REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION July 7, 2025 6:30 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Music Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Pedro Carvalho – Vice Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission meeting on June 2, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Formal endorsements of community programs and events briefing by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment Division. 3. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 4. FY23 Austin Live Music Fund final reports briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Video licensing of local musicians at the airport following presentation by Louie Carr, Own Path Media and Steve Carlos Kirk, Streak Systems. 6. Presentation on grant opportunities with non-profit organization, Housing Opportunities for Musicians & Entertainers (HOME Austin) by Hanna Cofer, Executive Director, HOME. 7. ACME funding guidelines update by Angela Means, Director and Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME). DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 8. Approval of recommendation for performance rights organizations and transparency in licensing revenue distribution practices following presentation by Secretary Strickland. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 7/07/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 7.02.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund May 2025 w/ Encumbrances $352,635 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $3,216,539 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $352,635 $816,197 $48,397 $316,607 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September
FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot - Compliance Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Music Commission Meeting July 7, 2025 FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 367 Awardees for “Specific Future Projects” o 41 $5,000 Grant Awards o 326 $10,000 Grant Awards • Grant Agreements executed Oct–Dec 2023 • Agreement extensions provided to ensure 12-month terms and for compliant Awardees needing more time for awarded “Specific Future Projects” FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot Pilot Program Challenges • • Flawed Economic Development Department (EDD) Portal Large number of grant agreements Application / Reporting System • Switching from EDD Portal to Google reporting forms for static reporting templates • Awarding “Specific Future Projects” when music industry activities are fluid and often subject to change • Awardee inexperience with grant processes and expectations • Awardee personal challenges FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 4 Awardees forfeited before receiving any funds • 1 Awardee did interim report evidencing the 1st payment but paid back the 2nd payment (40% of award) and did not receive the 3rd payment of (10% of award) • 56 remaining non-compliant Awardees – Still Attempting Communication o 33 submitted an interim report evidencing the 1st payment, but no final report o 23 submitted no interim report ACME Awardee Non-Compliance Steps • STEP 1 - 1st Notice sent via e-mail to Awardee who is at least 15 business days delinquent in submitting report. Awardee has 10 business days to submit report or contact ACME. E-mail sent by ACME Grant Agreement Manager. • STEP 2 - 2nd Notice sent by certified mail to Awardee who is at least 30 business days delinquent or has submitted an incomplete report after the first delinquent notice. Awardee has 5 business days to submit a complete report. Letter signed by ACME Grant Agreement Manager. *Applicant will not be granted program extension request after second notice. • STEP 3 - Termination Notice sent by certified mail to Awardee who has not responded to and/or provided corrections or additional information. Letter signed by ACME Music & Entertainment Division Manager. Copy of Termination Notice sent to ACME Department Director. FY 2024 Austin Live Music Fund • 136 grant awards accepted out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations out of 136 …
Scaling Equity & Innovation in Austin Music A Model for Sustainable Creative Infrastructure Presented to: Austin Music Commission Created by: Louie Carr, Steve Carlos Kirk, Nathalie Phan Presented by: Louie Carr Date: July 7th, 2025 This presentation is a collaborative effort built from lived artist experiences, technical innovation, and forward-thinking policy strategy. Our goal is to help the Commission envision a long- term investment in infrastructure that makes Austin’s music economy more equitable, visible, and sustainable. Opening Vision "Austin doesn’t just have a music scene — it has a music economy. But that economy needs infrastructure. Not just stages, but systems. This is the blueprint." We built a framework that pays artists, showcases local talent, and doesn’t rely on the presence of a physical audience. In a city where affordability and visibility are growing challenges for musicians, this system creates a reliable and equitable pathway for music to remain a core part of Austin’s identity. What We Built (ABIA Recap) JetStream Fest: A collaborative livestream initiative with 23 participating airports across North America — streamed to over 46,000 viewers. Austin’s participation helped center local artists in a national cultural moment. Exterity VDMS System: Over 250 screen endpoints installed throughout ABIA allow seamless digital programming — from gate lounges to baggage claims — all controlled from a single hub. Remote-Controlled Stage: The Asleep at the Wheel performance demonstrated that we can operate a fully professional livestream performance — including lighting, sound, and camera ops — without a single person physically on site. Integrated Signage and Social Streaming: The system isn’t siloed — it connects to social media channels and physical signage across the airport, creating a scalable, multi-platform experience. Impact: ABIA has become one of Austin’s most functional and artist-supportive venues — without being a traditional music venue. It proves that with the right tools, any space can become a cultural amplifier. Artist Voices I love the opportunity to play shows at the airport. Having a regular paying gig, in a space where you meet people from all over the world. Travelers always tell me at my gigs how much their experience has been enhanced from having live music throughout the airport. It makes people happy, it gets them through waiting for their flights. It's a welcoming hello and reminder of time spent here in this vibrant city. A pilot even tipped me at my last gig at the airport...people care …
