In need of Artist Resources? Check out the list of City of Austin resources to help you find arts funding, apply to a program or learn business skills.
Funding
The City of Austin offers funding for a number of cultural uses, from community initiatives and festivals to operations. Heritage, Music, and Cultural Arts Divisions of the Economic Development Department are rethinking and developing pilot programs to be launched in 2022. Stay tuned for more information here.
Other Opportunities & Programs
The Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) commissions artworks, ranging from murals and sculptures to functional architectural elements, for new and remodeled public facilities. By City ordinance, 2% of all eligible capital improvement project budgets are allocated to commission or purchase public art for that site.
For upcoming artist calls visit austintexas.gov/department/aipp
Neighborhood Partnering Program
Managed by the Public Works Department, the Neighborhood Partnering Program (NPP) provides opportunities for community and neighborhood organizations to affect public improvements by sharing in the costs of those efforts with the City of Austin government. Public improvements could include such things as works of public art, beautification and enhancement projects, community gardens, and more.
The People’s Gallery is a free exhibition of the work of Austin-area artists within the City of Austin’s City Hall. An opening reception kicks-off the new exhibit each year and the exhibit remains on display for one year.
The Austin Public Library system (APL) is composed of a Central Library and 20 branch locations that all offer performance and exhibition opportunities. To locate the various branches around Austin please visit library.austintexas.gov/locations
To view current exhibits offered by The Austin Public Library please visit library.austintexas.gov/events/exhibits
To partner with the City’s Library system to host an event or exhibit visit https://library.austintexas.gov/collaboration-request
The Dougherty Arts Center Artist Opportunities
The Dougherty Arts Center offers professional development for artists through classes, workshops, meetups, and our Artist Resource Center.
Artist Access Program in the Parks Department provides free rehearsal space and low-cost performance space for Austin-based artists.
ASAP: Art Space Assistance Program
The Art Space Assistance Program (ASAP) provides grants to support non-profits facing permanent displacement, those previously displaced, or those facing lease renewals at substantially higher rates amidst a volatile real estate market. Grants will be made on a competitive basis with priority given to organizations confronting immediate and critical needs.
Creative Content Incentive Program
The City of Austin offers incentives to qualifying film, television, video game, and visual effects projects equal to 0.50% of wages paid to local workers. Projects produced by an Austin-based company or which significantly promote Austin may be eligible for an additional 0.25% incentive for a total incentive of 0.75%.
Media Production and Development Zone Incentive
The Media Production and Development Zone incentive, nominated by the City of Austin and administered by the Texas Film Commission, is a two-year exemption on sales and use taxes charged on select equipping of a media production facility.
Professional Development
Artists and creatives are businesses too! Make sure to check out some of the professional development opportunities and small business services that cater specifically to artists and creatives.
The Family Business Loan Program is a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, HUD, and participating private lenders to offer low-interest loans to qualified small businesses that are expanding and creating jobs. If you think this is the right program for you or if you would like to get more information, call (512)978-2502 to set an appointment to discuss your project with a Loan Program Advisor.
Classroom education on a wide range of relevant small business topics is available at a low cost. Taught by The University of Texas Professional Development Program, these classes can really help the small business owner become better prepared for the day-to-day management of a business. Participants who complete any six classes will receive a Business Success Skills Certificate. A complete list of upcoming classes and events at austintexas.gov/smallbiz
Looking for even more services for artists? Check out the Small Business Resource Directory for services on other local, state, and national agencies that support the arts.