Austin's Wildflower Center goes elemental for immersive holiday light walk

how the wildflowers glow

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center/wildflower.org

Most cities will not spend the holidays frolicking through wildflowers — actually, even for Austin that's a bit of a stretch. But the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has applied its conservationist and gardening sensibilities to another seasonal walk through nature this winter.

Luminations, a nearly two-mile stroll through the arboretum, has returned in an entirely new form, with all new light installations to bring some immersive magic to the darker nights.

Unlike most of the other light-led destinations this holiday season, this one doesn't rest on specific holiday themes, opting instead for more abstract explorations. This year's theme is the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. One installation illuminates falling water in interesting patterns, while others create larger-than life fluttering wings and faux bioluminescent plants.

Although the seasonal installations are new, visitors will likely recognize the oversized tire swing-like chairs that have been featured in many a nighttime selfie at other installations. (In fact, it looks like you can buy these popular LED seats online, but may just want to visit the Wildflower Center to save $500 and avoid a drop shipping nightmare.)

Other photos show a lantern-lit path that calls to mind the Mexican and Southwestern luminaria tradition, which highlights the unique masonry around the "Great Hall."

Although it is open to all ages, this glowing stroll will be one of the more adult activations thanks to the abstraction. A release touts "a rotating cast of local food trucks" including Craig-O’s, Asian Express and Ike-N-Aves. There will also be hot chocolate (that can be spiked) and a full bar with specialty cocktails.

Luminations opened November 24, 2023, and will run through January 6, 2024, with some blackout dates around Christmas and New Year's Eve. Tickets ($28 for adults, $18 for youth, plus member discounts) are available at wildflower.org.

From Your Site Articles

Photo courtesy of dadaLab

Avant garde Austin studios celebrate the holidays with immersive pop-up world

Miracle or technology?

Maybe it's the weirdness, or maybe it's just that Austin loves creative effort; Either way, this place is all over immersive art, and something big is coming for the winter holidays.

The Illumaverse, a multisensory art exhibit ripe for exploration, is launching for the first time on December 8, and will run through December 30 in East Austin's DadaLab (stylized dadaLab). The space may fly under the many locals' radars, but among those who value underground art, it is one of the city's most powerful creative staples.

DadaLab, known for year-round immersive art, teams up with creative development organization Nelda Studios to transform a 6,000-square-foot space into a multi-room holiday extravaganza promising "vibrant celebrations across distant cosmoses" in a release. These alien celebrations will still touch on the themes we expect once the longest nights of the year roll around, whatever a guest's religious affiliation is: "unity, joy, and reflection."

It'll take 45 minutes to an hour to explore, organizers estimate. The imaginative renovations come from the minds of both DadaLab and Nelda staff, as well as digital fabrication professor at the University of Texas at Austin J.E. Johnson. The professor gets support from his own team at the Texas Performing Arts Fabrication Studios at UT.

dadaLab installment and dancers Past installations show off the scale that dadaLab is capable of.Photo courtesy of dadaLab

“When we opened our new space earlier this year, we knew that we had to do something for the holidays," said DadaLab co-founder Kyle Evans in the release, referring to a hail-Mary scramble last year that saw the prior studio space demolished for incoming apartments, and a new space announced just weeks later.

He continued, "We’re excited to work alongside the Nelda Studios team and many of our artist friends to bring that vision to life. Visitors can expect a unique experience that combines immersive sound, light, art, and interactive technology, welcoming them into an otherworldly environment that reimagines Earth's holiday traditions with a whimsical and futuristic interpretation."

The creatives in charge describe the opening minutes of the experience, but most remains a mystery: First, “Portal into the Illumaverse,” covers both sides of the entry hallway with more than 25 screens, for an audiovisual reset upon first seeing the space. Those will set the tone with "familiar memories and nostalgic representations of holiday traditions."

As the name would suggest, this liminal space serves to remove visitors from Austin, specifically, and drop them into a whimsical new space. But the event creators keep their place in the greater community in mind.

“Austin is filled with incredible holiday experiences, and we are thrilled to create an otherworldly kind of holiday tradition with Illumaverse," said Nelda studios Nelda Buckman. "We brought together [these] creative minds ... to build a truly unique and unifying holiday experience for all."

dadaLab abstract installation Another past exhibit showcases the abstract nature of some installations.Photo courtesy of dadaLab

The studios intend to bring this exhibit back as an annual tradition.

Although the Illumaverse welcomes explorers of all ages, those aged 17 and under will need to be accompanied by an adult. And since holiday experiences aren't really complete without some festive snacks, there will be themed food and beverage concessions at the end of the tour, including wine, cocktails, and beer.

Tickets ($25 for adults, $15 for kids ages, plus some discounts) are available now at illumaverse.com. Tickets will be available at the door, but there will likely be a wait. Tours will be open from December 8-30 on Fridays (6-11 pm), Saturdays (11 am to 11 pm), and Sundays (1-10 pm).

