Nexus Grant

The Nexus Grant, administered by the City of Austin's Cultural Arts Division, offers $5,000 to support local artists, cultural groups, and small organizations. This program aims to promote equity and foster creativity within the community by funding public projects and activities. Eligible applicants include 501(c) nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists over 18, and creative businesses with a budget of $150,000 or less. Nexus Grant encourages new applicants to engage in cultural initiatives that enrich Austin's diverse landscape.

NOTE: You must first complete the Intake Form to access the Application Form.
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 City of Austin's Nexus cultural funding program is one of the programs developed in consultation with Austin’s creative community from 2019-2022. Funding prioritizes equity through a combination of seed funding, broad sector support, and targeted investment. The Nexus program supports emerging cultural and creative individuals or organizations to produce public projects and activities for Austin's diverse communities. In sum, the Nexus grant nurtures new and emerging applicants in the creative community.
The grant awards an amount of $5,000, and is good for:

• local small organizations cultural groups individual artiststhose new to City funding

Eligibility

A creative business*
Applicant’s most recently completed fiscal year’s budget is $150,000 or less
One year of operating history in the Austin metropolitan statistical area (MSA)
51% or more of the applicant’s creative production is within the Austin 10-1 districts or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)
Applicant has not already received or is not currently receiving City funding for the same activities in the fiscal year in which they are applying
*May apply directly or with a fiscal sponsor
Eligible Activities:ExhibitionsPerformancesWorkshops and classes that include a performance or exhibition that is open to and marketed to touristsPublic art projects that are installed on public or private property and accessible by the public
Eligible Expenses:Administrative expenses and artist fees (including staff hours and contractor costs)Space rentalsEquipment rentals (not purchases)Supplies and materialsMarketing and promotion expensesInsurance costsFiscal sponsor fee, if applicable (cannot exceed 10% of award)

Ineligibility

501(c) non-profit organizations that are not primarily an arts organization.
Any applicant with annual operating budgets above $150,000.
Applicant organizations outside of the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).