Call for applications: SXSW 2020

3 Jul 2019 - 14:27

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

South by Southwest (SXSW) is calling on creatives to submit applications for its annual event in Austin, US, from 13 to 22 March 2020.

DRC creative collective Kokoko! was among the African acts that showcased at SXSW in 2019.

Interested applicants can choose to apply for any of the below activities:

Music Festival showcases

The SXSW Music Festival gives artists unparalleled access to an audience of industry professionals, international media and new fans. Showcasing at SXSW means performing in one of the many venues located in famous downtown Austin for thousands of fans, reps, media and fellow musicians from all over the world. Music showcase applications are open to all genres, solo acts and/or full bands from any part of the world.

Invited artists are guaranteed at least one showcase slot:

Showcase slots run an average 40 minutes (some exceptions may apply).
Slots will be scheduled for 16 to 22 March, generally between 7pm to 2am (exceptions do apply).
Venue, time and date assignment will vary.

NB: SXSW does not provide artist backline or cover travel and accommodation expenses.

The early and final application deadline for is 13 September and 25 October respectively. Apply here.

PanelPicker

PanelPicker is the official SXSW user-generated session proposal platform that was developed to encourage the SXSW community to enter proposals and have a significant voice in conference programming. PanelPicker helps participants to connect with thousands of creative professionals, experts and decision makers from many disciplines in the global SXSW community.

Interested participants can enter their proposals here. Read more about the requirements here. The deadline for entries is 19 July.

Film Festival submissions

The SXSW Film Festival celebrates raw innovation and emerging talent from both behind and in front of the camera. The platform allows participants to premiere their feature films, short, episodic or VR/AR/MR project in front of the press, film industry leaders, and film lovers as well as tech and music professionals. Submission categories include Music Video, Feature Film, Short Film, Episodic, Virtual Cinema, Texas High School Short and Title Sequence.

Interested filmmakers can submit their films here. Learn more about the SXSW Film Festival here. The submission deadline is 22 August.

SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards

The SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards recognise the most exciting creative developments in the world, celebrating the ever-widening variety of technological advancements, achievements and discoveries. Innovators from across the digital industry have the opportunity to enter their exciting, new work in this competition – open to all projects, products and developments launched or made in 2019.

Interested applicants can apply here. The early and final entry deadlines are 15 August and 14 November respectively. Learn more about the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards here.

View original call here.