AMF Press Release

AUSTIN MUSIC FOUNDATION AND THE CITY OF AUSTIN LAUNCH THE LEADERSHIP MUSIC AUSTIN PROGRAM AND THE AUSTIN MUSIC ENTREPRENEUR ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS 

May 8, 2012 (Austin, TX)-Austin Music Foundation (AMF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen and connect the creative economy through its educational programs and career development resources, announced today that in partnership with the City of Austin they will launch the Leadership Music Austin program and the Austin Music Entrepreneur Accelerator programs.

The City of Austin has approved a portion of the unused funds once designated for the Music Loan Program to be re-directed to the Austin Music Foundation to launch these two new programs. Each program will receive $15,000 per year for three years, providing a crucial base of financial stability while the organization grows these programs and raises additional funds to support them.

“As the live music capital of the world, it is so important that we nurture the music industry professionals that make this city what it is,” says Don Pitts, Music Program Manager for the City of Austin. “The programs provide music industry members with a business road map and we are thrilled to work with AMF once again.”

The Leadership Music Austin program is a six-month program that will provide participants with top-level music industry leadership effectiveness training for existing leaders in the Austin music community. The inaugural class will be comprised of about 15 individuals, and the program will focus on exploring solution-oriented initiatives regarding the music industry’s pressing issues and opportunities as well as increasing cross-industry collaboration opportunities with other creative industries in Austin.

The Austin Music Entrepreneur Accelerator Program has two components, each of which are applicant based: a set of classes that are narrowly focused on music entrepreneur core skill areas, and also a selective, applicant-based practicum comprised of entrepreneur and mentor pairing in a structured, workshop environment.

The practicum is designed for active entrepreneurs with existing businesses rather than pre-launch companies in development. The practicum will fast track resources that most busy music entrepreneurs most urgently need: meaningful dialog with real-life entrepreneur mentors in a structured small group setting that also encourages peer-to-peer assistance.

Those interested can apply via the Austin Music Foundation website.

www.Austinmusicfoundation.org, applications will be accepted thru June 30 and the program will begin in September.

For Leadership Music Austin application

For Austin Music Entrepreneur Accelerator application