The visit, scheduled for the summer of 2026, will see the mayor accompanied by a delegation of business, culture, and sport leaders.
This follows a trip to Austin by Greater Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, and Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, who led a delegation of civic, business, and education leaders to the Texan city.
The purpose of the visit was to ‘foster new partnerships’ and ‘promote Greater Manchester’s dynamic music scene and creative industries.’
During the global tech, music, and culture event, South by South West (SXSW), the mayor announced the launch of the UK’s first dedicated Music Export Office.
This initiative aims to help local artists access international markets while bringing world-class talent to Greater Manchester’s stages.
Following the mission to promote economic and cultural ties, the mayor of Austin has confirmed his visit to Greater Manchester with his own delegation of business leaders in 2026.
Mr Burnham said: “This has been a hugely successful mission to Austin.
“We have forged new ties and strengthened existing ones, so we can support each other to make the most of our stellar growth.
“Austin and Manchester have so much in common.
“We are the fastest-growing cities in the UK and US but we’re also places with a real focus on people, music, culture and everything that makes life great.
“We don’t just adapt to change – we lead it.”
Mayor Burnham on stage with OneDa (Image: Supplied)
The trip also marked the official launch of Greater Manchester’s Music Export Office, a UK first that will use strategic partnerships, talent development programmes, and global outreach to ensure its home-grown talent can ‘thrive’ nationally and internationally.
The office will be backed by a £300,000 investment from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Cllr Craig said: “Manchester is going from strength to strength and we seized the opportunity to showcase our economic and cultural strengths during this trade mission to Austin and at the global SXSW conference.
“Cities working together has never been more important and this developing and dynamic partnership with Austin – the fastest-growing city in the United States – has enormous potential to open up opportunities in fields including science, tech, education and music.
“Our trade mission met with many global firms and is already helping to secure jobs and investment for the city.
“We look forward to continuing to build on this growing relationship in the years ahead.”
Friendship Cities Agreement signing (Image: Supplied)
The University of Manchester also signed a new university-wide strategic partnership with the University of Texas at Austin.
The partnership will allow them to share research expertise across disciplines including engineering, nanotechnologies, cancer research, digital humanities, social sciences, and creative industries.
When signing the Friendship Cities agreement, Kirk Watson, mayor of Austin, declared March 7 ‘Greater Manchester Day’ in Austin.
He said: “This Friendship Cities Agreement with Greater Manchester is more than just a document—it’s a bridge between two innovation-driven, culture-rich cities.
“Austin thrives on creativity, entrepreneurship, and connection, and Greater Manchester mirrors that energy.
“By joining forces, we are setting the stage for incredible collaborations that will inspire growth and opportunity in both cities.”
