residents Contracts for performances, exhibitions, showings, commissions, recitals, productions, or production services Letter from employer or manager stating role and involvement in the music sector Website screenshot of events or concert schedule with location Eligibility – Live Music Venues Applicants must provide documentation supporting their eligibility as a Live Music Venue, including: Photos of performance and audience spaces, mixing desk, PA system, lighting rig, and backline Employee documentation for sound engineer, booker, promoter, stage manager, or security personnel, including Forms W-2, W-9, 941, or 1099 Previous year operating budget or profit & loss statement to determine grant award amount (accounting software and applications can easily generate this information) Live Music Fund - History The "Live Music Fund" was established by City of Austin Ordinance No. 20190919-149 , and pilot guidelines were developed based on direction from the Music Commission to prioritize the core principles of Preservation, Innovation, and Elevation & Collaboration (PIE).

2026 - See the full list of the FY26 Austin Live Music Fund grant recipients. 2024 - See the full list or view a summary dashboard of the FY24 Austin Live Music Fund grant applicants and recipients. 2023 - See the Live Music Fund Event Program Awardees List (PDF, 165 KB) or view a summary dashboard for the 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program applicants and awardees.

April 7, 2025 – Music Commission Meeting In response to the March 3 Staff presentation, Austin Live Music Fund - Update , the 2025 Live Music Fund Working Group Chair shared additional Working Group feedback, which reiterated their recommendations listed in Music Commission Recommendation 20250203-010 .

Watch the April 7 Music Commission Meeting March 3, 2025 – Music Commission Meeting Staff presented Austin Live Music Fund - Update , which outlined Austin Live Music Fund program guideline updates based on Music Commission Recommendation 20250203-010 .

Watch the March 3 Music Commission Meeting February 3, 2025 – Music Commission Meeting Music Commission Recommendation 20250203-010 for Austin Live Music Fund program guideline updates, based on the latest Live Music Fund Working Group recommendations, was voted on and passed.

Watch the February 3 Music Commission Meeting December 2, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting A presentation, Austin Live Music Fund Update , was made to the Music Commission. Watch the December 2 Music Commission Meeting October 7, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting A presentation, 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Update , was made to the Music Commission.

Watch the October 7 Music Commission Meeting September 9, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting A presentation, 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Update , was made to the Music Commission. Watch the September 9 Music Commission Meeting April 1, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting A presentation of the final 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Program Guidelines was made to the Music Commission.

Watch the April 1 Music Commission Meeting February 5, 2024 – Music Commission Meeting A presentation of the proposed 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Program Guidelines was made to the Music Commission, which includes program improvements based on community feedback.

Watch the February 5 Music Commission Meeting December 4, 2023 – Music Commission Meeting A presentation about Live Music Fund Eligibility – Live Music Venues was made to the Music Commission. Watch the December 4 Music Commission Meeting August 2023 – 2023 Awardee Announcement Once evaluation and scoring processes are finished by The Long Center for Performing Arts, 2023 Awardees will be announced.

2023 awarded project activities take place from August 2023 through July 2024. July 18, 2023 – Austin Live Music Venue Summit 2023 Austin Live Music Venue Summit gathered Austin's live music venue professionals to share the 2023 Austin Live Music Venue Survey results and other helpful resources.

Survey included feedback from live music venue professionals about upcoming 2024 funding programs, which include Live Music Venues as eligible to apply based on Music Commission Recommendation 20220207-3b . Learn what was shared during the summit - 2023 Austin Live Music Venue Summit Presentation (PDF) .

May 16, 2023 – Pilot Application Closes 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program application closes and evaluation and scoring processes begin. April 4, 2023 – Pilot Application Opens 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program opens application to eligible Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters.

Contract executed with the Long Center for the Performing Arts to act as the Third-Party Administrator for the cultural funding programs managed by the City of Austin's Economic Development Department.

February 9, 2023 – Request for Council Action Request for Council Action for approving Third Party Administrator contract with The Long Center for Performing Arts September to December 2022 – Evaluation and Negotiation Evaluation and negotiation with the only Request For Qualifications respondent, The Long Center for Performing Arts.

August 1, 2022 – Solicitation No. Request For Qualifications 5500 TVN4006 Solicitation published and existing qualified vendors were contacted to apply by August 24th; deadline was extended to August 31 to allow more time for vendor outreach and completed responses.

July 2022 – Request for Qualifications for Third Party Administrator Purchasing Department commenced the process for the Request For Qualifications to expedite the solicitation process for identifying a qualified Third Party Administrator. July 11, 2022 – Music Commission Meeting Presentation from Purchasing Department on Third-Party Administrator solicitation process. Watch the July 11 Music Commission Meeting.

June 21, 2022 – Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission HOT Programs Update Presentation from the Economic Development Department (PDF 223KB) Listen to the June 21 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission May 24, 2022 – Memo to Mayor and Council Hotel Occupancy Tax Program Staff Update May 2, 2022 – Music Commission Meeting Based on Commission feedback from April 4 meeting, staff presented final updates to the pilot Live Music Fund Event Program guidelines.

