The City of Austin Economic Development Department is singing a new tune for local musicians and promoters, setting aside a whopping $4.5 million in grants to keep the city's moniker as the Live Music Capital of the World echoing loud and clear. The 2024 Austin Live Music Fund is doling out grants ranging from $15,000 to $60,000, meant for professional musicians, bands, independent promoters, and live music venues that amp up tourism and convention business in the city.
Starting Tuesday, May 21, the application lines will be open for the music community to snag a share of the funds intended to cover costs for live and online music events, studio and video production, music broadcasting, and merchandise sales. According to the city's announcement, these grants aim at drawing in both visitors and potential tourists — vibrantly illustrating that Austin isn't just about keeping it weird, but also about keeping the tunes rolling.
In a statement from the city's office, Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department, got to the heart of the matter: "Music is not just a melody; it is the heartbeat of Austin—enriching our diverse culture and driving our presence as the Live Music Capital of the World. Supporting our local music industry isn’t just an investment in entertainment; it is an investment in the soul and prosperity of our city."
But it's not a free-for-all. Stringent eligibility requirements mean applicants must either live within the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area or, for venues, be situated in the city's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. And the competition is expected to be fierce, with applications judged on various factors including economic impact, programming, and past access — or lack thereof — to City of Austin support. Hopeful participants can tune up their proposals and apply until the deadline sings its final note at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18.
Those looking to make a play for the funds can review the detailed eligibility and application process on the Austin Live Music Fund website. It's the city's latest move to back the beat-makers who put Austin on the map and keep it at the forefront of the music scene — one grant at a time.
