1 00:00:01,410 --> 00:00:02,470 Miles Bloxson: I am Miles Bloxson 2 00:00:02,490 --> 00:00:04,019 Elizabeth McQueen: And I'm Elizabeth McQueen. 3 00:00:04,019 --> 00:00:07,740 And this is Pause Play the podcast about live music, why 4 00:00:07,740 --> 00:00:09,840 it matters and what comes next. 5 00:00:14,370 --> 00:00:17,430 Miles Bloxson: This season we've been looking at the future of music in Austin. 6 00:00:17,730 --> 00:00:20,520 We've explored the future of streaming and AI and music. 7 00:00:20,700 --> 00:00:24,660 We even talked about what South by Southwest might look like moving forward. 8 00:00:25,050 --> 00:00:27,270 Elizabeth McQueen: And in this episode we are gonna look at the. 9 00:00:27,395 --> 00:00:29,405 Future of the Live Music Fund 10 00:00:30,064 --> 00:00:31,835 Miles Bloxson: The Live Music Fund is something that we 11 00:00:31,835 --> 00:00:33,755 have in Austin that is unique. 12 00:00:34,085 --> 00:00:37,775 It's a way for musicians, independent promoters and venues who work 13 00:00:37,775 --> 00:00:41,075 in commercial music to access grants through the city of Austin. 14 00:00:41,435 --> 00:00:43,985 Elizabeth McQueen: It's funded by the hotel occupancy tax, and 15 00:00:43,985 --> 00:00:44,800 if you wanna know more about. 16 00:00:45,165 --> 00:00:47,385 The specifics of how that funding works. 17 00:00:47,565 --> 00:00:50,894 You can listen to our last episode where we tell the story of how the 18 00:00:50,894 --> 00:00:54,405 framework of the first version of the live music fund came together. 19 00:00:54,765 --> 00:00:58,515 And please don't make us explain funding mechanisms again. 20 00:00:59,925 --> 00:01:02,415 Miles Bloxson: And this episode we're going to look at what the third 21 00:01:02,415 --> 00:01:04,215 version of the fund will look like. 22 00:01:04,364 --> 00:01:07,215 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah, the first round of funding went out in 2023. 23 00:01:07,470 --> 00:01:12,060 The second in 2024 and soon applications will be open for the third round. 24 00:01:12,330 --> 00:01:15,870 Miles Bloxson: Each year the fund has worked a little differently and this year 25 00:01:15,900 --> 00:01:18,450 the city is doing yet another iteration. 26 00:01:18,720 --> 00:01:22,350 Elizabeth McQueen: And Miles, I have been doing a lot of research on this and I have 27 00:01:22,350 --> 00:01:24,090 to tell you, it's a lot to keep track of. 28 00:01:24,300 --> 00:01:27,215 So I asked Erica to help us work through it all. 29 00:01:27,775 --> 00:01:30,475 Erica Shamaly: Erica Shamaly and the Division Manager for Music 30 00:01:30,475 --> 00:01:34,705 and Entertainment within the Austin Arts Culture, Music and 31 00:01:34,705 --> 00:01:37,045 Entertainment, newly-formed department 32 00:01:37,495 --> 00:01:41,065 Elizabeth McQueen: Now Miles, we've talked to Erica before on this podcast, and she 33 00:01:41,065 --> 00:01:42,835 used to introduce herself differently. 34 00:01:43,370 --> 00:01:46,070 Miles Bloxson: Yeah, I remember she said she worked for the music and 35 00:01:46,070 --> 00:01:49,880 Entertainment Division of the City of Austin's Economic Development Department. 36 00:01:49,970 --> 00:01:50,390 Right. 37 00:01:50,660 --> 00:01:51,050 Yeah. 38 00:01:51,230 --> 00:01:54,020 But now she works for a different division, Austin 39 00:01:54,020 --> 00:01:55,670 Arts, Culture and Entertainment. 40 00:01:55,880 --> 00:01:56,270 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah. 41 00:01:56,330 --> 00:01:57,740 Or ACME for short. 42 00:01:58,009 --> 00:02:01,220 It's a new department that brings together all the arts divisions 43 00:02:01,220 --> 00:02:02,630 at the city under one roof. 44 00:02:02,630 --> 00:02:05,330 And Erica told me about why ACME was formed. 45 00:02:05,539 --> 00:02:07,490 Erica Shamaly: Austin's always been very dedicated to our 46 00:02:07,490 --> 00:02:09,079 creative community to music. 47 00:02:09,080 --> 00:02:14,600 To entertainment, film, and to the arts and more just because of that. 48 00:02:14,600 --> 00:02:17,960 You kind of see it all over several departments, you know, a focus there. 49 00:02:18,350 --> 00:02:21,200 So you, you saw it in Parks and Recreation, the development services 50 00:02:21,200 --> 00:02:25,430 department, uh, and economic development department and the 51 00:02:25,430 --> 00:02:27,650 libraries, you name it, it's all over. 52 00:02:27,650 --> 00:02:32,390 So community has been saying for years, we would love to see all of that 53 00:02:32,660 --> 00:02:36,005 under one roof so that we can better collaborate and that there's just. 54 00:02:36,550 --> 00:02:39,550 You know, more fluid processes between everybody. 55 00:02:39,610 --> 00:02:44,950 And so finally, after a long time, it took a while in the vision of our leadership 56 00:02:44,950 --> 00:02:48,190 at the City of Austin to say, you know, that's a great idea and it's time. 57 00:02:48,550 --> 00:02:49,600 It is finally time. 58 00:02:50,020 --> 00:02:53,230 And so we have this newly formed department with an umbrella for. 59 00:02:53,295 --> 00:02:57,915 All of those elements of arts, music, entertainment, film, anything, 60 00:02:57,915 --> 00:03:01,815 cultural centers, museums all under one umbrella so that we can better 61 00:03:02,114 --> 00:03:06,255 work together, collaborate, and most importantly, serve our community 62 00:03:06,255 --> 00:03:07,935 with the things they love the most. 63 00:03:08,370 --> 00:03:11,880 Elizabeth McQueen: So more streamlined services, more collaboration, 64 00:03:12,150 --> 00:03:15,000 everybody kind of talking to each other rather than being in different 65 00:03:15,000 --> 00:03:16,590 departments all over the city. 66 00:03:16,590 --> 00:03:17,130 Exactly. 67 00:03:17,130 --> 00:03:17,610 Erica Shamaly: Exactly. 68 00:03:17,610 --> 00:03:19,950 So now people will know, who do I go to? 69 00:03:19,950 --> 00:03:21,150 You go to one place. 70 00:03:21,420 --> 00:03:24,450 Uh, it used to be that you would get, you know, kind of like, 71 00:03:24,450 --> 00:03:25,890 okay, oh, actually that's not us. 72 00:03:25,890 --> 00:03:28,530 You're gonna have to go into this one division of this other department. 