Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the Texas Music Office (TMO) and the City of Irving will jointly host a Music Friendly Texas Community workshop on Tuesday, September 30. The event will be held both virtually and in person at the Jack D. Huffman Community Building in Irving.
“Music is key to the Texas brand,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the Texas Music Office for helping communities across our great state develop creative partnerships and create new jobs. 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 Irving, we will ensure Texas communities have the tools needed to succeed.”
Gini Mascorro, TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist, is scheduled to attend the workshop to discuss details about becoming a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community and answer questions from participants.
The Music Friendly Texas Certified Community program was introduced by TMO in 2016 as the first of its kind nationally. It provides participating cities with resources for supporting music industry development and signals to professionals that these communities are committed to growing their local music economies. This upcoming workshop marks Irving’s initial step toward certification; if completed, Irving would join more than 85 other certified cities across Texas.
Musicians, venue operators, and residents are invited to participate either online or at the event location. Additional information about the program can be found at gov.texas.gov/music/page/music-friendly-communities.
Questions regarding participation can be directed to Wendy Hartnett, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Irving.
