Creative Space Assistance Program Grant

The Creative Space Assistance Program, overseen by the City of Austin's Cultural Arts Division, supports creative commercial spaces facing displacement or high lease costs. With a minimum operating budget of $60,000, eligible applicants include live music venues, performance theaters, and art galleries. Funds can be utilized for rent payments, insurance, and space improvements. This initiative seeks to enhance Austin's cultural identity while promoting economic growth and a vibrant creative community.

The Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin oversees the Cultural Arts Funding Program and other programs to assist the development of creative industries in Austin, and initiatives designed to support the community’s unique cultural identity and vitality.
The City of Austin's Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) is committed to fostering a vibrant, creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports Austin's artists, musicians, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions. ACME is a centralized hub offering resources, funding opportunities, and strategic programs that promote local talent and drive economic growth.
The Creative Space Assistance Program supports creative commercial spaces where audiences gather for cultural experiences and are facing temporary or permanent displacement or new commercial leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements and other space related needs, rent payments, general liability insurance, and property tax reimbursements.
All Applicants must have at least a $60,000 operating budget.
Grants awarded in the following categories:

• Live Music Venue
• Performance Venue / Theatre
• Museum / Art Gallery
• Multi-Use

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
Creative space must meet the definition of either a Live Music Venue, Performance Venue / Theatre, Museum / Art Gallery, or Multi-Use (see definitions)Applicants must provide the previous year’s operating budget or profit & loss statement to evidence at least a $60,000 operating budgetMust provide evidence of commercial property site control, including an existing, fully executed lease or lease offerCreative Space must be in an Austin Council District or its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (see see definitions)Creative Space must be zoned appropriately for intended use as a commercial creative space where people from the public can gather

Ineligibility

City-run/owned, State-run/owned, or Federally-run/owned facilities
Office, practice, and private workshop and studio spaces
Temporary rental spaces that are not occupied by the applicant 12 months out of the year
New (previously unoccupied) creative spaces unless the applicant was displaced from their current space in the last 3 months of application closing date