73 00:03:28,830 --> 00:03:31,170 So now we finally have that all under one. 74 00:03:31,170 --> 00:03:35,820 Place one intake, you know, to come and talk to us about what may be needed. 75 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:40,109 And it also does give us the opportunity to create new processes, 76 00:03:40,109 --> 00:03:44,310 new ways of working together, because that are dependent, not on several 77 00:03:44,310 --> 00:03:46,440 departments, but dependent on just us. 78 00:03:46,920 --> 00:03:49,200 Elizabeth McQueen: And you guys are gonna figuring out how it all work. 79 00:03:49,260 --> 00:03:49,350 Right? 80 00:03:49,440 --> 00:03:49,530 Mm-hmm. 81 00:03:49,829 --> 00:03:53,549 And we are here to talk about the Live Music Fund So has that 82 00:03:53,549 --> 00:03:58,350 delayed the release of the live music fund application process? 83 00:03:58,350 --> 00:04:02,070 'cause I know last year it started in May and it was done in June. 84 00:04:02,070 --> 00:04:05,760 So is that part of the reason why applications haven't been released yet? 85 00:04:05,830 --> 00:04:06,370 Correct. 86 00:04:06,640 --> 00:04:08,830 Erica Shamaly: We are launching everything all at once. 87 00:04:09,070 --> 00:04:12,910 The formation of Acme happened in February, 2025, so we're 88 00:04:12,910 --> 00:04:16,060 like month four and a half, you know, almost five months in. 89 00:04:16,480 --> 00:04:20,020 And at the same time, it was really important for our new director, 90 00:04:20,050 --> 00:04:24,460 director, Angela Meads, to get to know the community and listen to everybody. 91 00:04:24,820 --> 00:04:28,150 Listen to the folks who most have been requesting this and why. 92 00:04:28,450 --> 00:04:31,090 And so it's kind of hard just to kind of. 93 00:04:31,175 --> 00:04:35,495 Keep on going As, as everything was when it's not at all that anymore. 94 00:04:35,555 --> 00:04:38,435 Uh, there was a lot of listening and, uh, learning that had 95 00:04:38,435 --> 00:04:39,635 to happen across the board. 96 00:04:39,695 --> 00:04:43,715 Elizabeth McQueen: And do you know when live music fund applications will go live? 97 00:04:43,745 --> 00:04:44,075 Erica Shamaly: Yeah. 98 00:04:44,075 --> 00:04:46,175 So we're working very hard right now. 99 00:04:46,175 --> 00:04:49,145 We're all coordinating, finishing up some key things so that we can 100 00:04:49,145 --> 00:04:50,855 start, you know, building it all out. 101 00:04:51,155 --> 00:04:54,575 So we anticipate October, you're gonna see kind of a, uh, you know. 102 00:04:54,635 --> 00:04:57,515 One application, not just for the live music fund, for the Creative 103 00:04:57,515 --> 00:05:01,895 Space Assistance Program, for the Elevate Program, the Nexus program, 104 00:05:02,075 --> 00:05:03,815 and the Heritage Preservation grant. 105 00:05:03,844 --> 00:05:04,175 Elizabeth McQueen: Whoa. 106 00:05:04,175 --> 00:05:06,605 So is it gonna be like a common application? 107 00:05:06,605 --> 00:05:07,145 Like there will 108 00:05:07,145 --> 00:05:09,080 Erica Shamaly: be a first step that will be okay. 109 00:05:09,080 --> 00:05:13,205 And then based on those initial, you know, answers that that will then kind of, 110 00:05:13,445 --> 00:05:14,825 you know, route yet to the right place. 111 00:05:15,420 --> 00:05:18,210 Miles Bloxson: So like a lot of the applications will go live at 112 00:05:18,210 --> 00:05:21,780 the same time, but the first step of the application process will be 113 00:05:21,780 --> 00:05:23,760 filling out this common intake form. 114 00:05:24,030 --> 00:05:24,480 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah. 115 00:05:24,570 --> 00:05:27,390 And based on that intake form, you'll be assigned one or more 116 00:05:27,390 --> 00:05:31,620 eligibility verification forms, and once you get verified, then 117 00:05:31,620 --> 00:05:33,390 you'll get access to an application. 118 00:05:33,945 --> 00:05:36,195 Miles Bloxson: Well, that's different from how things were before. 119 00:05:36,435 --> 00:05:37,994 What about the grant amounts? 120 00:05:37,994 --> 00:05:39,195 That's changing too, right? 121 00:05:39,435 --> 00:05:41,924 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah, and actually the amount of the live music fund 122 00:05:41,924 --> 00:05:45,284 grants is something that's changed with every new application cycle. 123 00:05:46,005 --> 00:05:46,424 Miles Bloxson: Oh yeah. 124 00:05:46,424 --> 00:05:50,715 And during the first year, there were like five and $10,000 grants, right? 125 00:05:50,984 --> 00:05:51,434 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah. 126 00:05:51,854 --> 00:05:55,575 They had $3.5 million in the fund, and only musicians and 127 00:05:55,575 --> 00:05:57,315 independent promoters could apply. 128 00:05:57,370 --> 00:05:58,660 No venues were eligible. 129 00:05:58,870 --> 00:06:01,270 Miles Bloxson: So how many people applied that first year? 130 00:06:01,510 --> 00:06:05,500 Elizabeth McQueen: According to the City of Austin's website, 660 people applied. 131 00:06:06,010 --> 00:06:08,260 Miles Bloxson: And how many people actually got grants? 132 00:06:08,290 --> 00:06:09,460 Elizabeth McQueen: 368. 133 00:06:09,820 --> 00:06:10,270 Miles Bloxson: Hmm. 134 00:06:10,390 --> 00:06:11,410 But in round two, the 135 00:06:11,410 --> 00:06:12,460 grants were bigger, right? 136 00:06:12,820 --> 00:06:13,120 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah. 137 00:06:13,120 --> 00:06:16,870 In round two, the grants for artists and independent promoters went from 138 00:06:16,965 --> 00:06:20,380 five and 10,000 to 15 and 30,000. 139 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:21,190 Miles Bloxson: Whoa. 140 00:06:21,190 --> 00:06:22,180 That's a big jump. 141 00:06:22,210 --> 00:06:25,060 Did they still have $3.5 million to give out? 142 00:06:25,425 --> 00:06:28,155 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah, they also added another million dollars to the 143 00:06:28,155 --> 00:06:30,315 fund and made it available to venues. 