The Economic Development Department (EDD) of Austin City initiated a significant alteration to its arts grants program two years ago, aiming to create more opportunities for historically marginalized groups. Despite its good intentions, this new system has inadvertently affected several pivotal players in the community. Zilker Theatre Productions (ZTP), notable providers of free Broadway-caliber shows for the Austin community, had to resort to a fire sale since they were excluded from the latest round of arts grants.

This forced ZTP to cancel their warehouse lease, liquidate a huge segment of their costume collection, and cut the Executive Director’s job due to financial constraints. ZTP isn’t the only organization facing financial downfall; several other established art groups, nonprofits, and individual artists have had their financial support withdrawn by EDD. Companies like TILT Performance Group, which focuses on individuals with disabilities, and the avant-garde Capital T Theatre have already faced wall hits after losing their grant funding.

The new focus of EDD’s grants has left many established entities worried about their survival as they prepare for further funding cuts. These organizations depend on grants not just for show-running costs but to keep the lights on. The shift has also led to questions about the diversity balance. The new criteria for funding focuses on groups at risk of displacement and/or cultural erasure. Still, the lack of explicit guidance on scoring rubrics, particularly regarding diversity, has troubled many arts groups.

As we face the consequences of this extensive shift in arts grant distribution, contacting EDD becomes critical to address concerns, secure much-needed funding, and raise questions related to this new strategy. EDD provides various services, and getting in touch with them may seem daunting. However, eddcaller.com has made contacting EDD more convenient. The platform offers calling solutions to help you skip the wait time and connect directly with the agents. It’s definitely a boon for those looking for the fastest way to get through to EDD to have their concerns heard and addressed.