When Paul Uribe was asked by a local event promoter to perform with his band Mariachi Capital at the Party At The People’s House mini-festival at city hall in late June, he was so taken by the event’s anti-hate crime intent that he discounted the group’s normal rate of $100 per musician, per hour rate […]
Austin Music Commission
The Austin Music Commission guides city practices on music development issues, including the SxSW music festival.
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Live Music Fund reforms see improved compliance among local musicians
City staff told members of the Music Commission on Monday that nearly all recipients in the current cycle of the city’s Live Music Fund grant program are in compliance with reporting requirements — a marked improvement from the program’s pilot year, when dozens of musicians failed to complete necessary documentation. Staff attributed the stronger performance […]
Posted inAustin
ACME previews grant updates, community plans at Music Commission meeting
The city’s newly formed Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) is moving forward with a restructuring of cultural funding programs, with plans to complete new grant guidelines by mid-summer, launch applications in August, and distribute funding by early next year. At Monday’s meeting of the Music Commission, assistant director Morgan Messick detailed the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Music Commission, staff weigh final criteria for next Live Music Fund grants
The Music Commission is weighing several potential changes to the city’s Live Music Fund grant program, including the removal of criteria tied to languages spoken and census tract residency, clearer definitions of what qualifies as a live music venue, and a greater emphasis on artist accomplishments rather than personal income or access to financial lending. […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Bills covering DEI, handguns draw concern from Music Commission
A proposed state bill that would allow licensed handguns into events held on government property was met with concern by members of the Music Commission on Monday. House Bill 1715, which has been proposed for this year’s legislative session, was one of the bills discussed during a briefing from city staff on how city programs […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
City looks to expand budget, recipients for Live Music Fund
The city appears set to increase the number of awards in its Live Music Fund grant program, with specific considerations given to the needs of veteran and emerging artists looking to promote events or create work that could enhance the local tourism economy. The proposed changes, which are still being evaluated and likely expanded by […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Music Commission to explore opening parks spaces for community, cultural events
The Music Commission has signaled it intends to ask the city to waive fees and streamline the administrative processes involved in allowing small community groups to hold arts and music events in local parks facilities. Last week’s meeting included discussion prompted by a request from the Sunday Sessions arts and wellness group to ask the […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Working group to study feedback, surveys for city’s $4.5M Live Music Fund
The Music Commission has formed a working group to evaluate the execution of the second year of the Live Music Fund, which recently awarded $4.5 million to just over 100 musicians, promoters and music venues throughout the area. The group was formed partially in response to early feedback on the program collected by the advocacy […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Music Commission wants STR taxes to increase Live Music Fund awards
The Music Commission wants to increase funding for the Live Music Fund from its current $4.5 million total, and could push for hotel taxes from short-term rental sites as a funding source. At last week’s meeting, the commission received an update from the Music and Entertainment Division about the nearly 1,200 applicants for this year’s […]
Posted inBudget
Music Commission asks city to find space, assistance for Texas Music Museum
The Music Commission has asked the city to step in quickly to provide storage space for the archives of the Texas Music Museum, with $850,000 sought in the near future to help the nonprofit organization remain viable and secure a permanent home. The recommendation approved unanimously on Monday asks City Council to quickly approve a […]
Posted inPlanning
Arts, music commissioners want new convention center to support Austin creatives
Members of the Music Commission and Arts Commission have assembled a list of 31 recommendations detailing how the reconstructed Austin Convention Center could best support the local creative community. The recommendations from the Urban Core Land Use Working Group, which includes two members of each commission as well as development and event professionals, was scheduled […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Music Commission considers space, funding options for Texas Music Museum
The Music Commission plans to ask the city to provide emergency storage space and funding for the Texas Music Museum, which is facing overcrowding at its East Austin location and the possible loss of gratis storage space in an Austin Police Department warehouse. At Monday’s meeting, commissioners heard a presentation from museum leaders and discussed […]