Photo courtesy of Waterloo Greenway

Austin's Creek Show brightens with free concert series and nightly events

Music and Light

One of Austin's most luminous happenings, an outdoor immersive art show, has caught the music festival bug again and announced a slate of free musical performances.

The Creek Show brings some of the best Austin art every year, designed specifically for the event, which sets Waller Creek aglow in the hopes of getting Austinites more acquainted with our natural pockets downtown. Visitors are welcome to stroll through at their own pace while enjoying the light-based installations — some with their own accompanying soundscapes — but more programming brings even more life to the popular event.

The free portion of the show runs November 11-18, and there will be concerts and family-friendly programming each day. Highlights on the musical side of the schedule include a country two-step night with an all-ages instruction period, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and concerts by two popular Austin groups: the Latin-flavored Como Las Movies and power duo TheBrosFresh.

Family friendly programming comes in the form of activities by local organizations. Among them are kids' museum Thinkery, STEM enrichment group Mad Science, STEM equity group Girlstart, conservation educator Families in Nature, and Central Texas Facepainting.

A pride night will be the only date with a market, featuring "LGBTQIA+ owned small businesses and nonprofit organizations," according to the schedule. Other nights have unique programming — no date is the completely same as another.

Supporters who want early access can purchase tickets for the opening night fundraiser, which will feature a performance by Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda.

Mockups of the six official selections were released in August, but the finished pieces won't be visible until the show opens. Last year's installations weren't all finished until the last-minute, according to two of the designers — not architects, just creative Austinites with a lot of audacity.

Tickets to the Creek Show are available now at waterloogreenway.org.

Photo courtesy of Women & Their Work

8 immersive art exhibits to get lost in this October in Austin

state of the arts

From immersive worlds to thought-provoking themes, a series of captivating art shows invite you to embark on eye-opening journeys this October in Austin.

At Wonderspaces, step into fantastical worlds during a month-long showcase. Get immersed in stories like “Gloomy Eyes,” a poignant VR experience narrated by Academy Award winner Colin Farrell.

Meanwhile, renowned abstract artists Larry Akers and Janet Brooks draw inspiration from color theory legend Josef Albers in their joint exhibition “Chroma+Lux” at Link & Pin; At the Dougherty Arts Center, explore nostalgia, violence, and contemporary culture through Neil Flynn’s thought-provoking assemblages in his solo exhibition “Access"; and across town, Swiss artist Simon Berger makes his Texas debut at West Chelsea Contemporary.

Cloud Tree Studios

Valerie Fowler: “Offering: A Balm in a World of Wounds” — through October 14
Experience the contemplative reveries of Valerie Fowler's latest exhibition, "Offering: A Balm in a World of Wounds," at Austin's Cloud Tree Gallery. Fowler's 17 oil paintings, including four large diptychs, offer a poignant meditation on nature's imperfect symmetries, the human body's vulnerabilities, and our fragile bond with Earth. Enter worlds both familiar and reimagined as Fowler explores themes of broken patterns, generational pain, death, rebirth, and sacrifice. Feel the raw power and delicate beauty of the mostly female forms that inhabit these winding landscapes. Let Fowler be your guide through alarming yet captivating vistas that illuminate our imperative to cherish and protect our shared home in this era of climate catastrophe.

West Chelsea Contemporary

Simon Berger: “Beauty in Destruction” — through October 15
Berger, an acclaimed Swiss artist, transforms reinforced safety glass into stunning portraits with a hammer, challenging traditional norms about glass as an artistic medium. With more than 40 new works exclusively for West Chelsea Contemporary, this exhibition marks Berger’s Texas debut. Berger's work resonates globally, as the artist has exhibited worldwide and collaborated with prestigious institutions. Through his lens, he invites viewers to perceive the world differently and discover beauty in unexpected places.

Link & Pin

Larry Akers and Janet Brooks: “Chroma+Lux: Abstractions in Color and Light” — October 5-29
Renowned artists Larry Akers and Janet Brooks invite viewers to dive into a vibrant world of color and illumination through “Chroma+Lux.” Akers' mathematically intricate sculptural designs and Brooks' visually striking abstract paintings draw inspiration from color theory visionary Josef Albers. Experience geometric patterns transformed into thought-provoking abstract artworks that engage the senses. See how light interacts with color to produce visually enthralling sculptures and paintings. Ignite your curiosity and imagination at this can't-miss showcase melding science, math and art.