THE NEXT CHAPTER THE NEXT CHAPTER City of Austin Music Commission Presentation 7.7.2025 Hanna Cofer, Executive Director The HOME Mission HOME creates housing security for aging Austin area musicians. Criteria: Must be at least 55 years old Must have 20+ years history as a working musician in Central Texas Must reside within 70 miles of Austin Must show economic hardship The Need Aging musicians who defined Austin as the Music Capital of the World are operating without a safety net. The Solution: Provide housing assistance to alleviate a significant fiscal burden and allow these legends to age with dignity in their own homes and to stay in Austin, the city of their choice. The Austin housing crisis is growing, creating an increased burden on the creative sector which is causing many to leave the City. Many musicians are reliant on monthly income to pay housing bills, creating delinquency or other crisis when faced with unexpected circumstances such as illness or injury The Solution: Create temporary assistance for housing expenses while connecting musicians with additional services through a partner referral system. The Solution: Make emergency funding available with little effort and a quick turnaround time to give musicians a stopgap in difficult times. Annual Grant Program Emergency Grants Grants of $200 - 1,300 per month ongoing Annual cycle with reapplications required for following fiscal year consideration Payable directly to landlord, utility company, mortage company, etc. Strictly for housing expenses (rent, utilities, house insurance, mortgage, etc) One-time $500 grants for emergency situations Payable directly to artist Short grant application, 1-2 week turnaround time (applications approved administratively) Artists can apply once per calendar year An Increasing Need Age Breakdown of HAAM Clients 2024 Clients Age 50+ 652 2034 Clients Age 50+ 1,290+ Musicians Received HOME Grant Support (as of 7.2025) 304 Expansion Impact Grow Capacity for Emergency Grants to 100 Annually Annual Grants Doubled by Year 3 150+ Artists Served Annually within 2 years 100 80 60 40 20 0 Annual Grants Emergency Grants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 The Team Board of Directors Nancy Coplin (President) Eve Monsees (Vice-President) Jaye Stepp (Treasurer) Denise Boudreaux (Secretary) Marcia Ball Deb Fleming Marsha Milam Shelley King Carolyn Wonderland Judy Cantilo Kimmie Rhodes Advisory Council Susan Antone, Ruthie Foster, Becky Tomblin, Darcie Fromholz, Leah Davies, Sarah Brown, Reenie Collins, Akina Adderly, Lindsey Bailey, Catarina Mazuca 2025 BUDGET Use of Funds Overhead 6.2% Program Staff 19% …
ACME Funding Program Updates What’s New? The ACME team undertook a rigorous community engagement effort during the Spring-Summer 2025 with an aim to improve funding programs that impact the creative community in Austin, TX. Our community input via “The Creative Reset” showed us great opportunities to enhance, align, and maximize our program goals. Check out the highlights of what’s new. Unified Funding Goals & Improved User Experience • Familiar grant programs, with enhanced eligibility, transparency, and processes to build community trust • A new guideline format creates one set of funding program guidelines vs. individual guidelines with ACME priorities elevated, creating alignment across all funding programs • Application improvements include streamlined intake processes and eligibility screenings before applications open • Funding priorities are clearly defined to focus on creative space, arts nonprofit, and artist resiliency • Enhanced transparency and accessibility will be a focus as we move through our application process Eligibility, Scoring, Evaluation & Grant Awards • Eligibility groups like applicants together to create more alignment in the competitive categories (e.g. nonprofits with space compete as a category, nonprofits without space compete as a separate category, etc.) • Universal Appeals process adopted across ACME programs • Bonus points are now awarded to organizations who experienced federal funding recensions in the current fiscal year from NEA, IMLS, NEH in applicable programs • Operating budgets of eligible nonprofits inform grant award amounts, optimizing investments • Strengthened policies to prevent conflicts-of-interest and double dipping of grant funds, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to more individuals and organizations • Fiscal Sponsorship requirements have been strengthened while remaining optional • Award amounts have changed across programs, reflecting community and commission feedback • Panel Process Improvements include the use of “Olympic style scoring” and a narrative of video “applicant framing statement” opportunity to share more about the organization, project, and goals (non-scored) The next ACME Funding Program application will open in Fall of 2025. ACME Funding Programs: Eligibility At a Glance FUND SOURCE Cultural Arts Fund (HOT) Live Music Fund (HOT) General & Incentive Funds APPLICANT CATEGORY Thrive Elevate Nexus ALMF CSAP Historic Preservation Fund (HOT) Capital Projects (Requires historic designation and highlights the site’s local history) Heritage Events (History-informed preservation project that highlights the site’s local history) 501 (c)(3) Arts Nonprofit (Federal designation) Arts Nonprofit (State designation) 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit (Federal designation) Arts Group Individual Artist Musician / Promoter Live Music Venue Creative Space …
Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Austin's Creative Heartbeat Angela Means, ACME Director July 2025 The Profound Impact of Arts & Culture According to the Texas Cultural Trust 2025 State of the Arts Report 2 Birth of ACME: Answering Austin's Call Born from Community Passion ACME was established after decades of community advocacy for prioritizing arts and music in Austin's identity and governance. Perfect Timing Created during a critical funding shortage for the arts, when traditional sources like bank loans, donations, and federal grants were diminishing. Preserving Austin's Soul Art, music, and culture represent the heart of Austin—the unique vibe that retains locals and attracts visitors. 3 ACME's First Year: Building Trust Through Action 1 Community-Centered Approach Established transparency, active listening, and consistent availability to all stakeholders as core operational principles. 2 Effective Advocacy Successfully mediated resolutions during the controversial Airport expansion and Convention Center demolition projects, protecting local artists and artwork. 3 Research & Benchmarking Analyzed historical community data and conducted national/state benchmarking to identify best practices and industry standards. 4 The Creative Reset: Strategic Vision One-Year Strategic Planning Process Launched The Creative Reset (TCR) to establish ACME's mission, vision, goals, and measurable outcomes. Comprehensive Program Evaluation Reimagining our funding programs, cultural facilities, and special events through a data-driven approach. PHASE 1: Enhanced Funding Programs Austin Live Music Fund, Heritage Preservation , Nexus, Elevate, Thrive, Creative Space Assistance Program and Art in Public Places (AIPP) 5 Our Foundation: Listen First, Act Second ACME revolutionized our approach to community outreach, resulting in unprecedented participation in only 3 weeks! 1,200+ Survey Responses We gathered a broad spectrum of community perspectives. 70 200 Citywide Attendees Our citywide sessions saw active participation from over 200 individuals, fostering widespread dialogue. 50+ Staff Participants Dedicated staff members actively engaged in the process, ensuring internal alignment and expertise. 100 Targeted Focus Groups Through focused discussions, individuals contributed valuable insights in our targeted focus groups. Personalized One-on-One Sessions We conducted personalized one-on- one sessions, offering tailored opportunities for individual input. 6 What We Heard: Community Voices Shaping Our Path Affordability & Cost Barriers Addressing rising costs and financial barriers to participation. Process & Transparency Streamlining the grant application process and enhancing organizational accountability. Funding & Sustainability Ensuring adequate funding levels, fair distribution, and long-term financial health. 7 Venue Access, Transportation, Parking & Geographic Equity Expanding access to spaces with geographic equity. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion …
Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Program Guidelines - what’s new? Presented by Morgan Messick Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Music Commission Meeting | July 7, 2025 What’s new for ACME Funding Programs? Unified Funding Goals & Improved User Experience • Familiar grant programs, with enhanced eligibility, transparency, and processes to build community trust • A new guideline format creates one set of funding program guidelines vs. individual guidelines with ACME priorities elevated, creating alignment across all funding programs • Application improvements include streamlined intake processes and eligibility screenings before applications open • Funding priorities are clearly defined to focus on creative space, arts nonprofit, and artist resiliency • Enhanced transparency and accessibility will be a focus as we move through our application process See the full “What’s New?” document at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Eligibility, Scoring, Evaluation & Grant Awards • Eligibility groups like applicants together to create more alignment in the competitive categories (e.g. nonprofits with space compete as a category, nonprofits without space compete as a separate category, etc.) • Universal Appeals process adopted across ACME programs • Strengthened policies to prevent conflicts-of-interest and double dipping of grant funds, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to more individuals and organizations • Award amounts have changed across programs, reflecting community and commission feedback See the full “What’s New?” document at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Measuring Program Impacts Austin Live Music Fund Applicant Award Amount Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $5,000 Live Music Venue with operating budget over $100,000 $70,000 Grant Awards are for one and two-year terms and are based on the amount the awardee selects in their application that most appropriately matches their needs. Scoring Criteria Creative Space Assistance Program Applicant Award Amount All Applicants must have at least a $120,000 operating budget: • Live Music Venue • Performance Venue / Theatre • Museum / Art Gallery • Multi-Use $60,000 Grant Awards are for a one-year term and are based on the amount the awardee selects in their application that most appropriately matches their needs. Scoring Criteria Our Plan to Support the Ecosystem Realigning our Funding Programs • Access for All - Bridge legacy organizations and emerging creatives • Enhance Transparency - Demonstrate accountability measures and transparency tools that close the gap between community concerns and the funding process • Be of Service - Offer more support and resources Final Thoughts • We’ve listened …
