Australia House to return to SXSW for a second year
As the first round of Australian acts to showcase South By Southwest (SXSW) 2019 looks set to be announced on October 18, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has in the meantime announced that its hub, Australia House, will return for the second year.
In a statement G’Day Australia confirmed:
“This all-encompassing Australian experience will kick off on 10 March and run through 17 March, presenting the very best of Australian innovation, tech, film, music, food and wine.
“Guests at Australia House will enjoy premium Australia food and wine experiences and performances by some of Australia’s top musical artists throughout the week.
“Australia House will also feature talks and panel discussions with influential Australian and American thought leaders, interactive exhibitions, networking meet-ups and more!
“In addition, SXSW attendees will be able to swing by the Australia House booth at the SXSW Trade Show’s Austrade stand for business showcases, program information and networking sessions.”
As part of a multi-million dollar commitment to exporting music, technology and films, the Federal government took over the Lucille Patio Lounge at 77 Rainey Street in Austin.
While business deals were begun, networking began and creative projects were showcased, guests enjoyed coffee from Hugh Jackman’s Laughing Man Café, and premium Australian wine and cheese pairings by celebrity chef Curtis Stone.
Speakers included the Aussie founder of Movember, an Australian rocket scientist at NASA, and the founders of a leading digital music and entertainment agency.
The music shows and the signature Aussie BBQ bills at SXSW 2019 will again be curated by Sounds Australia.
In its 10th year, the music export body has continued to kick goals.
In recent weeks, it announced that Australia will be the focus country at Germany’s Reeperbahn festival next year.
JEFFE, Emerson Snowe and SKYND were announced in the first artist announce for The Great Escape in England.
Folk Alliance International in Montreal in February picked Dan Parsons, Emily Wurramara, Jordie Lane, Mission Songs Project, STAV, Shellie Morris and The Maes to perform.
The October 18 SXSW announcement is expected to have at least 15 Australian acts, as is the norm, similar to the first announcement for the 2018 meet.
They were the ones who were organised enough to get their submissions in early, so the judging panel in Austin could listen to their music with fresher ears.
The first announcement is skewed to international acts to give them time to sort out their US visas and find funding for their travels.
The submissions are still open for another couple of weeks.
In 2018 about 52 Australian acts showcased at SXSW, one of this country’s biggest showings in recent times.
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