144 00:06:30,615 --> 00:06:34,125 Venues could apply for 30 or $60,000 grants, depending 145 00:06:34,125 --> 00:06:35,325 on their operating budgets, 146 00:06:35,445 --> 00:06:39,375 Miles Bloxson: So venues could finally access the Live Music Fund But it seems 147 00:06:39,375 --> 00:06:41,715 like fewer musicians got grants last year. 148 00:06:42,045 --> 00:06:42,435 Yeah. 149 00:06:42,705 --> 00:06:45,970 Elizabeth McQueen: In 2024, the live music fund had over a thousand 150 00:06:45,970 --> 00:06:51,400 applications, but only 137 applicants got grants and 17 of those were venues. 151 00:06:51,880 --> 00:06:58,780 Miles Bloxson: So going from over 368 recipients to 137, that's a huge drop. 152 00:06:58,840 --> 00:07:03,730 And really if you take out the venues, only 120 musicians and independent 153 00:07:03,730 --> 00:07:05,770 promoters actually got grants. 154 00:07:06,280 --> 00:07:10,930 I remember people being pretty upset when the 2024 funding announcements came out. 155 00:07:11,020 --> 00:07:11,680 It wasn't good. 156 00:07:11,980 --> 00:07:12,520 Elizabeth McQueen: Oh yeah. 157 00:07:12,580 --> 00:07:12,995 People were. 158 00:07:13,680 --> 00:07:14,160 Mad. 159 00:07:14,520 --> 00:07:18,180 Andrew Weber talked to Tameca Jones for a story he did for KUT and 160 00:07:18,180 --> 00:07:21,810 she captured this feeling that you and I saw a lot on social media. 161 00:07:22,125 --> 00:07:24,990 Tameca Jones: I, I just knew that I was in there. 162 00:07:25,665 --> 00:07:29,385 I just knew it, it just, it, it devastated me honestly. 163 00:07:29,385 --> 00:07:31,155 I, it devastated me. 164 00:07:31,215 --> 00:07:31,485 You know? 165 00:07:31,485 --> 00:07:33,675 I was like going a publicist. 166 00:07:33,735 --> 00:07:35,685 I was gonna get some new photos. 167 00:07:36,075 --> 00:07:40,965 I was going to, um, make some more music and, and pay the people who helped me 168 00:07:40,965 --> 00:07:43,545 make music a, a, a fair, a fair rate. 169 00:07:43,905 --> 00:07:45,945 When, when I did my taxes, I met poverty line. 170 00:07:46,125 --> 00:07:48,645 Elizabeth McQueen: I mean, a lot of musicians were frustrated in 171 00:07:48,645 --> 00:07:50,295 the same way that Tameca described. 172 00:07:50,715 --> 00:07:53,145 Miles Bloxson: Why did they change the grant amounts to 173 00:07:53,145 --> 00:07:55,485 be so much larger in 2024? 174 00:07:55,875 --> 00:07:57,435 Elizabeth McQueen: Well, I asked Erica 175 00:07:57,945 --> 00:08:01,695 what led to those larger grants in 2024, 176 00:08:01,965 --> 00:08:03,915 Erica Shamaly: So this was an ongoing discussion with our 177 00:08:03,915 --> 00:08:05,320 music commission to discuss. 178 00:08:05,825 --> 00:08:06,875 How did it go? 179 00:08:06,905 --> 00:08:08,104 Was that effective? 180 00:08:08,135 --> 00:08:11,104 And what can we do going forward to be impactful? 181 00:08:11,495 --> 00:08:15,755 Because you must remember when the Live music fund was first formed in 2019, 182 00:08:15,755 --> 00:08:21,425 the goal was to be a fund that would transform the music industry in Austin. 183 00:08:21,485 --> 00:08:26,315 Not just be a grant program, but be a program that truly. 184 00:08:26,885 --> 00:08:30,155 Helps to fill the gaps in Austin when it comes to all the many 185 00:08:30,155 --> 00:08:34,805 elements that need to happen for a successful music ecosystem. 186 00:08:35,255 --> 00:08:39,245 And so what we learned was is that with the smaller grants, 187 00:08:39,515 --> 00:08:41,284 it's a lot more administration. 188 00:08:41,735 --> 00:08:42,784 Miles Bloxson: So what does that mean? 189 00:08:42,784 --> 00:08:43,414 Administration? 190 00:08:43,900 --> 00:08:46,090 Elizabeth McQueen: Okay, so the city of Austin has an agreement 191 00:08:46,090 --> 00:08:49,600 with the Long Center to administer all ACME funding programs. 192 00:08:49,900 --> 00:08:53,230 So the city provides the program guidelines and the long center 193 00:08:53,230 --> 00:08:56,380 then processes the grants according to the city's guidelines. 194 00:08:56,560 --> 00:08:58,180 Miles Bloxson: Why do they do it that way? 195 00:08:58,450 --> 00:09:00,370 Elizabeth McQueen: Well, I asked Erica about that. 196 00:09:00,460 --> 00:09:03,430 Erica Shamaly: We have a third party administrator, and the reason why we did 197 00:09:03,430 --> 00:09:07,630 that back in 2023, and this wasn't just about the economic development department 198 00:09:07,630 --> 00:09:10,120 or any of the divisions, it was about. 199 00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:12,880 The purchasing department within the City of Austin and being 200 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:17,470 able to handle that many grant agreements that are handled frankly 201 00:09:17,470 --> 00:09:19,180 differently than say, a procurement. 202 00:09:19,600 --> 00:09:23,050 Um, the city is, has a procurement process with lots of rules and 203 00:09:23,050 --> 00:09:27,370 policies in place, and so some of the feedback we had gotten from. 204 00:09:27,775 --> 00:09:31,525 Before the, even the live music fund was implemented was it takes too long. 205 00:09:31,645 --> 00:09:34,945 It takes so long to get a check from the city and it, it does 206 00:09:34,945 --> 00:09:39,535 because it's a, let's say, long process that is there on purpose. 207 00:09:39,535 --> 00:09:40,915 It's about taxpayer money. 208 00:09:40,915 --> 00:09:43,585 It needs to have all of these things in place. 209 00:09:43,585 --> 00:09:46,945 And so you're kind of trying to fit a grant program into a procurement 210 00:09:46,945 --> 00:09:51,055 process, and the two quite aren't the same, especially when it comes 211 00:09:51,055 --> 00:09:54,655 to the mission and the reason for the funds and the intent. 212 00:09:54,685 --> 00:09:55,975 You know, procurements are about. 213 00:09:55,985 --> 00:09:59,495 You know, getting several bids and finding the best cost, and there's a lot of 214 00:09:59,495 --> 00:10:01,835 other elements, but grants are different. 