Save Austin Venues Looks To Revitalize City's Live Music Scene

NORTH AUSTIN, TX—On any given day other than in 2020, Austin was known to draw crowds of tourists by the multitudes, thanks in large part to its vibrant live music scene. Cut to March 2020, and we began to see those audiences shrink to the brink of non-existent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the pandemic's wake, efforts emerged to breathe new life to Austin's struggling live music industry. For its part, the City of Austin Economic Development Department launched the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund, with the Austin City Council establishing the $15 million Save Austin's Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund through Ordinance No. 20201001-052.

On December 3, 2020, Austin City Council adopted the final guidelines for the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund via Resolution No. 20200103-013. In partnership with the City of Austin, the Long Center for the Performing Arts will offer application assistance, process applications and administer grant funds.

Distributed in two phases, the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund will provide Emergency Funding (Phase 1) and will accept applications through Monday, January 11, 2021 at 5 p.m. Eligible applicants at immediate risk of closure will receive a $20,000 grant, which the Long Center will distribute in December 2020 and January 2021.

Services that will be available to applicants receiving emergency funding include: legal and accounting services; real estate advice and guidance on lease negotiations; and other professional services and long-term planning from community experts.

Eligible Applicants:

• Live music venues must be located in a City of Austin City Council District
• Meet the City of Austin’s definition of a live music venue
• Proof of significantly reduced operations since March 2020
• A substantial likelihood of closing permanently absent assistance
• Incurred or plans to incur COVID-19 mitigation and/or protective equipment expenses
• Meet or exceed the City’s COVID-19 guidelines

Ineligible Applicants:

• Applicant’s business is permanently closed
• Applicants who are full time, permanent City of Austin employees
• Applicant’s business does not meet all the eligibility requirements

Required Information:

• Secretary of State Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Physical Address
• Basic Demographic Information
• Attestation that Venue meets Live Music Venue Definition in City Code
• Attestation of Emergency Need

To learn more about the Austin Live Music Preservation Fund, or full details on eligibility and to apply for assistance, click HERE.