AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin’s Economic Development Department has allocated over $21 million in Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) grants to 502 recipients in the creative sector, emphasizing Austin's commitment to the arts, the department said in a news release. This year's funding includes various programs like the Austin Live Music Fund, Nexus, Thrive and Elevate grants, aimed at empowering creatives and enhancing community impact, according to the city. “Our cultural funding programs reflect the creative heartbeat of Austin,” Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department, said in the release. “Each year, we are thrilled to support artists, venues, and organizations that shape Austin’s cultural identity and drive our reputation as a global destination for the arts.” From 2019 to 2022, the city revamped its funding programs to prioritize equity, ensuring support for artists from all backgrounds, particularly marginalized groups, the release said. The Cultural Funding Review Report outlines these efforts. “The grants are designed to support Austin's creative and cultural community through a transparent, competitive, and equitable process,” Holt-Rabb said. “While funding is never guaranteed, we aim to ensure that resources are more accessible, particularly to those historically marginalized or underrepresented.” The city is focusing on assisting those with little or no prior support while also aiding consistent contributors to ensure equal opportunities for Austin’s diverse population. 2024 HOT-funded Grants Overview For 2024, the City is investing in the future of Austin’s creative economy with a summary of its HOT-funded grants: Austin Live Music FundSupporting Austin’s iconic live music scene, funds are allocated to venues, musicians, and promoters. Total funds distributed: $4,365,000 Recipients: 17 live music venues, 105 professional musicians, and 14 independent promoters Summary Data Breakdown of Applicants and Recipients NexusProviding $5,000 grants to small organizations, individual artists, and creative businesses for public creative projects. Total funds distributed: $500,000 Recipients: 102 creative businesses, nonprofits, and individual artists Summary Data Breakdown of Applicants and Recipients ThriveA two-year investment program supporting nonprofit arts organizations rooted in Austin’s diverse cultures. Total funds distributed: $7.7 million over two years Recipients: 35 organizations Summary Data Breakdown of Applicants and Recipients ElevateSupporting individual artists, organizations, and creative businesses producing culturally vibrant content. Total funds distributed: $7 million to nonprofits and $2,265,000 to individuals and creative businesses Recipients: 125 nonprofits and 104 individuals and creative businesses Summary Data Breakdown of Applicants and Recipients For more information on cultural funding programs and resources, visit the Economic Development Department’s website.