In honor of a late music venue worker who was influential in Austin's arts and entertainment scene, The Sims Foundation has announced that it will establish the Dick Chalmers Music Venue Program. The fund will mirror the foundation's overall goal of providing mental health services to local musicians, but it will be dedicated specifically to employees at music venues.
Dick Chalmers, a.k.a. the Duke of Austin, worked at many iconic Austin businesses, including the Empire Control Room & Garage, where he was an archivist, as well as the Austin American Statesman, Alamo Drafthouse, SXSW, and FunFunFun Fest. Film was a driving force for Chalmers, and he specialized in video production and editing, stage visuals, and lighting design.
Chalmers left his mark on the Sims Foundation as the co-creator of the Sims Music Venue Program (MVP) in summer 2025, which provided support to less-visible members of the music community who nonetheless experience a heavy workload to keep things running.
The program offers a reminder that "often times venue staff do not have access to health benefits and are frequently prone to mental health challenges, given the demands of the line of work."
“SIMS is proud to serve all members of our local music ecosystem, because we know that the vibrancy of our city’s culture does not just depend on musicians, but on all of the people who make live music possible, like sound engineers, lighting technicians, and venue staff,” said SIMS CEO Derrick Lesnau in the announcement.
“Dick was an instrumental part in helping us shape the vision for this program," he continued, "and we are honored to be able to recognize his deep impact on our city. His legacy will help to save the lives of many in need of care.”
The founding supporters of the MVP are Empire Control Room & Garage, The Interplanetary Helpdesk, and an anonymous family foundation. Individual donors can make a contribution here, and venue workers seeking help can apply at simsfoundation.org for counseling, outpatient programs, medication management, and more.
Empire memorialized Chalmers in a moving social media post: “Over the past thirteen plus years, we were privileged that [Dick] chose to bring his intellect, passion, charm, encyclopedic knowledge of films and deep love for Red River and its denizens to Empire. His impact here goes beyond words.”
Community members can read Chalmers' obituary at richardchalmers.org. Saengerrunde Hall will host a public memorial and celebration of life Saturday, December 20, at 2 pm. The Sims announcement assures all are welcome.