DRAFT Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) _________________________ ACME Funding Program Guidelines 1 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT Table of Contents Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 3 ACME Funding Program Goals ................................................................................................................. 3 Funding Program Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 4 State of Texas Funding Requirements ...................................................................................................... 4 Expenses ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Awardee Requirements and Commitments .............................................................................................. 5 Grant Application .................................................................................................................................... 6 Evaluation & Review ................................................................................................................................ 6 Grant Agreements & Payments ................................................................................................................ 7 Accessibility Statement .......................................................................................................................... 8 Questions About Grant Guidelines? ......................................................................................................... 8 ACME FUNDING PROGRAM DETAILS ....................................................................................................... 9 Arts & Culture Grants........................................................................................................................... 9 Music & Venue Grants ........................................................................................................................ 14 Heritage Events & Landmark Capital Improvement Projects ................................................................. 19 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix A: Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix B: Panelists ......................................................................................................................... 29 Appendix C: Appeals Process ............................................................................................................. 32 Appendix D: Insurance Requirements ................................................................................................. 33 Appendix E: Reporting Requirements .................................................................................................. 34 Appendix F: Conflict-of-Interest Policy ................................................................................................ 37 2 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT ACME OVERVIEW ______________________________________ Overview In February 2025, the City of Austin created the O(cid:431)ice of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME), to better support the City’s ongoing work with Austin’s creative community, making the city a stronger place for arts, culture, and music. ACME will: • O(cid:431)er clear and direct support for artists and cultural groups, • Help grow the local economy, attract visitors, and build stronger communities, • Support partnerships between artists, cultural groups, and businesses, • Create open and accessible spaces that connect residents and tourists through arts and culture, strengthening community identity and promoting collective storytelling, and • Help build Austin’s identity as a global city for creativity ACME is committed to Building a Collaborative, Vibrant City. ACME Funding Program Goals Austin is home to many creatives that draw tourists and locals alike to the community. A central initiative of ACME is to invest in the creative economy and expand access and participation in arts, music, and heritage by providing grant funding for activities that enrich the public, broaden tourism, and contribute to a vibrant community. ACME supports our community by prioritizing the preservation of creative space, the elevation of arts and arts nonprofits, and through events, projects, and music that contribute to the cultural fabric of Austin. Our programs support all Austinites with a focus on historically underrepresented communities in funding. Our goals and measures of success align with city wide plans, such as Imagine Austin and the City-Wide Strategic Plan. 3 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT Funding Program Impacts Performance Measures to Support Program …
