COVID hardship money now available for local musicians

By the numbers: Last summer, the Austin City Council decided to allocate $4 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act money to support the local music industry.

• Of that, $1.5 million was distributed last year, and this grant program uses another $2.3 million from that basket.

What they're saying: The funds help "ensure workers in this vital sector can afford immediate needs like rent and groceries," Veronica Briseño, chief economic recovery officer for the City of Austin, said.

Learn more: An overview of the application process, scoring matrix and eligibility requirements can be viewed at ATXrecovers.com.

Our thought bubble: Soaring rent, health insurance shortfalls and expensive gig parking were challenges for musicians pre-pandemic, but COVID-19 has presented an existential challenge to live music as clubs have been forced to go dark or cancel shows — and concert-goers think twice about enjoying shows in real life.