Get ready to be swept away by a wave of creativity and innovation as the world-renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival arrives in Sydney, Australia, for the very first time. This highly anticipated event is set to kick off this weekend, offering a jam-packed week of exciting experiences for tech enthusiasts, music lovers, film aficionados, and gamers alike.
A Landmark Debut in Sydney
This marks a historic moment as SXSW, known for its forward-thinking approach to technology and the arts, ventures outside its birthplace in Austin, Texas. Sydney is set to host the largest gathering of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. The event is scheduled to run from Sunday, October 15 to Sunday, October 22, offering a dynamic platform for some of the world’s most exceptional thinkers, creators, and innovators across various industries.
The Ultimate Week-Long Extravaganza
SXSW Sydney brings you a diverse week-long program, spanning tech, music, screen, gaming, and culture. This multi-faceted event is designed to immerse you in a world of creativity and exploration. With over 1,000 music gigs, film screenings, conference panels, and gaming and tech events, there’s something for everyone.
Noteworthy Highlights
Prepare to be inspired and entertained by a star-studded lineup of speakers and events. The SXSW Sydney Conference, curated by Head of Conference Programming Fennella Kernebone, is set to feature more than 700 speakers across 450+ sessions. Some of the headline speakers include:
- Nicole Kidman, the Australian screen icon and Founder of Blossom Films.
- Chance the Rapper, renowned rapper, singer-songwriter, producer, and humanitarian.
- Naomi Watts, an Oscar-nominated actor.
- Charlie Brooker, the genius behind the hit series Black Mirror.
- Amy Webb, a futurist and AI expert.
- Adam Goodes, AFL icon and CEO of Indigenous Defence & Infrastructure Consortium.
- Cal Henderson, the Co-Founder and CTO of Slack.
- Paul Tollett, the CEO of Coachella.
- Amy and Mike Morhaime, the Co-Founders of Dreamhaven.
The Tech and Innovation segment, curated by Head of Technology Caroline Pegram, promises to introduce you to groundbreaking technologies and visionary startup founders. The Tech & Innovation Expo will feature eye-catching innovations, including Airspeeder flying race cars, an AI vending machine that responds to your reasoning, and Qantas’ futuristic Airbus A350-1000 cabin designed to combat jetlag. The conference sessions will delve into topics like nanotech, interplanetary expeditions, AI and robotics trends, cybersecurity, the future of transport, and the evolution of venture capital by 2050.
For film enthusiasts, the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival, curated by Head of Screen Ghita Lobenstein, boasts over 75 feature films, 40 shorts, 20 music videos, and 13 XR projects. Some exciting premieres include Baz Luhrmann’s reimagined epic “Australia” titled “Faraway Downs,” a documentary on “The Wiggles,” and South Korea’s entry for Best International Feature Film in the 2024 Oscars, “Concrete Utopia.”
And music lovers, get ready for a spectacular showcase at the SXSW Sydney Music Festival, curated by Head of Music Claire Collins. Over 300 music performances across four nights in 25 venues will feature a diverse lineup of talent, including artists from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, the USA, and the UK. From R&B and hip-hop to indie, rock, and jazz, there’s something to suit every musical taste.
Gaming enthusiasts, don’t miss out on the SXSW Sydney Games Festival, curated by Head of Games Luke Lancaster. From a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive pro tournament to exciting conference sessions and performances by Troy Baker, Anjali Bhimani, and Montaigne, it’s a paradise for gamers.
Even if you’re not holding a badge or wristband, you can still experience the magic of SXSW Sydney at the Free Events and Activations. Engage with mind-boggling tech, futuristic fun, performances, talks, and panels at Tumbalong Park. Highlights include a Suntory vending machine, Commbank House Maze, Porsche House, and Snapchat House.
Accessing SXSW Sydney 2023
To gain access to the full spectrum of SXSW Sydney, including the Conference, Tech & Innovation Expo, and Music, Screen, and Games Festivals, you’ll need a badge. Wristbands provide entry to individual festivals based on your interests:
- Music Festival: Enjoy 300 performances in 25 venues over four nights.
- Screen Festival: Experience unlimited screenings over one week.
- Games Festival: Immerse yourself in 170 new indie games and parties over six nights.
SXSW Sydney is a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates innovation, creativity, and the convergence of technology and the arts. Join us for an extraordinary week of inspiration, entertainment, and discovery. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
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