Creative Space Assistance Program

The Creative Space Assistance Program (CSAP) is administered by the City of Austin as part of its broader Arts and Creative Management Enterprise (AACME) funding programs. The program provides financial support to creative commercial spaces that offer cultural experiences and are facing risks of temporary or permanent displacement or are contending with increased commercial lease costs. The City of Austin aims to stabilize its cultural infrastructure by offering grants that help ensure the sustainability of local venues such as live music locations, theaters, museums, and multi-use creative facilities. The program's primary objective is to support creative spaces through funding that can be used for rent payments, space improvements, property tax reimbursements, and liability insurance costs. These expenditures are specifically targeted to offset the financial burdens brought on by rising property values or redevelopment pressures in Austin. Each awarded grant will total $60,000 and come with a 12-month grant agreement. This funding level is fixed and standard for all eligible awardees. To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must operate a creative commercial space that falls within one of the following categories: Live Music Venue, Performance Venue/Theatre, Museum/Art Gallery, or Multi-Use space. A minimum annual operating budget of $60,000 must be documented via the previous year’s profit and loss statement or operating budget. Furthermore, applicants must have existing, documented commercial site control, such as a lease or lease offer, and the property must be appropriately zoned for public-facing creative use. The physical location of the space must lie within one of Austin’s Council Districts or its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. Several exclusions apply: city-, state-, or federally-run facilities are not eligible, nor are spaces that are privately owned by the applicant, temporary or shared rental spaces, offices, private studios, or newly opened spaces unless displaced in the three months prior to the application deadline. The application includes both narrative and scored components. Applicants must describe the mission or purpose of their creative space, explain the compelling need for support (up to 20 points), urgency of the situation (up to 15 points), the extent of co-location with other creative entities (up to 15 points), and the community benefit provided (up to 35 points). Additional consideration is given to whether the space is located within a recognized Cultural District or Corridor and whether the applicant is a first-time awardee (up to 10 points). Applications for the current funding cycle are open and must be submitted by December 4. The deadline is fixed and not rolling. Based on historical data from previous years, the program is likely to recur annually, but no future cycle date has been explicitly confirmed. The program does not require any matching funds. Contact details for additional questions or technical assistance are provided via AACME channels, although specific names, phone numbers, and emails are not listed in the guidelines provided. More information, including application previews and documentation requirements, is available on the City of Austin’s official website.