215 00:10:01,895 --> 00:10:06,635 There's a whole suite of reasons why you score a certain way, and so 216 00:10:06,635 --> 00:10:11,975 by being able to find more capacity with a third party was crucial. 217 00:10:11,975 --> 00:10:15,635 And this was a big, huge push from communities to have a third party. 218 00:10:16,205 --> 00:10:19,205 And even mentioning the Long Center before this was even decided. 219 00:10:19,620 --> 00:10:24,180 So we did go through a procurement process in order to find the right third party 220 00:10:24,660 --> 00:10:26,880 and the long center came up on top. 221 00:10:26,939 --> 00:10:30,810 You know, in terms of all of the capacity and things that were needed to kind 222 00:10:30,810 --> 00:10:34,710 of like almost mirror what a city can provide in terms of enough accounting 223 00:10:34,710 --> 00:10:39,480 staff, enough staff, and, uh, oversight, uh, that the city would deem acceptable 224 00:10:39,480 --> 00:10:43,800 so that we could do that type of monitoring that is required of such a. 225 00:10:43,880 --> 00:10:46,550 You know, a large contract, and we do this with several 226 00:10:46,550 --> 00:10:47,870 third parties across the city. 227 00:10:48,290 --> 00:10:50,270 There's just not enough city staff to do it all. 228 00:10:50,840 --> 00:10:54,470 And so if we wanna get this money out there efficiently and within a 229 00:10:54,470 --> 00:10:58,220 reasonable time period, you know, once you know the applications launch 230 00:10:58,220 --> 00:11:01,850 and you know, all of those processes we're doing a lot better than it used 231 00:11:01,850 --> 00:11:03,410 to be when it was all done in house. 232 00:11:03,655 --> 00:11:06,925 Elizabeth McQueen: So the city pays the Long Center like a very specific hourly 233 00:11:06,925 --> 00:11:11,065 rate to perform tasks like reviewing, eligibility or making payments. 234 00:11:11,125 --> 00:11:15,265 And fewer grant recipients means fewer administrative costs. 235 00:11:15,685 --> 00:11:20,035 Plus, Erica told me that with as many recipients as they had in 2023, it was 236 00:11:20,035 --> 00:11:22,330 hard to give people more big picture help. 237 00:11:22,854 --> 00:11:25,615 Erica Shamaly: It didn't give us enough time to do the work of 238 00:11:25,615 --> 00:11:29,935 that transformational part, which is, you know, that professional 239 00:11:29,935 --> 00:11:33,984 development, the assistance, um, it's not just about getting money 240 00:11:33,984 --> 00:11:35,454 out there and just go for it. 241 00:11:35,724 --> 00:11:39,895 It's truly about how do you spend the money and what is the most effective 242 00:11:39,895 --> 00:11:42,805 ways to invest this money in your career. 243 00:11:43,224 --> 00:11:45,775 Miles Bloxson: So, lemme make sure I understand this correctly, Elizabeth. 244 00:11:46,074 --> 00:11:50,334 So bigger grant amounts meant fewer people receiving grants, which meant. 245 00:11:50,525 --> 00:11:54,755 That the city was spending less on administration costs and also means that 246 00:11:54,755 --> 00:12:00,035 the city staff was able to spend more time helping individual grantees and that's 247 00:12:00,035 --> 00:12:02,074 why they increased those grant amounts. 248 00:12:02,165 --> 00:12:03,275 Elizabeth McQueen: That's part of the reason 249 00:12:03,785 --> 00:12:07,444 Erica told me that the city also upped those grant awards to make sure that 250 00:12:07,444 --> 00:12:11,105 the grantees had access to more money to do the things they needed to do. 251 00:12:11,355 --> 00:12:11,415 It 252 00:12:11,915 --> 00:12:15,555 Erica Shamaly: It's not just about live shows, it's about recording, it's about 253 00:12:15,555 --> 00:12:20,115 producing, it's about all the marketing, social media, and then the content 254 00:12:20,115 --> 00:12:21,975 that goes along with making music. 255 00:12:22,215 --> 00:12:23,835 It's about paying your musicians. 256 00:12:24,045 --> 00:12:28,275 It's a long process that can be extremely expensive. 257 00:12:28,605 --> 00:12:32,175 And so when you're having these smaller, you know, investments, you 258 00:12:32,175 --> 00:12:33,735 can just do one little part of it. 259 00:12:34,365 --> 00:12:36,855 Miles Bloxson: Didn't people know these bigger grants were coming 260 00:12:36,855 --> 00:12:39,915 and that it would mean fewer people actually would get them? 261 00:12:40,350 --> 00:12:42,030 Elizabeth McQueen: Well, Miles, you know how much I love to 262 00:12:42,030 --> 00:12:43,560 watch music commission meetings? 263 00:12:43,620 --> 00:12:44,370 Miles Bloxson: Oh, yes. 264 00:12:44,370 --> 00:12:45,750 I know Elizabeth McQueen 265 00:12:46,230 --> 00:12:48,930 Elizabeth McQueen: And I watched a lot, and the city was very above 266 00:12:48,930 --> 00:12:50,670 board about this funding increase. 267 00:12:50,910 --> 00:12:55,140 They announced it as early as February, 2024 at a music commission meeting. 268 00:12:55,500 --> 00:12:58,860 But you know, I personally love watching music commission 269 00:12:58,860 --> 00:13:01,110 meetings, but most people don't. 270 00:13:01,350 --> 00:13:04,980 So I'm not sure if everyone knew that a lot fewer people would be getting 271 00:13:04,980 --> 00:13:07,950 grants in 2024 than did in 2023. 272 00:13:08,360 --> 00:13:08,810 Miles Bloxson: Yeah. 273 00:13:08,810 --> 00:13:12,140 Music commission meetings are an acquired taste, shall I say. 274 00:13:12,230 --> 00:13:12,800 Elizabeth McQueen: Yes. 275 00:13:12,890 --> 00:13:13,970 They're my taste. 276 00:13:15,740 --> 00:13:18,709 Miles Bloxson: So the grant amounts last year were much bigger now we 277 00:13:18,709 --> 00:13:23,030 know why, but were there any other changes that happened last year? 278 00:13:23,689 --> 00:13:26,420 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah, last year the city also changed how artists 279 00:13:26,420 --> 00:13:29,000 could spend the award money in 2023. 280 00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:31,160 It was based on future projects. 281 00:13:31,530 --> 00:13:33,720 Erica Shamaly: And that was based on how the other grants had 282 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:36,240 always been and what we learned. 