Reopening Relief Grant To Support Austin Musicians

AUSTIN, TX — The City of Austin Economic Development Department is reopening the Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund on August 10, 2020, to reach additional local musicians facing hardships due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund is a $1.5 million fund providing $1,000 grants to Austin’s musicians to cover emergency needs.
 
“We have revised eligibility to ensure that grant guidelines accommodate more of our local musicians,” explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Acting Director for the City of Austin Economic Development Department. “The reopening of the Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund will ensure that these recovery dollars serve immediate needs like rent and groceries for those musicians struggling since the pandemic hit Austin.”
 
The Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20200423-067 on April 23, 2020 to designate $1.5 million for the Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund.

Musicians that experienced an economic hardship due to COVID-19 may apply for a $1,000 grant to cover immediate emergency needs.

The Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund application link will be live and accepting eligible submissions through the MusiCares Foundation on a first-come-first-served basis starting on Monday, August 10 at 10 AM CST.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must reside in a City Council district and be able to document their participation as a professional Austin musician.
 
In reopening the Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund, City staff have updated eligibility and removed previous documentation requirements.

Applicants are no longer required to upload financial statements and income questions have been simplified.

Additionally, those who previously received the national MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund are now eligible to receive this City grant, and will be notified directly about updated eligibility.
 
Grant eligibility requirements and application questions may be previewed at ATXrecovers.com. Austin musicians are encouraged to prepare their answers and documentation prior to the launch date.
 
Application Preview:
Starting Thursday, August 6
 
Application Opens:
Monday, August 10 10:00 AM CDT
 
Application Closes:
Until funding is expended
 
City staff is working with local organizations and music industry leaders to help promote the Austin Music Disaster Relief Fund across musician communities.

As part of an existing partnership with the City of Austin, the Austin Music Foundation will provide consultation to potential applicants needing help preparing documentation for the application.

Staff will be available to assist in developing an artist bio, creating a resume, and compiling a list of canceled events – which are all supporting documents that will be uploaded through the application website. 

Applicants can contact Austin Music Foundation for assistance by email at atxrecovers@austinmusicfoundation.org.
 
For additional questions, contact the City of Austin Economic Development Department by email MusicDisasterRelief@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-978-7769.