Kozmetsky Center for Civic Engagement Community Forum 1: Is Austin Still the Live Music Capital? Protecting Austin's Creative Culture

Austin’s musicians created the soundtrack—and the identity—of this city. But can they still afford to build a future here?

Students, faculty, musicians, alumni, media, civic leaders, music fans, and community members are invited to join an important public conversation about affordability, fair pay, development, venues, public investment, and what Austin must do to protect its creative culture.

Hear directly from the artists, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders shaping Austin’s music ecosystem—and discover how you can help influence what comes next.

The forum is free and followed by a community reception with live music. Capacity is limited to 300 guests, and RSVP is required.

Is Austin Still the Live Music Capital? Protecting Austin's Creative Culture

Austin’s identity as the Live Music Capital of the World® was built by generations of musicians and creatives. Today, rising costs, development pressures, changing industry economics, and affordability challenges are making it increasingly difficult for artists to build sustainable lives and careers here.

Join Austin Texas Musicians (ATXM), the Kozmetsky Center for Civic Engagement, and St. Edward’s University for the first event in a two-part Community Forum Series examining what Austin must do now to protect its creative culture—and ensure the people who create it can continue to call Austin home.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Forum: 1–3 p.m.
Community Reception: 3:30–5 p.m.
Forum Location: Jones Auditorium, St. Edward’s University
Reception Location: Kozmetsky Center Oak Garden at the Carriage House
Admission: Free and open to the public
Capacity: Limited to 300 guests; RSVP required

The Conversation

This civic forum will bring together musicians, artists, policymakers, civic and business leaders, university students and faculty, music-industry professionals, community advocates, music fans, and local media.

Panelists will explore:

• What being the Live Music Capital means today—and whether Austin is living up to that promise
• The economic and cultural pressures facing musicians and artists
• How housing, wages, affordability, venues, and development affect Austin’s creative community
• Which policies and public investments are working—and where gaps remain
• How musicians and residents can participate more effectively in civic decision-making
• The shared responsibilities of government, businesses, universities, nonprofits, and the community
• Tangible actions Austin can take to strengthen its music ecosystem for the next generation

Moderator: David Thomason, Ph.D., Executive Director, Kozmetsky Center for Civic Engagement

Featured Panelists

• Pat Buchta — Executive Director and CEO, Austin Texas Musicians
• Chip Adams — Director, Texas Music Office, Office of the Governor
• Angela Means — Director, City of Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (AACME)
• Mike Tolleson — Owner, Mike Tolleson & Associates, LLP
• Courtney Santana — Recording Artist | Civic Advocate | Founder & Tech Entrepreneur
• Guy Forsyth — Independent musician and longtime community advocate
• Joe Nick Patoski — Writer and Texas historian

Series Goals

• Educate the public on Austin's music ecosystem.
• Foster respectful, solution-oriented conversations.
• Strengthen collaboration among artists, venues, industry, government, and community organizations.
• Provide experiential learning opportunities for students.
• Develop educational resources extending beyond the live events.

Community Reception

Following the forum, continue the conversation during a community reception in the Kozmetsky Center Oak Garden at the Carriage House. The reception will feature live music and opportunities to connect informally with musicians, students, civic leaders, community members, media, and panelists.

This is not a commercial conference or fundraiser. It is a free civic forum designed to encourage informed, constructive conversation, identify practical solutions, and give the public meaningful ways to help strengthen Austin’s music community.

Seating is limited. Advance RSVP is required.

About Dr. Thomason and The Kozmetsky Center of Civic Engagement

David Thomason, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Kozmetsky Center for Civic Engagement and Associate Professor of Political Science at St. Edward’s University. He brings more than 20 years of experience in government-related leadership and higher education, with expertise in state and local government, public budgeting and policy, advocacy, civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and the legislative process.

At St. Edward’s, Dr. Thomason created and directed the Civics Lab, an innovative program designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical tools to become active, engaged citizens. Today, he leads the Kozmetsky Center’s work connecting students, faculty, and the broader Austin community with nonprofit leaders, public officials, scholars, and media experts to generate collaborative solutions to challenging public issues.

Dr. Thomason holds a doctorate in political science from Arizona State University, a Master of Arts from the University of Missouri, and a Bachelor of Arts from West Texas A&M University. He will moderate the Kozmetsky Center Community Forum, “Is Austin Still the Live Music Capital? Protecting Austin’s Creative Culture.” Visit https://www.stedwards.edu/academics/centers-institutes-arts/kozmetsky-center-excellence for more information, or to get involved.