Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has announced a collaborative effort by the Texas Music Office (TMO) and Garland Cultural Arts to host a Music Friendly Texas Community workshop on April 3. The event, available both in-person and virtually, aims to assist communities in developing musical partnerships and job opportunities.

Governor Abbott stated, "Music is alive and well deep in the heart of Texas. I thank the Texas Music Office for helping communities across our great state develop creative partnerships and create new jobs. With support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31.7 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Working alongside local leaders like those in Garland, we will ensure Texas communities have the tools needed to succeed."

TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro will attend the workshop to discuss the Music Friendly Texas Community designation, its benefits, and field questions. The program, introduced by TMO in 2016, provides a network for nurturing music industry development and signals a community's commitment to enhancing music industry growth. The Garland event marks the initial step towards the Music Friendly Texas Community certification, potentially adding Garland to the more than 70 cities in Texas with this designation.

The music-friendly initiative encourages the involvement of musicians, venue operators, and the public, offering the opportunity to participate on-site or online.

The workshop in Garland is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 5 PM at the Plaza Theatre located at 521 W. State St., Garland, TX 75040. For virtual participation, details include a meeting ID and passcode.

Inquiries regarding the workshop can be directed to Amy Rosenthal, Cultural Arts Director, City of Garland, at (972) 205-2789 or arosenthal@garlandtx.gov. Additional information about the program is available at the Texas government music page.