New grant program aids music industry

The city’s Economic Development Department is accepting applications for the Austin Music Disaster Relief Grant, which provides one-time $2,000 grants to professional musicians, independent promoters and music industry workers facing economic hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A news release from the city explains that this latest round of the grant program expands the eligibility criteria “so more professional musicians, promoters and workers qualify for support as our music industry continues to rebound” from the effects of the pandemic. Veronica Briseño, chief economic recovery officer, said, “The $2.3 million available this year builds upon the $1.5 million we distributed in 2020 to ensure workers in this vital sector can afford immediate needs like rent and groceries.” The application deadline is Jan. 28 at 5 p.m.