Advocacy
Advocacy
Advocacy that Amplifies Austin’s Musicians
From City Hall to Capitol Hill, Austin Texas Musicians stands up for those who make our city sing. Our advocacy has transformed policy, secured historic funding, and protected the rights of musicians across Texas.
Together, we’re shaping a future where artists can live, work, and thrive right here at home.
Representation
We maintain strong relationships with City, State, and Federal leaders—as well as with community and industry partners—to craft groundbreaking policies that support Austin’s creative workforce.
A.I. Legislative Advocacy
Austin Texas Musicians advocates for AI policies built on Consent, Compensation, Transparency, and Accountability to protect independent artists and creators.
Voter Registration
Our Volunteer Deputy Registrars help musicians “Show Up, Speak Up, and Be Heard,” registering thousands of new voters across Texas.
A.I. Legislative Advocacy for Independent Musicians
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the music industry, Austin Texas Musicians believes artists must remain at the center of the conversation.
As outlined in our AI Policy Recommendations White Paper, future AI regulations and industry standards should be built upon four foundational principles: Consent, Compensation, Transparency, and Accountability.
Musicians, songwriters, and creators deserve the right to control how their work, likeness, voice, and creative identity are used, while ensuring fair compensation and clear disclosure when AI systems are involved.
In the months ahead, ATXM looks forward to collaborating with artists, attorneys, policymakers, technology leaders, and industry stakeholders to advance meaningful protections and create a sustainable framework that supports both innovation and human creativity.
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To protect musicians and independent artists from unauthorized use of their work, voice, likeness, and creative identity.
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That improperly associate artist names, identities, and reputations with AI-generated content, creating confusion in the marketplace and potential damage to artist brands.
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On behalf of musicians whose work, names, or likenesses have been used without permission or compensation.
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Willing to help defend artists and pursue compensation when harm occurs.
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Around these issues through advocacy, education, and community organizing.
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a broader initiative focused on protecting independent artists, preserving human creativity, and creating a sustainable future for musicians.
Download the ATXM A.I. Policy White Paper
A.I. Advocacy Updates
Results that Resonate
The ATX Musicians’ advocacy efforts have been instrumental in securing policy changes that have yielded far-reaching impacts on our members and stakeholders alike. Some wins include:
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The advocacy efforts of ATX Musicians resulted in the first-ever sustainable recurring funding for music in the United States.
Thanks to this effort, the City of Austin created the Austin Live Music Fund, directing $14 million in grants to local musicians and venues so far—with more support rolling out every year to strengthen our city’s creative workforce.
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Worked with the Austin City Council to create a standardized pay rate of $200 per musician for all city-funded performances.
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Helped secure $11M in Federal Relief Grants in 2020 - $6M for musicians and $5M for venues during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Lobbied State Legislators to defeat anti-LGBTQIA+ bills that would have had devastating financial impact on Texas’ performing arts industry.
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Registered thousands of new voters in Travis County, El Paso, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley.
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Item descriptionAustin Texas Musicians continues to advocate for Austin-area musicians by working with city, state, and national leaders to protect fair pay, expand funding opportunities, and strengthen policies that support the creative workforce. As the music industry evolves, ATXM ensures that working musicians have a strong, unified voice in the decisions that shape their livelihoods and the future of Austin’s live music economy.
Testimonials
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![Black and white circular logo with the words 'The Alliance for Education and Music' and an inner emblem featuring a fountain and musical symbols.]()
"The Austin Texas Musicians has been instrumental in helping HAAM reach underserved musicians during Open Enrollment. Their bilingual videos, social reach, and marketing expertise expanded our message to a wider audience, making our communications more effective and impactful for Austin’s music community."
Rachel Blair, Chief Operating Officer
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“ATXM and Workforce Solutions share a mission to support Austin’s musicians—connecting members to virtual hiring events, job-search videos, and career resources. Together, they’re helping keep Austin’s live music community strong during and beyond the pandemic.”
Tamara Atkinson, Previous Chief Executive Officer
Workforce Solutions Capital Area -
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“As someone who has seen firsthand the impact of ATXM’s work—from saving stages to sustaining musicians’ livelihoods—I can say without hesitation that their leadership has been vital to preserving Austin’s cultural heartbeat. I’m proud to stand with them in ensuring our music community not only survives but continues to thrive.”
Lloyd Doggett, U.S. House of Representatives, (D-35)
Austin's music community is taking a stand. Following recent KVUE coverage, musicians, artists, and advocates are calling for stronger AI protections to safeguard creative rights, fair compensation, and the future of human-made music. Discover why this fight matters and how you can help protect the artists who make Austin's culture possible.