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Red River Cultural District May 2026 Updates Downtown Commission OUR MISSION In an ever-changing ATX, we seek to preserve and grow Red River's creative, business, and music scene. As a community rooted in artists, musicians, performers, music venues, small cultural businesses, the District embodies the soul and heart of Austin. institutions and The Red River Cultural District is acreative community providingauthentic Austin experiences throughdiverse local music, art and food forevery fan and guest. DESTINATION RED RIVER The Cultural District boundaries extend north to south from 15th St to 4th St creating Austin’s “Music Mile” With I-35 as our border to the east and supporting businesses and partners on Trinity, Neches, and 6th St to the west we are home to 50+ businesses. UPDATES RED RIVER ECONOMIC IMPACT RED RIVER ECONOMIC IMPACT CULTURAL DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN We embarked on updating our 10 year old strategic plan for release in 2026. Provide 5+ Year Vision & Direction: Serving as a roadmap for decision making, strategic partnerships, financial planning, and policy advocacy. Elevate RRCD: Establish the organization as a trusted leader and steward, strengthening efforts toward a successful and sustainable future. Examine Red River as a Place: Focus on Red River's future as a key destination, community asset, and the heart of Austin's live music scene. Broad Stakeholder Engagement: Gather input from partners, fans, and the wider community to understand aspirations and constraints. CULTURAL DISTRICT PRIORITIES STRATEGIC PLAN Music Industry Investment Preservation and Evolution Built Environment Safety Coordination of eastern side of Downtown Programming and Festivals CULTURAL DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN CULTURAL DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN CULTURAL DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN CULTURAL DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN CULTURAL CURRENTS Cultural Currents is a multi-format exhibition and storytelling initiative by the Red River Cultural District that celebrates, preserves, and promotes the neighborhood’s rich musical heritage, cultural traditions, and century-deep history. Rooted in place-based narratives, the project shines a light on the people, venues, and creative energy that have shaped Red River into one of Austin’s most vibrant cultural destinations. CULTURAL CURRENTS Self guided music history walking tour featuring posters that showcase the histories of 15+ landmark venues across the District. CULTURAL CURRENTS Red River Podcast: Stories of Music, Culture and Community with 12 episodes CULTURAL CURRENTS Red River Quarterly Zine Web-based storytelling map, learn the people, places, and stories that shaped Austin’s music scene DISTRICT DIALOGUES A quarterly series that brings together artists, cultural historians, local organizations, companies, and the public to raise awareness about the importance of music heritage and its role in shaping our local austin and Red River identity. WHY NOT WEDNESDAY The Red River Cultural District has always been the heartbeat of Austin’s live music scene. From legendary venues to community-driven festivals, this neighborhood thrives when people come together to experience music, food, and culture side by side. That’s why we launched Why Not Wednesdaysa new monthly tradition designed to keep Austin connected to the District all year long. LEVERAGING INVESTMENT Equitable Cultural District Funding: $150,000 Fund Commitment: Years Total : (4) Four Current Year: (2 ) Two $400,000 in Festival Support for Hot Summer Nights + Free Week $60,000 in Music Heritage Project “Cultural Currents” $20,000 in Why Not Wednesday Support $20,000 in District Dialogoues Support RED RIVER IMPACT 2025 $105K+ DIRECT SUPPORT TO MUSICIANS +31% from 2024 1040+ MUSICIANS SUPPORTED +22% from 2024 $550K+ ECONOMIC IMPACT ATTRIBUTED TO FESTIVALS $50K+ DIRECT SUPPORT TO CREATIVES 55% FIRST TIME ARTISTS SUPPORTED AT FESTIVALS 30K FESTIVAL ATTENDEES 18 VENUES SUPPORTED 19 LOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORTED $300K IN KIND SUPPORT 2 CULTURAL FESTIVALS SUPPORTED $37K FESTIVAL MARKETING INVESTMENT KEY SUPPORT NEEDED Safety and Environment in the District Music Industry Investment Citywide Density Bonus Program - Phase 2, Red River Subdistrict support for cultural space prioritization Cultural District Overlay - offering placed based incentives towards evolving and preserving cultural spaces in the District Wayfinding Strategic coordination of Eastern Downtown via City Council directed Working Group / alternative THANK YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE OR WANT TO GET IN TOUCH www.redriverculturaldistrict.org Instagram: @redriverculturaldistrict Facebook: @redriverculturaldistrict