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Celebrating the Creativity of Austin,
Past, Present and Future.

We are a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Austin’s cultural heritage while investing in the artists, organizations, and community initiatives that shape the city’s creative future.
Apply for our Creative Grant Program ->
50+ Years of Keeping Austin Creative
What We Do
Preserving Austin's Culture
through Creative Action

We produce the biannual Pecan Street Festival, one of Austin’s longest-running arts festivals.

We strive to preserve and promote Austin’s cultural history as well as our creative identity.

We champion initiatives that celebrate heritage, innovation, and creative expression.

The Pecan Street Associations prides itself on supporting artists, arts organizations, youth programs, and cultural nonprofits throughout the Austin, Texas area.

Who the Pecan Street
‍Creative Grant Supports:
Visual Artists
Cultural Nonprofits
Arts Organizations
Youth Programs
Performers
Creative Identity
Multidisciplinary Creators
Musicians
Local Voices
100%
of festival proceeds are reinvested into the Austin community.
2x
every year the Pecan Street Festival funds local artists
40+
Years of creative support for our Austin communities
Who We Are
At the Pecan Street Association, we preserve culture and invest in creativity.

About Us

Our Origin
Founded in the late 1970s by a coalition of artists, small business owners, and civic leaders, PSA emerged during a time when much of downtown Austin had been abandoned and historic buildings were at risk of being lost. Their belief was simple but powerful: culture could be a catalyst for renewal—and preservation did not have to come at the expense of creativity or growth.
Our Future
PSA’s work reaches across Austin, supporting creative projects, cultural organizations, and grassroots efforts that reflect the city’s diverse voices and evolving identity.
Get Involved ->
"We envision an Austin where preservation and progress move hand in hand... where creativity is valued as essential civic infrastructure, and where the city’s rapid growth does not eclipse the people and cultures that define it."
– Michael Shelton & Shannon Sedwick
Our Mission
Cultural Preservation & Reinvestment
PSA preserves Austin’s cultural and historical legacy while reinvesting directly in the creative community through grants, advocacy, and charitable giving.
Community-Led Creative Support
We support artists, nonprofits, and community organizations whose work contributes to Austin’s cultural vitality, fosters creative growth, and ensures that local stories, traditions, and voices continue to thrive.
How Grant Funds May Be Used:
Artistic Creation
Public Programming
Performances
Community Events
Exhibitions
Preservation Efforts
Educational Workshops
Youth Engagement
Cultural Documentation
Capacity Building
Apply for our Creative Grant in 3 Easy Steps:
1
Confirm Your Eligibility
The Cultural Preservation & Growth Grant supports artists, nonprofits, and community organizations whose work contributes to Austin’s cultural life.

Priority is given to projects that preserve cultural heritage, nurture artistic growth, and strengthen community connection.
2
Apply During the Grant Cycle
The program operates on a biannual basis, aligned with our festival:
‍
Spring Grant Cycle — Applications open with the Spring Festival
‍Fall Grant Cycle — Applications open with the Fall Festival

Applications are submitted online during the active cycle.
3
Selection & Reinvestment
Grant recipients are selected by the Pecan Street Association Board and represent a wide range of artistic disciplines, cultural traditions, and community missions across Austin.

Selected projects receive funding reinvested directly from festival proceeds.
Apply for our Creative Grant ->
Give back to the people + projects that make Austin distinctive. We support creativity not as a trend, but as a lasting civic virtue.
Contact Us
Made with Love in Austin, Texas
The Pecan Street Association is a registered 501(c)(4). The organization operates as a nonprofit entity in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. All programs, grants, and activities are administered in compliance with applicable regulations and reporting requirements. Information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.