Let the Money Go: How ATXM Helped Unlock Millions for Live Music Venues in Austin
Making Sure Venue Relief Money
Actually Reached Local Venues
What Happened
Parallel to the musician grants, on December 3, 2020, the resolution to establish the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund (about $5 million) to help keep venues alive was approved. But the rollout stalled.
An external administrator (the Better Business Bureau) was selected despite having no grantmaking track record. Money wasn’t moving, venues were desperate, and the process was bogged down in bureaucracy. Eventually, The Long Center for the Performing Arts partnered with the city to distribute the initial funds, and applications began in December 2020.
ATXM helped organize a high-visibility rally at City Hall: venue workers and musicians dressed in black, bullhorns, permits, podium—the works. Kevin Russell (Shinyribs) showed up in a purple Santa suit, chanting, “Ho, ho, ho, let the money go!”
The result: every major press outlet showed up, and shortly after, the money started flowing out the door.
Where Advocacy Shows Up
Called out problems with the choice of the grant administrator.
Organized a coordinated rally with venues and music workers.
Secured broad media attention—TV, radio, newspapers, online outlets.
Where education shows up
Helped venues understand what support existed and why it was stuck.
Framed the issue for media and public: funds were appropriated, but not deployed.
Economic impact
Helped unblock approximately $5M in venue relief funds.
Kept core venues (Far Out Lounge, Antone’s, Stubb’s, Saxon Pub, White Horse, Sagebrush, etc.) alive through the crisis.
Built long-term loyalty from venue owners who now understand ATXM as a key ally in their survival.
Austin’s music economy is built by the working musicians who make our city exceptional—and businesses play a critical role in helping that community thrive.
Austin Texas Musicians offers simple, high-impact ways for companies to support our creative workforce:
🔁 Automated monthly giving to sustain year-round programs
👥 Employee engagement opportunities—matching gifts, giving drives, workshops, and volunteer support
🛒 Point-of-sale or automated checkout donations
🎉 Corporate fundraising teams on GiveButter (https://givebutter.com/atxmusicians-donate)
Your partnership fuels advocacy wins, professional development programs, paid performance opportunities, and real economic support for thousands of Austin artists.
If your organization wants to strengthen the music that strengthens our city, let’s build something meaningful together.
