SXSW Art Program

South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals (March 9–18, 2017) has announced their 2018 Art Program Advisory Board, which includes Andria Hickey, Hank Willis Thomas, Sara Fitzmaurice, and Julia Kaganskiy, just a few of the accomplished leaders and professionals in the art and design world lending their support to the initiative.

The 2018 SXSW Art Program takes place March 9–18, in Austin, TX, and will showcase experiential and conceptual visual artworks that apply emerging technologies and immersive environments to spark discovery, inspiration, and connection. Incorporated into the broader ecosystem of creativity and innovation at SXSW, the art program serves as a launching point for collaboration and discussion around the role of visual and digital media arts in culture, technology, and the public realm. The program also creates a platform for visual artists to connect with international leaders in the fields of music, film and technology.

“Art and design has always been central to the SXSW ethos, and we have quickly become a recognized platform for visual artists to showcase art installations and connect with filmmakers, musicians, and technologists” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “While SXSW has long showcased artists and their works, the Art Program is the first time we have formalized the program and sought leading artists to design specific installations that we know will resonate with SXSW audiences.”

The 2017 inaugural year featured installations by Refik Anadol, Hyphen-Labs, Raum Industries, Nick Verstand, Circus Family and Akinori Goto. Prior to 2017, SXSW showcased work from Simon Heijdens, POW! WOW! Hawaii, MEGGS, Rone, Kamea Hadar, SprATX, Truth, Lucas Aoki, Ishky, Max Zorn, and collaborated with The Contemporary Austin on programming related to work by artists Charles Long, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Tom Sachs. 

The Advisory Board plays an important role in assisting to curate and shape the 2018 Art Program. The board is comprised of leaders from all backgrounds in The Arts and Creative Sector. Board members include representatives of the community such as artists, curators, and event professionals from all over the world, each offering unique and diverse perspectives.

SXSW Art Program Advisory Board Members
Andi Scull Cheatham, Executive Producer, HOPE Events Inc
Andrea Mellard, Director of Public Programs & Public Engagements, The Contemporary Austin
Andria Hickey, Senior Curator, MOCA Cleveland
Ariel Saldivar, Vice President in Artist Relations, Twyla
Bettina Korek, Commissioner of Los Angeles Arts Commission, Founder of For Your Art
Bill Shapiro, Former Editor-in-Chief at LIFE Magazine
Elena Soboleva, Curator of Special Projects, Artsy  
Hank Willis Thomas, Artist
Jamie Bennett, Executive Director, ArtPlace America
Jean-Christophe Harel, Business Development Executive
Jesse Sachs, Senior Strategist, Versus Creative 
Josette Melchor, Executive Director & Founder, GrayArea.org
Julia Kaganskiy, Director, New Inc
Justin Bolognino, Chief Experience Officer, META: The Art of Being There
Kim Cook, Director, Art & Civic Engagement, Burning Man
Lana Carlson, Founder & Curator, POP Austin
Marshall Birnbaum, Director, Summit Arts Foundation
Morgan Catalina, Principal + Creative Director, Out-of-Office
Robert Kloos, Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York
Sara Fitzmaurice, CEO & President, FITZ & CO
Zoe Crosher, Artist

Full advisory board member bios can be found here. The SXSW Art Program has an open call that will be open throughout the rest of the month. Artist selected will showcase their installation at SXSW 2018 in Austin, TX. Apply here.

SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2018 will take place March 9–18, 2018.

SXSW 2018 is sponsored by Capital One and The Austin Chronicle.

Press contacts:
Jody Arlington  / Brett Cannon / Elizabeth Derczo / Heather Kaplan 
press [​at​] sxsw.com / artinstallations [​at​] sxsw.com / T 512 467 7979