283 00:13:36,240 --> 00:13:39,930 That doesn't work for the music industry because things change all the time. 284 00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:45,690 And so they can use the funds on any eligible expense that's very, 285 00:13:45,870 --> 00:13:48,990 you know, specifically outlined in the guidelines, but at their 286 00:13:48,990 --> 00:13:51,000 discretion of what they wanna do. 287 00:13:51,330 --> 00:13:55,290 And then as long as they promote it and market it to visitors. 288 00:13:55,615 --> 00:13:59,695 Potential convention delegates and audiences, local audiences alike, which 289 00:13:59,725 --> 00:14:01,465 that's what we do in the industry. 290 00:14:01,585 --> 00:14:04,915 In music, we do that anyway, it's just built in. 291 00:14:05,395 --> 00:14:08,995 And so as long as everything you're doing and it can even be recording a record 292 00:14:08,995 --> 00:14:12,385 and you're in the studio and you're like, I'm, you know, recording my next record. 293 00:14:12,385 --> 00:14:14,875 I mean, how many, you know, artists have you seen do that 294 00:14:14,935 --> 00:14:16,225 to promote what they're doing? 295 00:14:16,225 --> 00:14:19,315 Well, that promotes Austin that promotes the live music fund, and 296 00:14:19,315 --> 00:14:21,235 so we have requirements around that. 297 00:14:21,625 --> 00:14:24,805 And so we wanted to make it as flexible as possible so that. 298 00:14:25,200 --> 00:14:25,500 It. 299 00:14:25,560 --> 00:14:28,680 We get back to the point of the live music fund originally, which is 300 00:14:28,680 --> 00:14:32,580 this transformative fund, you know, for the industry here in Austin. 301 00:14:32,730 --> 00:14:36,120 Miles Bloxson: So it used to be that you got a grant for a specific project, 302 00:14:36,330 --> 00:14:40,170 and now the way people can spend this money is way more open-ended. 303 00:14:40,500 --> 00:14:40,860 Yeah. 304 00:14:41,250 --> 00:14:41,430 Hmm. 305 00:14:41,970 --> 00:14:44,820 And they're changing the grant amounts again in 2025, right? 306 00:14:45,120 --> 00:14:45,390 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah. 307 00:14:45,450 --> 00:14:45,845 Here's Erica. 308 00:14:46,710 --> 00:14:49,740 Erica Shamaly: So for 2025, we're just gonna try to find a middle ground. 309 00:14:49,800 --> 00:14:51,810 So instead of 30, it'll be 20. 310 00:14:52,170 --> 00:14:54,420 And then we will also do a $5,000 grant. 311 00:14:55,110 --> 00:14:58,440 Elizabeth McQueen: And is there a delineation in 2025 312 00:14:58,440 --> 00:15:00,150 between the $5,000 grants? 313 00:15:00,150 --> 00:15:03,210 Those are for emerging artists, and then 20 is for more established? 314 00:15:03,210 --> 00:15:04,050 Is that how it goes? 315 00:15:04,050 --> 00:15:04,350 Or it's 316 00:15:04,350 --> 00:15:06,270 Erica Shamaly: really just a difference of what's needed. 317 00:15:06,270 --> 00:15:06,300 Okay. 318 00:15:06,330 --> 00:15:09,990 And you know, it's hard to dictate who's an emerging artist and what that, how 319 00:15:09,990 --> 00:15:13,740 to define that, because you could be a musician and go to a different instrument 320 00:15:13,740 --> 00:15:15,270 or a different genre, you know, have. 321 00:15:15,365 --> 00:15:18,065 Way through your career and could be, feel like you're an 322 00:15:18,065 --> 00:15:19,415 emerging artist all over again. 323 00:15:19,895 --> 00:15:24,575 And so we didn't wanna be the definers of what's emerging, what isn't. 324 00:15:24,905 --> 00:15:26,585 It's really about what's needed. 325 00:15:26,645 --> 00:15:30,875 And also having a more simple application for those $5,000 grants. 326 00:15:31,325 --> 00:15:35,555 So we worked with, very closely with the music commission and kind of also 327 00:15:35,555 --> 00:15:39,485 adjusted our scoring around, you know, music industry accomplishments that was, 328 00:15:39,515 --> 00:15:41,525 you know, they really wanted to see that. 329 00:15:42,035 --> 00:15:42,515 Um. 330 00:15:42,885 --> 00:15:47,685 And so what we'll do is for those $20,000 grants, it will have that 331 00:15:47,685 --> 00:15:51,734 music industry accomplishments scoring category along with others, you know. 332 00:15:51,795 --> 00:15:55,185 But for the 5,000, that very top scoring for music industry 333 00:15:55,185 --> 00:15:56,415 accomplishments won't happen. 334 00:15:56,474 --> 00:15:58,125 It'll just be scoring for the rest of it. 335 00:15:58,425 --> 00:16:01,964 Miles Bloxson: So this year, musicians and independent promoters will be able to 336 00:16:01,964 --> 00:16:05,745 apply for $20,000 grants or $5,000 grants. 337 00:16:06,510 --> 00:16:09,690 Elizabeth McQueen: And the $20,000 grants will cover a two year period. 338 00:16:09,690 --> 00:16:13,590 So if you get a $20,000 grant this year, you can't apply next year. 339 00:16:13,920 --> 00:16:16,440 But the $5,000 grants will be for one year. 340 00:16:16,530 --> 00:16:17,940 Miles Bloxson: And what about the venues? 341 00:16:17,970 --> 00:16:19,500 How much can they apply for? 342 00:16:19,710 --> 00:16:23,130 Elizabeth McQueen: Well, venues with budgets of over $60,000 can 343 00:16:23,130 --> 00:16:27,780 apply for $70,000 grants, and those grants are for a one year term. 344 00:16:28,020 --> 00:16:31,380 And Miles, one thing we haven't had a chance to mention is that 345 00:16:31,380 --> 00:16:35,010 the city has more money to work with this year and next year. 346 00:16:35,275 --> 00:16:36,145 Miles Bloxson: Why is that? 347 00:16:36,865 --> 00:16:39,325 Elizabeth McQueen: Well, like we said, because of Acme, the rollout 348 00:16:39,325 --> 00:16:43,405 of the live music fund was delayed, and it was delayed past the end of 349 00:16:43,405 --> 00:16:45,175 the city of Austin's fiscal year. 350 00:16:45,565 --> 00:16:50,815 So the fiscal year for 2025 is gonna end on September 30th, but the live music 351 00:16:50,815 --> 00:16:52,765 fund applications won't go live until. 352 00:16:53,105 --> 00:16:53,735 October. 353 00:16:54,305 --> 00:16:59,315 So in fiscal year 2025, the city had $4.8 million budgeted 354 00:16:59,315 --> 00:17:00,845 for the live music Fund awards. 