The City of Austin is set for a creative overhaul, with the Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) spearheading The Creative Reset, a major, year-long, community-led initiative aiming to redefine Austin's cultural scene. According to City of Austin announcement, the program kicks off with an upgrade to the City’s cultural funding programs—like the aptly named programs such as Nexus, Thrive, and Elevate Grants, as well as the Austin Live Music Fund, Creative Space Assistance Program, the Heritage Preservation Grant, and the Art in Public Places Program.
Residents from every corner of Austin, encouraged by ACME, can have their say through a series of engagement methods. With a citywide survey that stays available through June 5, locals have the option to lend their voices to the conversation. Alongside participating in focus groups or initiating discussions with a free downloadable toolkit, public listening sessions with ACME Director Angela Means are due to follow suit next month. "This marks a pivotal moment in the City’s commitment to its cultural sector," Means is quoted in the announcement.
"The Creative Reset isn’t just a single initiative—it’s a year-long process grounded in collaboration. It’s about bringing artists, musicians, historians, creatives, and community voices together to reimagine how Austin nurtures its creative spirit. We're building this brand-new Department together. We want every voice at the table," Director Means told the publication.
The collected feedback in Phase 1 of the initiative will not just sit gathering dust. It is planned for it to be actionable, driving the development of new program guidelines that will prioritize accessibility, transparency, and integrate community priorities staunchly. In keeping the public looped in, a dashboard will soon launch, allowing everyone to track the initiative's progress and review, using their input on how it's being used throughout the Creative Reset's duration.
