Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Music Office (TMO) announced the launch of the Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program (TMIR), with the acceptance of applications underway through the end of this month. Per a press release issued by the Office of the Texas Governor, Abbott signed the TMIR Program into law in 2021, which seeks to support the live music industry in the Lone Star State.
“Music is key to the Texas brand,” the governor, a Republican, said in the release on Sept 1. “A vibrant music industry in communities across Texas not only adds to the quality of life, it is a competitive advantage, helping Texas attract major capital investments, culturally diverse talent and new jobs across many industries.”
Abbott said that the TMO enabled the state’s music industry to generate over 192,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs last year.
“As live music venues and events in Texas continue to rebuild and come back even stronger, the Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program will help spur further growth and expansion in every region of the state,” he said, according to the release.
TMO Director Brendon Anthony lauded the TMIR Program as a “historic tax rebate program” for venues statewide that host live music performances.
“This program has been years in development, and we thank our partners in the Texas Legislature, including Sen. Carol Alvarado, Sen. Donna Campbell and Rep. Geanie Morrison,” Anthony said in the release. “Through the Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program, we look forward to continuing to provide assistance to Texas music businesses and communities across the state.”
The governor’s office said that the TMIR Program will make use of $20.2 million in state funding approved during the most recent legislative session to give qualifying music venues and festival promoters a complete or partial rebate of certain taxes.