355 00:17:01,355 --> 00:17:04,745 They've decided to take that money and divide it in half, and then they're 356 00:17:04,745 --> 00:17:09,395 gonna put one half of that award money and add it to the award money for fiscal 357 00:17:09,395 --> 00:17:12,935 year 2026, and they're gonna take the other half and they're gonna add that 358 00:17:12,935 --> 00:17:15,694 to the award money for fiscal year 27. 359 00:17:16,025 --> 00:17:20,495 So the live music fund is gonna be giving away around $7 million 360 00:17:20,495 --> 00:17:22,625 total during this next round. 361 00:17:22,670 --> 00:17:23,750 And the round after that. 362 00:17:23,840 --> 00:17:24,770 Miles Bloxson: Oh, wow. 363 00:17:24,770 --> 00:17:29,240 So these grant awards will be smaller this year than last, and the amount 364 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:31,010 of money to give away will be larger. 365 00:17:31,460 --> 00:17:35,270 So there will definitely be more musicians and independent promoters 366 00:17:35,270 --> 00:17:36,980 getting awards moving forward. 367 00:17:36,980 --> 00:17:37,310 Right. 368 00:17:37,580 --> 00:17:37,970 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah. 369 00:17:38,405 --> 00:17:39,995 At least for the next couple of years. 370 00:17:40,505 --> 00:17:44,195 But you know, the demand for the live music fund has been really high. 371 00:17:44,675 --> 00:17:48,755 Like I said, last year there were over a thousand applications and the total amount 372 00:17:48,755 --> 00:17:51,665 that people applied for was $29 million. 373 00:17:51,965 --> 00:17:55,865 So a lot of people want grants, but there's just not enough money 374 00:17:55,865 --> 00:17:57,515 for everyone who applies to get. 375 00:17:58,545 --> 00:18:02,355 But Erica did say that the city is looking at ways to grow the live 376 00:18:02,355 --> 00:18:04,665 music fund in a more sustainable way. 377 00:18:04,725 --> 00:18:08,985 Erica Shamaly: One thing I think that ACME is going to do is look at 378 00:18:08,985 --> 00:18:13,155 ways we can raise more funds that aren't just focused on hot like 379 00:18:13,155 --> 00:18:15,735 the Ho, you know, these taxes and. 380 00:18:16,265 --> 00:18:21,215 So that's one of our next steps of our strategic process is establishing 381 00:18:21,215 --> 00:18:24,185 those pro those ways that we can do that, which is possible. 382 00:18:24,275 --> 00:18:28,235 You know, it's just like a friends of a park type of situation 383 00:18:28,565 --> 00:18:29,945 that happens throughout cities. 384 00:18:29,945 --> 00:18:30,695 In our city. 385 00:18:30,995 --> 00:18:32,885 We don't have anything like that, but for Acme. 386 00:18:32,885 --> 00:18:33,575 But we could. 387 00:18:33,680 --> 00:18:40,130 And so next steps will be setting up the infrastructure for people to donate to 388 00:18:40,130 --> 00:18:45,260 a cause so we can potentially raise more money for more grants for all of this. 389 00:18:45,590 --> 00:18:47,720 And I think that's something Austin needs. 390 00:18:47,750 --> 00:18:52,190 Uh, we haven't been the best when it comes to like traditional philanthropy. 391 00:18:52,550 --> 00:18:59,030 We are a tech city innovation and we are earners, uh, but we're coming 392 00:18:59,030 --> 00:19:02,750 to a place where it's impossible to earn enough money to do what it. 393 00:19:03,095 --> 00:19:08,195 Takes and costs to survive as either a, a creative space, a venue, a theater, 394 00:19:08,495 --> 00:19:10,325 or even as a musician to pay your rent. 395 00:19:10,715 --> 00:19:15,965 And so we need the support of all of these wonderful companies that are here, 396 00:19:15,965 --> 00:19:18,005 of our population, of our residents. 397 00:19:18,305 --> 00:19:24,035 And so we're going to facilitate a process so that can happen, which is exciting. 398 00:19:24,725 --> 00:19:26,105 Miles Bloxson: And she mentions scoring. 399 00:19:26,165 --> 00:19:27,035 What's that all about? 400 00:19:27,545 --> 00:19:30,305 Elizabeth McQueen: Well, coming up after the break, I'll tell you all about it. 401 00:19:34,005 --> 00:19:35,055 Miles Bloxson: Welcome back to Pause. 402 00:19:35,055 --> 00:19:39,345 Play the podcast about live music, why it matters, and what comes next. 403 00:19:39,585 --> 00:19:42,615 In this episode, we're talking about the future of the live music 404 00:19:42,615 --> 00:19:46,275 fund, and Elizabeth, you were going to tell me about scoring. 405 00:19:46,605 --> 00:19:47,415 Elizabeth McQueen: Ah, yes. 406 00:19:47,415 --> 00:19:48,345 Scoring. 407 00:19:48,735 --> 00:19:52,695 So the City of Austin uses a scoring rubric for the Live Music Fund 408 00:19:52,995 --> 00:19:56,145 You can see the 2024 scoring rubrics, along with all the 409 00:19:56,145 --> 00:19:59,445 questions from the applications and the eligibility requirements 410 00:19:59,445 --> 00:20:00,945 on the City of Austin's website. 411 00:20:01,145 --> 00:20:04,110 Miles Bloxson: And what kinds of things did they score for in 2024? 412 00:20:04,920 --> 00:20:08,490 Elizabeth McQueen: So in 2024, the scoring for musicians and independent 413 00:20:08,490 --> 00:20:10,050 promoters looked like this. 414 00:20:10,320 --> 00:20:14,940 You got up to 35 points if you could prove you had limited access to resources. 415 00:20:14,970 --> 00:20:18,810 So things like whether applicants had access to healthcare, whether a language 416 00:20:18,810 --> 00:20:22,710 other than English was spoken in the household, and what kind of access 417 00:20:22,710 --> 00:20:24,480 applicants had to traditional banking. 418 00:20:24,570 --> 00:20:28,710 Among other things, you could get up to 30 points for proving what 419 00:20:28,710 --> 00:20:30,720 they called local economic impact. 420 00:20:30,720 --> 00:20:34,020 So proving you were spending money on local musicians or venues, or. 421 00:20:34,360 --> 00:20:38,169 Austin-based businesses, you got up to 20 points for planning and 422 00:20:38,169 --> 00:20:41,949 outreach that included a tourism and marketing budget, as well as proving 423 00:20:41,949 --> 00:20:45,729 how your projects amplified Austin's diverse arts and culture sector. 