Built by Music: Giving Back to the City That Made Us

Austin has long been known as the Live Music Capital of the World, but in 2026, sustaining a creative city requires more than venues and festivals. It demands investment, inclusive policy, and leaders committed to giving back to the cultural ecosystems that shaped them, and what has made Austin uniquely itself. This panel explores what it really takes to build (and sustain) a thriving music city. From affordability and artist support to cultural preservation and equitable growth, the conversation will spotlight those doing meaningful, on-the-ground work in Austin while drawing lessons applicable to cities everywhere.