ACME Revises Cultural Funding Programs for Thrive Elevate and Nexus Grants

The Austin Arts Commission meeting on August 18, 2025, focused on the upcoming funding opportunities for local arts organizations through three key programs: Thrive, Elevate, and Nexus. These initiatives aim to support the creative community in Austin and ensure that a diverse range of artists and organizations can access financial resources.

The Thrive program is designed for established nonprofit arts organizations with at least five years of operation in Austin. It offers grants of up to $250,000 over two years, with a maximum of $125,000 available each year for organizations with creative spaces. For those without such spaces, the total award can reach $170,000. The scoring criteria for Thrive will assess creative work, delivery capabilities, and public engagement.

The Elevate program, which opens annually, caters to both nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists. Grants range from $30,000 to $80,000, depending on the organization's operating budget. This year, individual artists have been reintroduced as eligible applicants, reflecting community feedback. The scoring for Elevate mirrors that of Thrive, focusing on creative work, ability to deliver, and public connection.

Nexus serves as the entry-level program for individual artists and arts groups with at least one year of experience. This program will now accept applications twice a year, with awards set at $5,000 or $10,000 based on scoring. The criteria for Nexus also include creative work, delivery ability, and public connection, with additional points for first-time applicants.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of transparency in the award process, with tentative awardee lists to be reviewed internally before final announcements. An appeals process will be established for applicants who wish to contest decisions.

As the Arts Commission prepares for the next steps, including seeking recommendations from other city committees, the focus remains on enhancing support for Austin's vibrant arts community. The upcoming roadshow will continue to engage stakeholders and refine the funding processes, ensuring that the programs align with the city's strategic goals for cultural development.