Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund

Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund

Geographic Scope: City of Austin City Council Districts only

Focus Areas: COVID-19 relief for live music venues

Eligibility:

Located in a City of Austin City Council District

Meets the City's definition of a live music venue

Significantly reduced operations since March 2020

Must meet or exceed City's COVID-19 safety guidelines (www.austintexas.gov/covid19)

What They Fund: Emergency relief and enhanced funding for live music venues impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

What They Don't Fund: Venues outside City of Austin City Council Districts; venues not meeting City's COVID-19 safety guidelines

Funding Structure: Two-phase distribution

Phase 1: Emergency Funding

Award: $20,000 grant

Distribution: December 2020

Additional Services: Legal and accounting services; real estate advice and guidance on lease negotiations; professional services and long-term planning from community experts

Phase 2: Enhanced Funding

Award: Up to $140,000 (in addition to Phase 1 funds)

Monthly payments with maximum of $40,000 per month

Requirements: Must complete technical assistance evaluation and Equity Strategic Plan

Background: Established by Austin City Council through Ordinance No. 20201001-052, creating the $15 million Save Austin's Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund. Council adopted final guidelines for the $5 million Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund on December 3, 2020 via Resolution No. 20200103-013. The Long Center for the Performing Arts partners with City of Austin to provide application assistance, process applications, and administer funds.

Contact Information:

Email: saveaustinvenues@thelongcenter.org

Phone: 512-457-5181

Application Portal: www.thelongcenter.org/saveaustinvenues