SXSW Will Return to Austin in 2022
SXSW’s online incarnation has officially wrapped, following five days of virtual film screenings, panels, showcases, award ceremonies and more. The 2021 Conference gave voice to diverse visionaries across a wide range of industries, including thought-provoking keynote discussions from the likes of Stacey Abrams, Pete Buttigieg, Priya Parker and beloved Austin icon Willie Nelson.
Film buffs reveled in the 2021 SXSW Film Festival, featuring films such as Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil, Tom Petty: Somewhere You Feel Free, and Alone Together. A total of 75 feature films, 84 short films, and 20 Virtual Cinema events were presented for online attendees.
The annual SXSW Award Ceremony paid tribute to individuals and companies who have embarked on journeys of innovation and creativity in their respective fields. The SXSW Comedy presentation gave attendees some much-needed laughter, with performances by the Acme Comedy Company, Dynasty Typewriter, Gotham Comedy Club and Laughing Skull Lounge.
Despite the virtual venue, attendees were still able to bring home a piece of Austin for themselves via the 2021 lineup of SXSW merchandise. This year’s merch store partnered with Collaborations for a Cause, donating portions of the proceeds to select Austin-based charities. The merch store is still live, for those wishing to make a purchase.
As SXSW Online drew to a close, organizers announced some exciting news. SXSW 2022 is set to return to Austin, Texas: March 11-20th. Austin residents will no doubt be thrilled at this news, as SXSW is a cultural and economic cornerstone of the local community. Prior to COVID lockdowns, the event generated an estimated $355 million for the city of Austin each year.
In an official statement, Austin Public Health’s Interim Authority Dr. Mark Escott said the following:
“I’m very confident that SXSW will look normal, or near-normal, next year.”
Stay tuned to Mount Bonnell for updates in the coming months concerning SXSW programming, event registration, and more.
