City Music Office

Let’s create Opportunities here at home

Establishing a

San Antonio has a deep and diverse musical history, spanning Tejano, conjunto, country, punk, and hip-hop.

The city has long been a cultural hub, yet it lacks a government-funded department dedicated to its music industry—unlike other major Texas cities. COVID-19 devastated San Antonio’s music scene, leading to venue closures, financial hardships for musicians, and a decline in live performances. A city-funded music office would revitalize and grow San Antonio’s music industry by supporting local musicians, venues, and promoters while boosting tourism and economic development.

Investing in music is investing in economic growth, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

By creating a city-supported music infrastructure, San Antonio can reclaim its position as a major music hub in Texas and beyond.

Establish a Dedicated City Music Office

Create a San Antonio Music & Entertainment Division within the city’s Economic Development or Arts & Culture Department.
Offer grants and funding programs for local musicians, venues, and music-related businesses.
Provide business development resources for musicians — including a Musicians Directory — helping them navigate contracts, marketing, and promotion.
Form a San Antonio Music Advisory Board made up of musicians, venue owners, and industry leaders to advise the office on policies that benefit the local music industry.

Create a Local Music Fund

Develop a Live Music Fund using Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenue to support venues, festivals, and touring musicians.
Offer grants for recording, marketing, and touring to help SA artists gain national recognition.
Provide grants specifically for BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ artists and promoters to foster a more inclusive music ecosystem.
Provide grants for pop-up music events in underrepresented neighborhoods.

Support union musicians.
Partner with local schools, colleges, and organizations to expand music education programs.
Provide music business workshops to help artists navigate contracts, licensing, and digital distribution.
Develop an internship program and offer fee waivers for small and independent promoters.

Strengthen Music Education

& Workforce Development

Support Local Venues

& Performance Spaces

Implement zoning policies that protect live music venues from gentrification and rising rents.
Create a Sound Ordinance Mediation Program to balance neighborhood concerns with the needs of venues, similar to Austin’s Red River Cultural District efforts.
Support neighborhood parking with City owned parking structures.
Incentivize and support venues that prioritize local talent and offer fee waivers for small and independent promoters.
Simplify the permit process for live music events in parks and public spaces.
Support all-ages music venues and events , ensuring younger musicians and fans have access to performances.

Promote San Antonio as a

Music Tourism Destination

Launch a “San Antonio Music Month” or a city-wide festival that highlights SA’s diverse music genres, from conjunto and Tejano to punk and hip-hop.
Work with Visit San Antonio to integrate music experiences into tourism marketing.
Establish a live music trail connecting venues across the city, similar to Nashville’s Music Row.
Incentivize local businesses made up of musicians, venue owners, and industry leaders to advise the office on policies that benefit the local music industry.
Create a partnership program where businesses sponsor music events or provide space for local artists.

Investing in music is investing in economic growth, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

San Antonio can create a Music Office to support local musicians, venues, and promoters through funding, marketing, and industry connections. By investing in music education, cultural districts, and tourism, the city can grow a thriving, sustainable music economy.