Austin City Council approves relief for live music venues
AUSTIN, Texas - Austin City Council has approved two resolutions that direct the City Manager to evaluate strategies for supporting the economic recovery and sustainability of Austin's live music "creative ecosystem."
Resolution 20200521-95:
This resolution directs City Manager Spencer Cronk to ensure the long-term sustainability of Austin's creative culture, which includes both the arts and music industry. This includes such options as creating an economic corporation, making city-owned buildings available as creative spaces, and making the Music Commission revisit the Live Music Fund.
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“The live music community is the heart and soul of Austin, and in the face of these significant challenges, it needs our support,” said District 9 Council Member Kathie Tovo. “I’m proud to sponsor this initiative to ensure that our iconic music venues remain a vibrant and essential component of our City’s cultural presence and economic success. Making strategic, long-term investments in our musicians, artists and local businesses will benefit our community in immeasurable ways.”
Resolution 20200521-96:
This resolution also directs Cronk to complete the ongoing work of creating an economic development entity that could advance different community benefits during the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes potentially acquiring venue space to prevent the displacement of Red River Cultural District businesses. The resolution also directs staff to consider strategies such as adjusting fees and permitting requirements for music venues and considering using the Live Music Fund for payroll assistance.
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"These resolutions lay the foundation for a more sustainable future for Austin’s music and creative communities,” said Mayor Steve Adler. “They address the immediate needs of musicians and creatives and further institutional changes necessary to make sure we exit this pandemic in a stronger and better place.”
Both resolutions were sponsored by Mayor Adler and co-sponsored by Council Members Kathie Tovo, Greg Casar, Natasha Harper-Madison, and Ann Kitchen.
“The Music Commission has been working with a diverse collaboration of music professionals and city advocates to identify the best solutions to preserve the spaces and livelihoods of our venues, musicians and music industry workers during this critical time,” said musician and District 9 Music Commissioner Patrice Pike. “This resolution is an important step in that direction, and I’m excited to see it moving forward.”
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