424 00:20:46,300 --> 00:20:50,080 You could get up to 30 points for proving that you had made projects open and 425 00:20:50,080 --> 00:20:53,800 accessible to the public, people with disabilities, and people who spoke a 426 00:20:53,800 --> 00:20:58,030 language other than English, and you got 15 points if you had not received 427 00:20:58,030 --> 00:21:00,324 funding during the 2023 Live Music Fund 428 00:21:01,215 --> 00:21:03,375 Miles Bloxson: Could people see their scores last year? 429 00:21:03,375 --> 00:21:07,245 Like if they applied and didn't get chosen, were they given their scores? 430 00:21:07,544 --> 00:21:09,345 Elizabeth McQueen: Erica told me people weren't just given their 431 00:21:09,345 --> 00:21:13,575 scores, but if they requested it, they could get the scores and have a city 432 00:21:13,575 --> 00:21:15,345 staff member walk them through them. 433 00:21:15,399 --> 00:21:15,480 Hmm. 434 00:21:16,145 --> 00:21:18,965 Miles Bloxson: And Erica was saying that they're adding a scoring category 435 00:21:18,965 --> 00:21:21,215 called music industry accomplishments. 436 00:21:21,395 --> 00:21:21,815 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah. 437 00:21:21,905 --> 00:21:25,445 A lot of established musicians felt like the last round didn't take the 438 00:21:25,445 --> 00:21:29,165 work that they'd been doing and the careers that they had built into account. 439 00:21:29,495 --> 00:21:33,035 So in this new rubric for the $20,000 grants. 440 00:21:33,235 --> 00:21:37,225 Music industry accomplishments account for up to 25 points. 441 00:21:37,344 --> 00:21:41,695 These are things like awards, playing shows where 300 people or more attended 442 00:21:41,695 --> 00:21:44,155 download numbers, touring and radio play. 443 00:21:44,754 --> 00:21:47,574 Artist development will account for up to 25 points. 444 00:21:47,574 --> 00:21:51,415 So this is like career training, participating in music programs, 445 00:21:51,415 --> 00:21:54,054 volunteering at benefit concerts, things like that. 446 00:21:54,115 --> 00:21:57,534 And applicants do get more points in this category if they have 447 00:21:57,534 --> 00:21:58,840 limited access to resources. 448 00:21:59,620 --> 00:22:03,730 Applicants can get up to 25 points for Austin music economy development. 449 00:22:04,060 --> 00:22:08,770 So hiring and paying Austin musicians and creatives using Austin spaces and 450 00:22:08,770 --> 00:22:10,870 collaborating with other local musicians. 451 00:22:10,900 --> 00:22:14,200 And then applicants can get up to 25 points for cultural 452 00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:16,030 tourism, marketing, and outreach. 453 00:22:16,030 --> 00:22:19,810 So things like marketing to audiences outside of Austin, making 454 00:22:19,810 --> 00:22:23,740 projects accessible to the public and to audiences with disabilities. 455 00:22:24,040 --> 00:22:26,560 Now, as of the recording of this podcast, this rubric 456 00:22:26,560 --> 00:22:27,820 hasn't been officially adopted. 457 00:22:28,585 --> 00:22:30,295 But it looks like it's pretty close. 458 00:22:30,715 --> 00:22:33,265 What about for the $5,000 grants? 459 00:22:33,505 --> 00:22:35,035 For the $5,000 grants? 460 00:22:35,065 --> 00:22:37,765 They won't have the music industry accomplishments piece. 461 00:22:37,765 --> 00:22:41,815 They'll be scored on artist development, Austin music economy development, and 462 00:22:41,815 --> 00:22:44,395 cultural tourism, marketing and outreach. 463 00:22:44,485 --> 00:22:48,145 And one thing to know is that so far they've changed the criteria every 464 00:22:48,145 --> 00:22:52,345 year, but Erica told me this time the criteria will be in place a bit longer. 465 00:22:53,655 --> 00:22:56,145 Erica Shamaly: So we're, we've gathered data from the first year. 466 00:22:56,385 --> 00:22:59,084 We've gathered data from the second year, and we'll do the same thing 467 00:22:59,084 --> 00:23:01,725 again, uh, for this next cycle. 468 00:23:02,054 --> 00:23:06,044 And what's interesting about this next cycle is that these guidelines that 469 00:23:06,044 --> 00:23:09,584 we're forming as one Acme, there's one set of guidelines that will 470 00:23:09,584 --> 00:23:13,544 cover all the different programs, is that it will be in place for longer. 471 00:23:13,805 --> 00:23:18,125 You know, so we really, truly have some time to see how it's doing. 472 00:23:18,395 --> 00:23:22,265 So the plan is to go back and do a big update every three years 473 00:23:22,655 --> 00:23:25,715 when we've been doing it annually, you know, this whole time. 474 00:23:25,895 --> 00:23:26,225 Miles Bloxson: Okay? 475 00:23:26,225 --> 00:23:30,605 So this new scoring criteria is gonna be in place for like three years. 476 00:23:30,695 --> 00:23:32,705 Elizabeth McQueen: Well, Erica told me that's the plan, unless 477 00:23:32,705 --> 00:23:34,115 something goes really sideways 478 00:23:34,325 --> 00:23:36,395 Miles Bloxson: and the long center is doing this scoring. 479 00:23:36,395 --> 00:23:38,825 But isn't it kind of subjective? 480 00:23:39,185 --> 00:23:42,485 Elizabeth McQueen: I had that question for Erica because I applied for arts funding 481 00:23:42,485 --> 00:23:47,945 before and I had to like go in front of a panel and it did seem very subjective, 482 00:23:48,335 --> 00:23:52,565 but Erica told me that the live music fund scoring isn't really that way. 483 00:23:52,625 --> 00:23:54,665 Erica Shamaly: There isn't any subjectivity whatsoever. 484 00:23:54,695 --> 00:23:57,514 There's a set of guidelines, there's some scoring criteria. 485 00:23:57,784 --> 00:24:01,504 We asked a question if an applicant answers, you know, selects a, 486 00:24:01,774 --> 00:24:02,750 something pops up that says. 487 00:24:03,265 --> 00:24:06,475 Upload your documentation to evidence, your answer. 488 00:24:06,775 --> 00:24:09,295 And so it's like that for each of our multiple choice. 489 00:24:09,295 --> 00:24:12,625 And so their job is just to go look at the documentation to 490 00:24:12,625 --> 00:24:14,275 see if evidence is the answer. 