Watch the May 2 Music Commission Meeting . April 4, 2022 – Music Commission Meeting Based on Music Commission Recommendation 20220207-3b, Staff incorporated additional uses of funds into updated Live Music Fund Event Program guidelines. The draft included a 24-month contract term for set $20,000 awards to create less contracts to execute and manage, while providing more impactful and targeted support to local musicians and promoters.

However, the Music Commission reiterated their preference for 12-month contracts for $5,000–10,000 awards. Watch the April 4 Music Commission Meeting. February 7, 2022 – Music Commission Meeting Music Commission Recommendation 20220207-3b : Commission recommends "Option 2" to amend guidelines presented on September 13 according to feedback from the Live Music Fund Stakeholder Working Group formed during the November 1 meeting.

The recommendation stated: “Includes all eligible uses (live music performance plus music industry production activities which support the music ecosystem) and with Musicians and Independent Promoters as eligible applicants. Includes Live Music Venue Promoter as an eligible applicant in year two of the program. Implements metrics to measure outcomes and to ensure accountability.

” Watch the February 7 Music Commission meeting . January 2022 – Relief and Recovery Funding Programs The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches fiscal year 2022 Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant with additional funds authorized through Resolution No. 20210610-077 .

November 1, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting After public comment from local musicians on the latest guidelines for Live Music Fund Event Program presented on September 13, the Commission approved Recommendation 20211101-3c to support but update guidelines around eligibility and additional uses based on feedback from the newly established Live Music Fund Stakeholder Working Group. Watch the November 1 Music Commission meeting.

October 4, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting Discussion from the Third-Party Administrator Working Group about application questions and solicitation recommendations. Commission voted to deliver the recommendations to the Economic Development Department for incorporation into the application and solicitation processes. Listen to the October 4 Music Commission meeting.

September 13, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting Presentation on final draft guidelines for the Live Music Fund Event Program, which incorporated community feedback. Third-Party Administrator Working Group established to “develop guidelines/recommendations around criteria for the third-party for Live Music Fund” Listen to the September 13 Music Commission meeting.

August 23, 2021 – Hispanic / Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting Music & Entertainment Staff Briefing on Live Music Fund Event Program Listen to the August 23 Hispanic / Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting August 3, 2021 – African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Music & Entertainment Staff Briefing on Live Music Fund Event Program Listen to the August 3 African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting August 2, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting Presentation on responses to community feedback on proposed guidelines for the Live Music Fund Event Program Watch the August 2 Music Commission meeting.

July 12, 2021 – Music Commission Meeting Presentation on proposed guidelines for the Live Music Fund Event Program to gather community feedback Watch the July 12 Music Commission meeting. June 2021 – Relief and Recovery Funding Programs Additional funds allocated to Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund through Resolution No. 20210610-077 to make payments to additional venues not yet awarded due to lack of funds.

December 2020 – Relief and Recovery Funding Programs The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches the fiscal year 2021 Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund December 12, 2020 – Building an Equitable Cultural Funding Review: Arts, Heritage, Music - Meeting 2 View the Building an Equitable Cultural Funding Review slide deck in English. Watch the December 12 meeting.

October 19, 2020 – Music Commission Special Called Meeting Live Music Fund Working Group Recommendation – Recommendation - 20201019-2bi. Systemic Racism Working Group Recommendation – Recommendation - 20201019-2bii. Watch the October 19 Music Commission meeting.

October 7, 2020 – Building an Equitable Cultural Funding Review: Arts, Heritage, Music - Meeting 1 View the October 7 presentation. Watch the October 7 meeting. September 18, 2020 – Music Commission Special Called Meeting Cultural Funding Review Process: Arts, Heritage, Music presentation – update on process for aligning Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funded programs within EDD to prioritize equity.

Watch the September 18 Music Commission meeting. August 2020 – Relief and Recovery Funding Programs The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches the fiscal year 2020 Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund second round. The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division and Cultural Arts Division launches FY20 Austin Creative Worker Relief Grant.

July 6, 2020 – Music Commission Special Called Meeting Systemic Racism Working Group established to advise on Live Music Fund and relief and recovery programs. MJR Partners presentation to set expectations and goals, define equity, and draft racial equity focused distribution plans for Live Music Fund. Watch the July 6 Music Commission meeting.

June 2020 – Relief & Recovery Funding Programs The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches the fiscal year 2020 Austin Creative Space Disaster Relief Program. The Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division launches the fiscal year 2020 Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund.

April 8, 2020 – Music Commission Special Called Meeting Approved Recommendation 20200408-2b, which stated that the Live Music Fund should be considered as a last resort for funding pandemic relief and recovery programs and only if reimbursed (relief and recovery programs were subsequently funded through other sources). Watch the April 8 Music Commission meeting.

December 16, 2019 – Live Music Fund Community Forum Gathering of Live Music Fund Working Group, community members, and staff to share priorities for funding and learn the latest information about next steps and ways to be involved in the process. September 19, 2019 – City Council Action Live Music Fund Working Group was established.

December 2, 2019 – Music Commission Meeting Live Music Fund was established through Ordinance No. 20190919-149.