GOT A RED RIVER MEMORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! 

Take Our Survey! The survey takes approximately five minutes

The Red River Cultural District and the Downtown Austin Alliance have partnered to research, document and showcase the Red River Cultural District’s rich history, music, and artistic traditions through a new project we are calling Cultural Currents!  

The project will involve research into the district’s early history, including cultural roots – particularly contributions of German immigrants and Black entrepreneurs with an emphasis on the district’s evolution as a vibrant center for music.

WE ARE READY TO HEAR YOUR RED RIVER STORIES! 

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and can be found here:

What you share can reflect stepping back in time, early days in Austin, or the hear and now.  All stories matter! 

• Do you have a favorite Red River memory?

• Did a Red River music venue or business change your life? 

• Do you know an important person who is connected to Red River?

• Is there important history about the people, places, traditions, etc. on Red River that you would like to share or believe others should know about?

With support from Preservation Austin and our dedicated team we can’t wait to dig into the history of this important Cultural District. 

Survey closes July 31, 2025

CULTURAL CURRENTS

The Red River Cultural District and the Downtown Austin Alliance have partnered to research, document, and showcase the Red River District’s rich history, music, and artistic traditions. The project will involve thorough research into the district’s early history, including its cultural roots, particularly the contributions of German immigrants and Black entrepreneurs. However, the primary focus will be on the district’s evolution as a vibrant center for music.

This initiative represents the first phase of a multi-year project aimed at capturing and preserving the narrative history of the district during a period of significant change. The outcomes of this effort will serve as foundational assets to ensure the ongoing preservation and promotion of the Cultural District’s historical and artistic legacy.

PROJECT GOALS

The project aims to document and highlight the district’s history, music, and artistic traditions while delivering valuable assets to the Cultural District to:

• Market Red River as a cultural heritage tourism destination, attracting visitors locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Promote the Red River Cultural District as a hub for music, culture, and commerce—past, present, and future.
• Preserve local stories, songs, and artistic expressions for future generations.
• Strengthen the district’s sense of identity by curating and sharing the stories of its artists, musicians, and historical figures.
• Recognize and celebrate the contributions of diverse cultures, communities, and artists that have shaped the district’s unique character.
• Support fundraising and grant opportunities to sustain the ongoing work of the Red River Cultural District.

This project will create a lasting impact by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the district’s cultural significance while equipping stakeholders with resources to advocate for its preservation and growth.

PROJECT TEAM

Welcome Acacia Heritage Consulting , API Productions LLP, and Limbacher and Godfrey our team that hosts an impressive and diverse set of skills to help us with this exciting project!

PROJECT TIMELINE

Research, focus groups, and our survey have launched. Outcomes expected by December 2025.