Soundtrack to the Future: Red River Cultural Districts 5+ Year Strategic Plan

The Red River Cultural District (RRCD) is embarking on a strategic planning process to guide the future of our organization and Red River as a place and beloved community. Beginning in April 2025 this effort is an opportunity for stakeholders—including, businesses, property owners, musicians and creatives, our community partners, organizations and more—to collaborate in contributing to identifying Red River priorities, goals, and strategies that will drive positive success over the coming years.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We want to hear from you! Whether you visit often or have never been, your voice matters. In developing a strategic plan for the Red River Cultural District community input is a vital part of shaping our future.

This short survey will take just a few minutes to complete and will help guide decisions about programs, events, policy, partners and more. Thank you for being part of this important process!

SURVEY LINK

Survey closes May 9th!

WHO ARE WE? 

The Red River Cultural District is a global music tourism destination at the heart of downtown Austin, offering authentic live music, food, and drink experiences. Managed by the Red River Merchants Association, our alliance includes over 40+ local small businesses, from live music venues and bars to historic landmarks like the First Baptist Church, German-Texan Heritage Society, and Austin’s Symphony.

Austin is growing, evolving, and changing every day—but one thing remains constant: the Red River Cultural District is the beating heart of our city’s live music scene. Our 501C3 is dedicated to the long term preservation and evolution of our vibrant community. 

Founded by our grassroots music and creative community, we officially became an arts and culture nonprofit in 2016 to fight for the future of Austin’s DIY arts and music scene. As a state designated Cultural District recognized and supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts and a local Cultural District by the City of Austin Red River is Austin’s Music Mile.  We believe music is the soul of this city—and with your contributions we’ll keep it beating for generations to come.

WHY A STRATEGIC PLAN?

This strategic planning effort will provide a clear vision and direction for the Cultural District for the next 5+ years. It will serve a roadmap for decision making, strategic partnerships, financial planning, policy advocacy, and investments. 

It will elevate the Cultural District organization as a trusted leader and steward of the past, present and future of Red River. As the management entity for the Cultural District, a strategic plan will strengthen our efforts towards a successful and sustainable future.  

Importantly this strategic plan will examine the future of Red River as a place – a destination, a community, and as an asset to downtown and as a space rich with culture, tourism, economic development, and as the heart beat to our City’s live music scene.  

The strategic planning process will allow us to hear from our partners, our friends, and fans, and strangers who call Austin home and visit Red River. It will cast a wide net for engagement and allow our organization to understand the constraints and aspirations of those interacting with the District as a place, and as the steward of the District. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The strategic planning process will be conducted in several phases:

• Engagement: We will gather input through surveys, focus groups, one on one interviews, and more to understand diverse perspectives and aspirations.
• Data Collection & Analysis: We will review projects underway and planned that may have an impact on the Cultural District. We will review current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the district.
• Goal Setting: Based on community feedback and data, we will establish clear, achievable goals for the next five to ten years.
• Action Planning: We will identify key initiatives and outline strategies, including resources and partnerships for implementation.
• Implementation & Monitoring: The finalized plan will include performance measures to track progress and ensure accountability.