Resolution Supporting Consent Decree Reform for Performing Rights Organizations Submitted by: Austin Music Commission To: Austin City Council Date: [Insert Date] WHEREAS, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World and home to thousands of working musicians, songwriters, and music industry professionals whose livelihoods depend on fair compensation for the public use of their creative works; and WHEREAS, BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) are governed by federal consent decrees imposed by the U.S. Department of Justice, dating back to the 1940s, which mandate that they offer blanket licenses to any user upon request—even before compensation is negotiated or agreed upon; and WHEREAS, these consent decrees remove the ability of BMI and ASCAP to withhold licenses or say “no” to unfair offers, placing their songwriter members at a significant disadvantage in negotiations with powerful licensees such as streaming platforms, radio networks, and large-scale venues; and WHEREAS, competing performing rights organizations such as SESAC and Global Music Rights (GMR) are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions and are free to selectively license their catalogs, negotiate higher rates, and withhold music when terms are not favorable—creating a regulatory imbalance that undermines equity for songwriters; and WHEREAS, the Music Modernization Act of 2018, while advancing mechanical licensing practices through the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), does not address the performance royalty inequities created by the outdated consent decree structure; and WHEREAS, these outdated decrees hinder innovation, suppress fair market rates, and disproportionately harm independent and mid-level songwriters, many of whom rely on BMI and ASCAP as their primary representation in public performance licensing; and WHEREAS, federal policymakers have previously reviewed these decrees but failed to implement meaningful reform, in part due to political pressure from large trade associations representing bars, hotels, and broadcasters who benefit from below-market licensing rates; and WHEREAS, a modern and competitive music licensing framework is necessary to sustain the creative economy in Austin and ensure that all songwriters are compensated justly for the use of their work; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Music Commission recommends that the Austin City Council formally support federal consent decree reform, specifically the phasing out or modernization of the consent decrees that govern BMI and ASCAP, in order to restore fair negotiating rights and market parity for American songwriters. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Austin shall communicate this position …
Austin Music Commission Statement on Consent Decree Reform for Performing Rights Organizations As representatives of the Austin music community—home to thousands of working musicians, songwriters, and music industry professionals—the Austin Music Commission urges federal policymakers to re-examine and modernize the outdated consent decrees governing the operations of BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). These consent decrees, originating in the 1940s, were implemented to prevent anticompetitive behavior in the music licensing marketplace. However, in today’s complex and rapidly evolving digital economy, they no longer serve the interests of music creators. Under the current legal framework, BMI and ASCAP are required to offer licenses to any user— broadcasters, digital platforms, venues, etc.—upon request, regardless of whether payment or licensing terms have been agreed upon. This mandatory licensing obligation removes the organizations’ ability to withhold their catalogs during negotiations and weakens their leverage in securing fair market rates for the songwriters they represent. Meanwhile, other performing rights organizations, such as SESAC and Global Music Rights (GMR), are not bound by such consent decrees. These organizations can selectively license, demand higher payouts, and choose which artists to represent. This creates an uneven playing field in which BMI and ASCAP—who collectively represent the vast majority of American songwriters—are artificially constrained in negotiations while their competitors operate freely under modern market conditions. We believe the solution is not to expand outdated regulations to more organizations, but to relieve BMI and ASCAP from their decades-old consent decrees. By restoring their ability to negotiate in a truly free market, we can ensure all PROs operate under the same rules and songwriters are compensated more fairly across the board. Furthermore, we encourage Congress to take a closer look at the broader structural challenges facing music licensing—particularly the rate-setting procedures at the Copyright Royalty Board and the distribution of unmatched “black box” royalties—many of which continue to disproportionately benefit large publishers and platforms over the independent creators who power today’s music economy. As a city known for supporting creative talent, we stand in solidarity with the songwriters and music venues whose livelihoods depend on a fair and functional licensing system. We respectfully urge our federal partners to support reforms that restore equity and opportunity to the American songwriter. Signed, Austin Music Commission [Date]
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION June 2, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Pedro Carvalho – Vice Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on April 7 and May 5, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) Live Music Performances briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. 4. Cultural Funding Community Engagement briefing by Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME). DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. 2025 Texas Women’s Songwriters Festival following presentation by Mandy Rowen. 6. Recent increase in number of performance rights organizations and their licensing revenue distribution practices following presentation by Secretary Strickland. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Shelbi Mitchell at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Music Commission, please contact Shelbi Mitchell at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov.
