Austin’s music scene doesn’t just create culture—it fuels tourism, small business growth, workforce participation, and our city’s global identity. Yet for decades, the systems supporting musicians and venues have been fragmented, underfunded, and reactive.
That’s why I joined Austin Texas Musicians™ (ATXM).
I believe the creative economy deserves the same foundational policy, systems, and operational infrastructure we expect in any serious industry.
Musicians are workers. Venues are businesses. And a city that calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World must invest accordingly.
Since October, I’ve been working closely with ATXM to help organize and scale the organization from a strategic and revenue perspective—and what I’ve seen is extraordinary.
🎯 What ATXM Has Already Achieved
Founded in 2019 (with roots going back to a grassroots Facebook group in 2008), ATXM focuses on durable, scalable change across advocacy, education, and economic development—for both musicians and venues.
- The results are real and measurable:
- $11M+ secured for musicians and venues
- $200 citywide minimum pay rate for all City-sponsored performances
- $3.5M distributed annually through the Austin Live Music Fund
- 300,000+ paid gigs generated
Active AI, copyright, and creator-protection advocacy at the state and federal level.
This isn’t charity. It’s systems-building.
🚀 2026: Their Most Ambitious Year Yet
In 2026, ATXM enters a critical growth phase—and we’re raising $2M to scale initiatives that strengthen Austin’s music ecosystem at the systems level, including:
🎓 Expanded education and income pathways for musicians
🎛 A downtown creative hub for collaboration, training, and services
🚗 Safer access to gigs and reduced cost-of-performing barriers
🎤 New paid performance pipelines
🧠 Increased federal advocacy around AI, streaming, and creator economics
What we’re building in Austin is quickly becoming a nationally replicable model for how cities can protect culture and strengthen economic resilience.
🤝 Ways to Support ATXM
Whether you’re an individual supporter, a small business, or a corporate leader, there are five impactful ways to support the Austin Texas Musicians™ Fund (ATXM). Below, we break down how each one works and how to implement it easily.
🛒 1. Point-of-Sale Giving
Make giving effortless at checkout
Point-of-sale giving allows customers to support musicians with small, seamless contributions that add up fast.
How businesses can participate
- Enable round-up donations at checkout (online or in-store)
- Add a fixed donation option to receipts or payment screens
- Run limited-time campaigns tied to music events or seasons
Why it matters: Micro-donations create macro-impact—without friction for customers or staff.
🔁 2. Recurring Donations
Fuel year-round advocacy, education, and professional development
Recurring donations provide ATXM with predictable, sustainable funding—allowing us to plan programs, respond quickly to policy issues, and expand education for musicians without interruption.
How to implement it
- Set up a monthly or quarterly donation through GiveButter
- Choose an amount that fits your budget—every dollar compounds over time
- Encourage others to do the same by sharing why you give
Why it matters: Reliable funding keeps advocacy moving, education accessible, and programs scalable—365 days a year.
👥 3. Employee Engagement
Activate your team around Austin’s creative economy
Supporting musicians doesn’t have to stop at writing a check. Employee engagement programs create hands-on impact while strengthening culture, purpose, and community connection.
Ways companies can engage
- Volunteer expertise (marketing, legal, finance, HR, tech)
- Host or sponsor lunch-and-learns or workshops for musicians
- Match employee donations during giving campaigns
- Run internal giving drives tied to live music events or milestones
Why it matters: Musicians gain real-world skills and access—employees gain purpose, pride, and a deeper connection to Austin.
🤝 4. Corporate Sponsorships
Fund programs that directly increase musician income and opportunity
Corporate sponsorships power ATXM’s most impactful initiatives—from Master Classes to cohort-based education and full program series.
Sponsorship opportunities include
- Funding a single Master Class (e.g., sync licensing, royalties, marketing)
- Supporting scholarships for musician cohorts
- Underwriting an entire program series or annual initiative
Sponsors receive visibility, recognition, and meaningful alignment with Austin’s creative economy.
Why it matters: Sponsorships translate directly into paid gigs, higher earnings, and long-term sustainability for musicians.
🎉 5. Fundraising Teams (Peer-to-Peer Giving)
Turn passion into momentum
Fundraising teams allow individuals and companies to rally their networks in support of musicians—multiplying impact far beyond a single donation.
How it works
- Create a peer-to-peer fundraising page on GiveButter
- Set a goal and invite friends, colleagues, or customers to give
- Tie your campaign to a birthday, event, concert, or company milestone
- Track progress and celebrate together
Why it matters: Community-driven fundraising expands awareness, grows ATXM’s reach, and brings new supporters into the mission.
The Ask
We’re actively connecting with business leaders, investors, and community champions who see the opportunity to support this work at scale.
If you’re open, I’d love to:
- Share the ATXM donor deck
- Walk you through the 2026 plan and revenue opportunity
- Explore strategic giving, corporate partnerships, or automated monthly support
Thank you for taking the time to read—and for believing in a future where the people who make Austin’s music can afford to live, work, and thrive here.
Warmly,
Mary