491 00:24:14,635 --> 00:24:17,815 And if they don't know, if they can't tell, they, they create a 492 00:24:17,815 --> 00:24:21,505 list and say, okay, city of Austin, let's go through these things. 493 00:24:21,505 --> 00:24:21,730 And you're. 494 00:24:22,080 --> 00:24:26,970 The final call of, if this meets what you intended in the program guidelines 495 00:24:27,360 --> 00:24:30,600 for the other programs, there's panels, outside panels that do different 496 00:24:30,600 --> 00:24:34,139 processes, and those are the types of processes that have been around for 497 00:24:34,139 --> 00:24:37,919 years for both the cultural arts programs and the Heritage Preservation grant. 498 00:24:38,429 --> 00:24:39,090 Miles Bloxson: So, okay. 499 00:24:39,520 --> 00:24:41,620 A lot of things are changing this year. 500 00:24:41,830 --> 00:24:46,330 First of all, there's going to be a common intake form for all arts funding that 501 00:24:46,330 --> 00:24:50,050 will direct people to the grants they're eligible for, and then people have to 502 00:24:50,050 --> 00:24:54,520 fill out an eligibility verification form, and if they are verified, then 503 00:24:54,520 --> 00:24:56,530 they can apply for the Live Music Fund 504 00:24:56,800 --> 00:24:59,320 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah, and the amount of money in the live music fund 505 00:24:59,320 --> 00:25:01,780 will be around $7 million this year. 506 00:25:02,110 --> 00:25:04,720 The amount of money people can apply for is also different. 507 00:25:04,720 --> 00:25:05,110 This year. 508 00:25:05,110 --> 00:25:07,480 People can apply for $5,000 grants. 509 00:25:07,570 --> 00:25:08,950 Those are for a term of one year. 510 00:25:08,950 --> 00:25:11,320 People can also apply for $20,000 grants. 511 00:25:11,320 --> 00:25:15,970 Those are for a two year term, and venues can apply for grants of $70,000. 512 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:17,075 Those grants have a one year term. 513 00:25:17,745 --> 00:25:20,415 Miles Bloxson: The Long Center is still going to score and administer 514 00:25:20,415 --> 00:25:23,985 the grants, but the scoring rubric is going to be different this year. 515 00:25:24,195 --> 00:25:28,245 One thing they're considering that they haven't in the past is music industry 516 00:25:28,245 --> 00:25:31,125 accomplishments for the $20,000 grants, 517 00:25:31,335 --> 00:25:33,495 Elizabeth McQueen: and this scoring rubric is probably gonna stay the 518 00:25:33,495 --> 00:25:35,295 same for the next three years. 519 00:25:35,415 --> 00:25:37,430 Miles Bloxson: So when will all of this happen? 520 00:25:38,145 --> 00:25:40,395 Elizabeth McQueen: Well, it looks like the intake forums will go live 521 00:25:40,395 --> 00:25:42,465 sometime in September or October. 522 00:25:42,615 --> 00:25:46,305 There's actually gonna be four grants on this intake forum, elevate, which is a 523 00:25:46,305 --> 00:25:50,955 cultural arts grant, the Live Music Fund, the Creative Space Assistance Program, 524 00:25:50,955 --> 00:25:52,605 and the Heritage Preservation Grant. 525 00:25:52,995 --> 00:25:58,275 The actual applications should open on October 21st, and then those 526 00:25:58,275 --> 00:26:02,055 eligibility forms will close December 1st, and then the application 527 00:26:02,055 --> 00:26:03,740 deadline will be December 11th. 528 00:26:04,470 --> 00:26:06,810 Miles Bloxson: Okay, so that's a lot of changes. 529 00:26:06,840 --> 00:26:08,340 What can people do next? 530 00:26:08,430 --> 00:26:10,290 Elizabeth McQueen: Well be on the lookout for the announcement that 531 00:26:10,290 --> 00:26:14,640 those intake forms are going live, and when they do go live, the city's gonna 532 00:26:14,640 --> 00:26:18,150 release info about workshops to help people who are interested in applying. 533 00:26:18,270 --> 00:26:21,870 We'll post a link to the city's live music fund webpage in the show notes. 534 00:26:22,290 --> 00:26:25,380 Also, the Museum of Human Achievement has grant writing hangouts. 535 00:26:25,400 --> 00:26:29,090 For a lot of city funded grants, including the Live Music Fund There are 536 00:26:29,090 --> 00:26:32,750 these coworking events where people can help each other with grant writing, and 537 00:26:32,750 --> 00:26:36,020 listeners can find a link to learn more about those in the show notes as well. 538 00:26:36,260 --> 00:26:36,650 Well, 539 00:26:37,010 --> 00:26:40,130 Miles Bloxson: it's going to be interesting to see what this round 540 00:26:40,130 --> 00:26:41,930 of the live music fund is like. 541 00:26:42,260 --> 00:26:42,530 Elizabeth McQueen: Yeah. 542 00:26:42,530 --> 00:26:45,230 I have a feeling we'll be talking about it in the next. 543 00:26:46,665 --> 00:26:48,915 Miles Bloxson: In the next episode, we're going to talk about the 544 00:26:48,915 --> 00:26:50,985 future of housing for musicians. 545 00:26:51,225 --> 00:26:54,195 And to do that, we're going to take a look at a place that has 546 00:26:54,195 --> 00:26:56,804 been housing musicians for decades. 547 00:26:56,955 --> 00:26:59,955 The Metropolis Apartments Pauses. 548 00:26:59,955 --> 00:27:02,895 Play is a production of KUT and KUTX studios. 549 00:27:03,044 --> 00:27:06,855 It's hosted in, produced by me, Elizabeth McQueen, and me Mileson 550 00:27:07,784 --> 00:27:11,324 Engineering and editing help from Jake Pearlman and Renee Chavez. 551 00:27:11,385 --> 00:27:13,629 Additional production help from Jake Griff. 552 00:27:13,970 --> 00:27:16,310 Stephanie Federico is our digital editor. 553 00:27:16,490 --> 00:27:19,010 Michael Manasi is our multimedia editor. 554 00:27:19,130 --> 00:27:22,400 Our theme song was created by the talented Jerron Marshall. 555 00:27:22,820 --> 00:27:23,060 Other 556 00:27:23,060 --> 00:27:27,500 Elizabeth McQueen: music provided by the talented Jack Anderson and a PM Cosplay 557 00:27:27,500 --> 00:27:31,970 is a listener supported production of KUT and KTX studios in Austin, Texas. 558 00:27:32,030 --> 00:27:34,280 Miles Bloxson: You can support our work by becoming a sustaining 559 00:27:34,280 --> 00:27:37,070 member@supportthispodcast.org.