The Economic Development Department’s Cultural Arts Funding Program supports cultural arts programs for the Austin community by contracting with arts organizations for specific services.
The Cultural Arts Division has administered various funding programs since 1981 through the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) authorized by state law.
Current Funding Opportunities
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Nexus - Offers $5,000 for new and emerging creatives.
About our Programs
Thrive, Elevate, and Nexus cultural funding programs were developed in consultation with Austin’s creative community from 2019-2022. Funding prioritizes equity through a combination of seed funding, broad sector support, and targeted investment. Read the Cultural Funding Report (English, Spanish).
Measure Report
The Cultural Funding Program includes Thrive, Elevate, Nexus, and the Austin Live Music Fund. Supported by the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), the program provides arts and music activities for Austin by contracting with individuals and organizations of the creative community. Funding aims to prioritize equity through a combination of seed funding, broad sector support, and targeted investment. Read the Measure Maximizing Impact Report.
Survey: Cultural Arts & Music Funding
We want to hear your thoughts!
Our cultural arts and music programming is designed to support the creative ecosystem in Austin. Share your thoughts on Thrive, Elevate, Nexus, and the Austin Live Music Fund to inform future programming. This survey will be open through July 2025.
Helpful Resources
- Office Hours
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Join program staff for Virtual Open Office Hours every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to Noon. Schedule subject to change based on office closures.
- City of Austin Arts Commission
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Find information on agendas, members, upcoming meetings, and more at the Arts Commission website.
Access City Council meeting recordings, including Budget Work Sessions with the ATXN Video Archive.
To filter for Arts Commission events:
- Click on the “Boards and Commissions” tab
- Select “Arts Commission” from the “Filter by Subcategory” dropdown menu
- Apply to be a Panelist
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Learn about review panelist responsibilities and apply.