Over the hectic nine-day period that is now SXSW, thousands enjoyed what Austin is widely known for: live music. However, becoming the Live Music Capital of the world didn’t happen by accident. It took a considerable amount of hard work by local community.
Austin Music People, or AMP, recently released a white paper on the “State of the Austin Music Industry,” a study available to the public addressing economic challenges the industry faces with the express goal of protecting the local music scene and fostering its growth.
Among the facts unearthed by AMP's research:
- A study published in Spring 2012, funded by the City of Austin, reported that the 2010 economic impact of Austin’s music industry was more than $856 million, creating nearly 8,000 jobs and generating $9.6 million in City tax revenues.
- According to the City of Austin Music Division, Austin is home to 270 live music venues and more than 130 music related nonprofits, of which more than a dozen are focused on music education
- Economic impact of ACL Fest 2011: $106 million
- Economic impact of SXSW 2012: $190 million
- Economic impact of Fun Fun Fun Fest 2012: $27 million
As AMP relies heavily on the Austin community to fund its efforts to maintain the “economic engine of live music,” the organization urges both professionals and music lovers to become a member.
To learn more, visit the study online.
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