AUSTIN, Texas — The city has opened applications for $23 million in grants supporting local artists, musicians and cultural organizations.
The funding, distributed through Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME), is supported by the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue. It follows $24 million awarded in March and smaller rounds in earlier months.
“Today’s launch reflects how deeply the City values both the creative community and the voices that continue to help shape these programs,” ACME Director Angela Means said.
The current funding cycle includes four grant programs: the Austin Live Music Fund, Elevate, the Heritage Preservation Grant and Thrive.
Grants range from $5,000 to $250,000 and are available to individual artists, musicians, nonprofit arts organizations, creative businesses, cultural producers and heritage practitioners. Eligible uses include creative production, public programming, operations, cultural events, media and digital arts, dance, literary arts and other projects.
The city said it has expanded outreach this year, adding a Spanish-language Community Navigator and more than 10 community ambassadors, following feedback gathered through a 2025 engagement effort called the Creative Reset.
Applications opened Tuesday and close Aug. 18. More information is available at austintexas.gov/acme.