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION May 5, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on March 3 and April 7, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Statistics report briefing by Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, ACME. 4. Cultural Funding Community Engagement briefing by Candice Cooper, Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) and Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, ACME. DISCUSSION ITEMS Input on recent increase in number of performance rights organizations and their licensing 5. revenue distribution practices with update from Michael Collins, Broadcast Media Inc. 6. Airport Music Program following presentation by Commissioner Strickland. 7. Artist in Residence Program at New Downtown Development following presentation by Megan Mills and Alex Perkins, Paseo ATX. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct elections for Vice Chair and Secretary for 2025-2026 term. 9. Select a music commission representative for Downtown Commission vacancy. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Shelbi Mitchell at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Music …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 5/05/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 4.28.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund March 2025 w/ Encumbrances $48,397 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $2,047,707 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $48,397 $316,607 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September
2024 Austin Live Music Fund Stats Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting – May 5, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 132 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (97%) • 132 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (97%) • 70 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (51%) • 18 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (13%) As of 5/1/25 C I TY O F A U S T I N
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT Resolution: Equity and Transparency in Performing Rights Organizations Submitted by the Austin Music Commission Whereas, the city of Austin, Texas is nationally recognized as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” contributing significantly to the cultural and economic vitality of the United States through its diverse music community; and Whereas, Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) play a critical role in administering the licensing and royalty distribution for public performances of copyrighted music; and Whereas, the current structure and practices of PROs have presented increasing challenges related to transparency, equitable compensation, and administrative accessibility for independent artists, small venues, and marginalized communities; and Whereas, the proliferation of PROs without standardized licensing practices has created confusion and compliance burdens, especially for community-based venues and nonprofit cultural institutions; and Whereas, there is a lack of publicly accessible and verifiable data on royalty distribution across demographic, geographic, and genre-based lines, impeding efforts to ensure equity and accountability; and Whereas, significant portions of unclaimed or unmatched “black box royalties” are often distributed to major rights holders by default, without sufficient efforts to trace the original creators, disproportionately impacting emerging and underrepresented artists; and Whereas, many creators, particularly from BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities, face barriers to entry in understanding and engaging with the copyright system, PRO registration, and royalty tracking due to systemic inequalities in access, education, and language; and Whereas, local artists and venue operators should not be penalized by licensing frameworks that do not reflect actual usage or local contributions to the cultural economy; and Whereas, the Copyright Office has initiated a Notice of Inquiry on these issues, signaling an opportunity for federal engagement and reform; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the United States Congress recognize the urgent need for reform in the operation of Performing Rights Organizations to ensure equity, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of royalties and licensing practices; and Be it further resolved that Congress direct the U.S. Copyright Office and other relevant agencies to: 1. Mandate transparency from PROs in royalty collection and distribution, including public reporting by genre, geography, and demographic data; 2. Standardize licensing structures to protect small, nonprofit, and local venues from undue burden; 3. Create mechanisms to trace and equitably distribute black box royalties, with a priority …
