The City of Austin Economic Development Department is now accepting applications for the Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant
The City of Austin Economic Development Department is now accepting applications for the Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant. The fund provides one-time, unrestricted $2,000 grants to local professional musicians, independent promoters, music composition, and music industry workers facing hardships due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This round of the Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant expands the eligibility criteria so more professional musicians, promoters, and workers qualify for support as our music industry continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic," explains Veronica Briseño, Chief Economic Recovery Officer for the City of Austin. "The $2.3 million available this years builds upon the $1.5 million we distributed in 2020 to ensure workers in this vital sector can afford immediate needs like rent and groceries."Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant application open until January 28 at 5:00 p.m.
The Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20210610-077 on June 10, 2021 to dedicate $4 million from Austin’s portion of the federal American Rescue Plan Act to support the local music industry. The City of Austin Economic Development Department allocated $2.3 million of that funding for this grant.
The Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant application is open until January 28, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. To be eligible for the program, applicants must work as a professional musician, independent promoter, or music industry worker; reside in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which includes Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, and Caldwell Counties; and be at least 18-years-old at the time of application. All applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated according to a scoring matrix.
An overview of the application process, scoring matrix, and eligibility requirements can be viewed on ATXrecovers.com.
Application Opens: Monday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. CST
Application Closes: Friday, January 28 at 5:00 p.m. CST
Informational Webinars
- Watch the Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant webinar in English
- Watch the Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant webinar in Spanish
As part of a partnership with the City of Austin Economic Development Department, The Long Center will process applications and administer grant funds. The Economic Development Department is also partnering with Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts (TALA) to help potential applicants prepare their applications.
For technical support and application status, contact The Long Center by email MusicDisasterRelief@thelongcenter.org or by phone 512-457-5130.
For eligibility questions and application assistance, contact TALA by email MusicDisasterRelief@talarts.org or by phone 512-575-2826.