Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Put in perspective
Business representatives said the assistance is critical for the area, its musicians and venues as the downtown area continues to change. Jon-Erik Garcia, president of the district organi- zation and co-owner of the Barbarella club that’s been operating since 2009, said it’s important to preserve the historic slice of Austin.
“It’s a validation by the city that tells us that we are recognized as an asset to the city and that we should be protected” JON ERIK GARCIA, BARBARELLA CO OWNER
Members of the Red River Cultural District’s board of directors celebrated a new city economic development fund that’ll provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in local support over the coming years.
COURTESY RENEE DOMINGUEZ RED RIVER CULTURAL DISTRICT
Red River entertainment district wins city funding for cultural initiatives
are the heartbeat of the Red River Cultural District,” said council member Zo Qadri, who represents the area. “This funding ensures these essential voices and venues remain a vibrant part of our cultural fabric for years to come.” Funding will go toward branding, planning, performances and business partnerships, such as the district’s Free Week and Hot Summer Nights festivals, economic analysis and new local history projects. “There’s a lot of opportunity around music heritage tourism to make this the epicenter for people to come and learn about our history, while also experiencing live music,” said Nicole Klepadlo, the district’s interim executive director.
Austin’s Red River Cultural District is receiving new nancial aid from the city to help preserve and expand its downtown presence. The area’s merchants association will receive $750,000 over ve years after City Council voted Nov. 7 to send new funding to the Red River-area businesses through a new special revenue fund. The move follows council’s recent request to aid struggling venues around the district following disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and given ongoing a ordability challenges faced in the live music and arts community. District stakeholders had also petitioned the city for relief this year. “It’s a direct investment in the artists and musicians, the workers and businesses who
What’s next
With the new city fund established, Free Week will be returning Jan. 3-4. The long-running event was on the verge of cancellation without the funding to continue, according to the district. The district and Downtown Austin Alliance also opened a call for proposals for the new project on Red River history, music and artistic traditions. It will focus on groups like German immigrants and Black business owners, as well as the area’s status as a live music hub.
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