Some 65 nonprofit arts organizations received $1.5 million in funding through the Austin's Creative Space Assistance Program, the city's economic development department announced Tuesday.
The program awarded grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to creative organizations and independent artists who face displacement and rent hikes from their commercial studio spaces. Recipients will use funds for revenue-generating improvements, lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases.
Arts education nonprofit Creative Action, live-music venue Hotel Vegas, Motion Media Arts Center, and the Museum of Human Achievement were among the recipients of the largest grants.
“Austin’s creative organizations and independent artists are a cornerstone of our city’s identity,” economic development department director Sylnovia Holt-Rabb said. "These grants represent an investment in local creative organizations and professionals, who are susceptible to the increasing operational expenses within the city."
A summary dashboard on the2023 Creative Space Assistance Program's city website page relates some demographics about the applicants and awardees:
43% of grantees identify their leadership as majority diverse race/ethnicity
46% of grantees identify their leadership as majority female or non-binary
1,735 people employed by the 65 grantee organizations
16 median years of operation of grantees
Funding for the Creative Space Assistance Program is managed by the economic development department’s music and entertainment Division and is is sourced through the city of Austin general fund.
