City of Austin opens new department with focus on arts and entertainment

With the creation of one office to oversee all aspects of ACME, the city will be able to streamline and coordinate events and exhibits.

“Our arts, culture, music and entertainment industries are what make Austin unique and special. Austin is envied by others because of the talent we have here. I appreciate the city manager for listening to our creative community about the need for this office, and I believe it will continue to show Austin’s commitment to the arts,” Mayor Kirk Watson said.

Angela Means will serve as the inaugural director. Means has over 25 years of experience overseeing operational and financial aspects of the industry, having worked within multiple city of Austin departments, including Development Services, Austin Code, Housing, and the Parks and Recreation Department.

Looking back

Conversations surrounding support for the city’s entertainment venues and events surfaced in early 2024, after the long-standing Austin event Blue on the Green was narrowly saved by additional funding from H-E-B.

Beyond the city’s Feb. 28 resolution from council member Natasha Harper-Madison to support the event, the proposal also asked city leadership to find more ways to support free, public cultural events and festivals throughout Austin's arts ecosystem.

Just a few weeks later, Austin officials backed a financial support package for the Red River Cultural District's downtown music and nightlife scene, while seeking to aid both new and established cultural districts around town.

The city again allocated additional funding for the district in November, promising hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next few years to provide funding to the district merchants association.

Quote of note

“Under a unified office, we can improve how we provide services and create synergistic opportunities that attract tourists, generate revenue and elevate Austin’s profile as a cultural destination,” Broadnax said.