Supporting Document 11 — original pdf

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DRAFT MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY25-26 20250303-11 Seconded By: Date: March 3, 2025 Subject: Music Commission budget recommendations for FY25-26 Motioned By: Recommendation: Directive to City Council for the City to invest in Austin music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry. Description of Recommendation to Council: The City of Austin has recently brought several related divisions under the umbrella of the newly-created department of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME). The Music Commission recommends the following budget considerations to support and strengthen ACME’s endeavors going forward: • Fund all ACME staff salaries from General Fund, not HOT, reserving HOT funding for grants and other programs that represent direct investment in the music and cultural arts economies • Establish a nighttime music office role (full-time / part-time) to support and engage with the local nightlife and live music industry. • Extend the reach of efforts to publicize grants and city performance opportunities by incorporating community radio and hyperlocal/neighborhood publications into the marketing mix • Invest in city-owned or subsidized rehearsal and performance spaces available to artists at low cost. • Provide city support for small and medium festivals that present a wide ranfe of Austin’s music genres, via funding fee waivers, and permitting assistance. • Expand free the City’s live music events programming to give artists more paid opportunities • Invest in promotional and wayfinding signage in the urban core to promote live music • Fund resources and programming which helps small venues and independent promoters navigate city policies. • Invest in public safety programs for live music spaces without putting financial strain on venues. Rationale The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. 1 of 2 • The Austin music industry is a major economic driver and a core component of our city’s brand. • Funding activities that provide more paid work to Austin musicians can help protect the city's economic growth. This includes supporting music venues, festivals, and events that hire local musicians, as well as initiatives that provide training and resources for musicians to build their careers and generate more income. • By investing in the music industry and supporting musicians in Austin, the city can maintain the vibrancy of its cultural identity and ensure the continued contribution of the music industry to the local economy. Vote Attest: 2 of 2