WASHINGTON The arts in Austin, from the performing arts and live music clubs to at least one museum, are poised to get relief from the pandemic that has left the cultural world without audiences or much income.
A new $16 billion federal grant program swung into gear last week, nearly a month after an initial start was derailed when the system crashed on the day it opened.
“Things are in a very good place now,” Elisbeth Challener, managing director of Zach Theatre, said of the restart. “Fingers and toes crossed.” The Zach is applying for $2.6 million in funding after having had to lay off or furlough more than 80% of its staff and seeing a 60% decline in revenue in 2020, compared with 2019.
Austin 360
Time to get in an Austin state of mind. Billy Joel, the piano man himself, is set to headline a concert at Circuit of the Americas during this fall s Formula 1 event.
The Grammy winner behind songs like Uptown Girl will take the Germania Insurance Super Stage at the racetrack on Saturday, Oct. 23. The 2021 U.S. Grand Prix will take place Oct. 22-24. According to the announcement from Circuit of the Americas, the show will be Joel s first in Austin since the 1990s.
McConaughey sees the partnership as a natural extension of his role as minister of culture at the University of Texas. He said that position’s focus should encompass youth, sports, tourism and music. The UT professor and regular presence on the burnt orange sidelines has already checked those first two boxes, and the Moody Center gives the bongo enthusiast and Austin cheerleader a chance to expand his role.
McConaughey said he and the team focused on how they could cultivate energy and engage music and basketball fans alike, with consideration given to sound design and lighting; the pitch of the seating that would allow fans to feel close to the action; and the location of the student section for games.
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