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT May 5, 2025 Dear Register Perlmutter and Members of Congress, On behalf of the Austin Music Commission, we appreciate the opportunity to submit our perspectives regarding the evolving landscape of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and their impact on our vibrant music community in Austin, Texas. Background Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," thrives on a rich tapestry of musical talent, encompassing songwriters, performers, venues, and a diverse array of music industry professionals. Our city's cultural and economic vitality is deeply intertwined with the health of its music ecosystem. Concerns Regarding PRO Proliferation and Practices We acknowledge the historical role of PROs in simplifying the licensing process for public performances of musical works. However, recent developments have raised concerns: 1. 2. 3. Proliferation of PROs: The increase in the number of PROs has introduced complexities for venues and businesses, leading to confusion over licensing requirements and potential legal vulnerabilities (U.S. Copyright Office) Transparency in Licensing and Royalty Distribution: A lack of comprehensive disclosure regarding the works covered by PRO licenses and the methodologies for royalty distribution undermines trust and fairness in the system (U.S. Copyright Office) Impact on Local Artists: Independent and emerging artists in Austin often face challenges in receiving equitable compensation, as current distribution practices may favor more prominent rights holders. Recommendations To address these issues, we propose the following: • • • Standardization of Licensing Practices: Implementing uniform guidelines across PROs can reduce confusion and ensure venues can comply without undue burden. Enhanced Transparency: Mandating clear disclosure of licensed works and detailed royalty distribution reports will foster accountability and allow artists to verify their earnings.(U.S. Copyright Office) Support for Independent Artists: Establishing mechanisms to ensure fair compensation for all artists, regardless of their commercial stature, will promote a more equitable music industry. What’s completely missing from mandates regarding PROs: 1. Racial & Genre Equity in Royalty Distribution What's missing: No current mandate requires PROs to report demographic or genre data on who is getting paid—and who is not. This leads to systemic underpayment or invisibility for BIPOC artists, particularly in genres like hip-hop, Latin, gospel, or regional roots music. Recommendation: • • Urge Congress to commission or require PROs to conduct equity audits. Request a breakdown of …
Artist in Residence Paseo Hotel & Residences MEET PASEO • Opening Fall 2025 at 80 Rainey Street • Hotel, residences and hospitality • 12th floor pool deck with bar service, in-house coffee shop + bar, coworking lounges, yoga studio, sauna, fitness center, 48th floor rooftop pool, chef’s kitchen, and more • A fully integrated living experience blending design, wellness and culture What is AIR? Paseo's Artist in Residence (AIR) Program offers artists a unique opportunity to create, collaborate, and celebrate Austin’s arts community—all while living rent-free. Located in the heart of Rainey Street, it’s designed to help artists shape culture and connect through their craft. We believe artists shape the soul of a neighborhood. By removing barriers, we give them the freedom to experiment and engage, nurturing creativity that brings Rainey to life. Building on the success of Moontower Phoenix AIR—now in its third year—we’re bringing this proven model to Austin to deepen our commitment to the arts and community. Teaser Video How It Works What We Provide: • • A rent-free apartment at Paseo for one year Full access to amenities: coworking, café & bar, pool deck, fitness spaces, and more What’s Expected: • Host community events that align with your craft • One major artistic contribution (mural, exhibition, performance, etc.) • • Engage the Paseo community + share your journey on social Submit a final portfolio + reflection at the end of the residency Who Can Apply: • • All artists working in any medium at any stage of their career Apply under Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Culinary Arts, Textile/Craft, or Other What's Next Help spread the word! Share with your networks. We’re calling on Austin’s creators to help shape the next chapter of Rainey Street. • • • • Applications open now through June 1 Panelist Judging in June o Jim Ritts – Paramount Theatre o Michael Hsu – Michael Hsu Office of Architecture o Ben Siegel – Banger’s + Rainey Business Coalition o Jackie Lee Young – Photographer & Creative Director o Matt Peters – Chef, Prélude + Maven o Heath Speakman – Co-founder, SprATX Artists announced early July Residency kicks off Fall 2025 Visit paseoatx.com/artist-in-residence to learn more and apply.
Cultural Funding Community Engagement Music Commission Briefing Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) May 5, 2025 Agenda 1. 2. 3. 4. ACME Funding Program Evaluation & Goals Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Funding Guideline Updates Community Engagement Timeline ACME Funding Programs - Evaluation & Goals Programs Under Evaluation • Elevate / Nexus / Thrive • Austin Live Music Fund • Creative Space Assistance Program • Heritage Preservation Grant • Art in Public Places Evaluation Goals for ACME Funding Programs Centering underserved communities Encouraging artistic sustainability Reflecting Austin’s cultural richness Serving artists, organizations, and the public equitably Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Community Engagement Team • • Corporate PIO, Program Staff, and Special Assignments Facilitator Historical Community Feedback • 2020-2025 Data Collection & Analysis New Working Group & Focus Groups • Groups Now Forming ACME Funding Guideline Updates Program Guideline Updates • Community-Focused Approach • Incorporating Engagement Feedback • Language Revision Community Engagement Timeline Questions Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Thank You For Your Partnership!
