City launches Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment; director outlines budget process and community engagement

The City of Austin has established a new Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment, city staff told the Arts Commission on Feb. 24, saying the office is intended to coordinate city arts programs, services and planning.

City staff announced the office last week and celebrated its official start this week; Angela Means was named inaugural director. Matthew Schmidt, acting cultural arts division manager, told commissioners the office will consolidate units now spread across multiple departments and will move through the city’s budget process this year to become a fully formed department.

The office will initially include staff and programs currently in Aviation (music and events), Austin Public Library, the African American Cultural Heritage Facility, Economic Development’s cultural arts division and Arts in Public Places, Parks and Recreation cultural centers, the Office of Special Events and Heritage Tourism, and portions of Development Services that support events and entertainment…