ACME presents strategic plan draft to Music Commission, sets Sept. 30 public launch goal

Candace Cooper, interim chief administrative officer for Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME), presented the department’s strategic plan progress to the Music Commission, saying the draft vision is: “ACME, where culture, creativity, and community thrive.” Cooper said the plan draws on the Creative Reset engagement that began in April 2025 and is one of the city manager’s top 20 priorities.

Marjorie Flanagan, division manager for ACME’s arts and culture facilities, described strategic outcomes and investment priorities designed to operationalize the vision: cultivate access and belonging; invest in cultural spaces; advance creative careers; celebrate vibrant cultural experiences; and curate strategic partnerships. She said ACME will track performance targets for FY27, including participant satisfaction, first‑time engagement, public art repairs, facility visits and contracts with arts professionals.

Cooper told commissioners the department will finalize recommendations for public release by Sept. 30 and emphasized the plan’s role in guiding funding, partnerships and longer‑term facility and programming decisions. Commissioners expressed support for the plan’s clarity and for pursuing multi‑year sustainability options for larger nonprofit partners as the strategic plan moves toward implementation.