Wally Workman Gallery

Sarah Ferguson: “Continuum” — October 7-29
This Austin-based artist, known for her brilliant exploration of light, color, and perception, presents a vibrant and immersive experience that encourages viewers to contemplate life, death, and the mysteries beyond through meditation and self-discovery. Each painting in the exhibition acts as a beacon, enticing viewers into a hypnotic shift where chaos morphs into geometric harmony, guiding them towards a deeper, more insightful, and healed space. Drawing inspiration from the Light and Space art movement, minimalism, hard-edge painting, and geometric abstraction, Ferguson's work promises a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

Wonderspaces

Fernando Maldonado and Jorge Tereso: “Gloomy Eyes” — October 8, 15, 22, and 29
Step into a world of wonder this October at Wonderspaces Austin. Journey alongside Gloomy, a zombie boy, as Colin Farrell narrates his touching 50-minute VR voyage from despair to hope in the award-winning "Gloomy Eyes." This exclusive presentation immerses viewers in an imaginative new world. Beyond this exclusive presentation, Wonderspaces hosts 17 interactive installations year-round, including "Human Study #1," where guests become the subject of robot-made portraits, and "RULES," a collaborative evolving artwork.

Photo courtesy of Virginia L. Montgomery

Virginia L. Montgomery explores native Texas luna moths.

Dougherty Arts Center

Neil Flynn: “Access” — through November 25
Flynn's work, primarily featuring new assemblage, collage, and site-specific interventions, delves deeply into themes of nostalgia, loss, violence, ownership, and aspects of contemporary Western culture. His artistic process is characterized by collecting, journaling, photographing, researching, and reacting to the rapid societal changes we face. Like any artist, Flynn is influenced by his personal experiences; he interrogates them as a "young, white, cisgender male, gay artist, arts professional, and learner/educator." The materials and imagery he employs are reflective of a restless "Americentric culture," characterized by relentless progression and a tendency to forget the past.

Women and their Work

Virginia L. Montgomery: “Eye Moon Cocoon” — through November 30
Enter a dream world of symbols and sounds in Virginia L. Montgomery's "Eye Moon Cocoon" exhibit. This multimedia journey explores native Texas luna moths, the moon, and their intricate connections, creating a space for hope and healing. Drawing on science, mythology, and ecofeminist thought, it highlights the interconnectedness of all things and challenges oppressive hierarchies. Experience synesthesia as natural and manufactured textures coexist. Embark on a thought-provoking exploration of consciousness and our shared agency in an era of climate change. This is an artistic testament to collaboration and collective healing.

Mexic-Arte Museum

Mexic-Arte Museum: "40 Years of Día de los Muertos" — through January 7, 2024
Experience the poignant beauty of honoring those we've lost at Mexic-Arte Museum's 40th annual Día de los Muertos exhibition. This year's showcase, "40 Years of Día de los Muertos," reflects on four decades of celebrating the dearly departed. Contribute a photo of a cherished loved one or admired person who has passed for the communal ofrenda. Your contribution will transform the gallery into a shared space of collective remembrance, where each photograph becomes part of a communal tapestry of stories.

Photo courtesy of Fusebox

Austin's offbeat Fusebox Festival announces big changes including year-round programming

Light It Up

One short fuse in Austin just got a whole lot longer. Fusebox Festival, one of Austin's cooler, more underground annual arts happenings, is undergoing a rebrand that will not only change the tone of programming, but also extend the bi-annual festival to a year-round wellspring of live performance.

Fusebox Festival was previously a handful of days long each year, and its free scheduling in venues across Austin gave pretty normal people a chance at seeing something unusual and ephemeral. Although Austinites love live shows, there is still a rift between a rock concert and city workers learning to dance in unconventional places — and we know which most people are putting on their calendars.

The organization, now simply called Fusebox, will still focus on live performance, and programming will shift both toward more and less frequent shows.

As mentioned, there will now be a year-round schedule, made possible in part through a partnership with Texas Performing Arts, the University of Texas organization that puts on pop concerts, comedy shows, and Broadway in Austin. The year will be divided into quarters, mirroring the common "seasonal" programming among other arts organizations.

But in opposition to this expanding, the festival itself will be cutting back in frequency. After the 20-year anniversary in spring 2024, it'll be produced bi-annually (with the next festival in 2026), meaning that each work shown will have a chance at a much longer lifespan.

"This shift will allow for deeper development of new works, longer-term relationships with artists, and planning of larger scale works," clarifies a press release.

“Fusebox Festival is still very much alive, well, and growing. We have big plans and dreams for the festival, but we felt like we were hitting the edges of what we could do in our old model,” said Fusebox executive and co-artistic director Ron Berry in the release.

“For thousands of people, Fusebox represents their only chance to experience so many of these artists, and we needed a model that allowed for more connection points beyond the five days of our festival," he continued. "This next chapter of Fusebox reflects our expanded vision, and is accompanied by a completely refreshed brand that speaks to the totality of our work, inclusive of our year-round programming and larger community partnerships.”

Other facets of the programming will include:

Member perks like field trips and discounted tickets
A one-day annual "un-gala" fundraiser (Fusebash)
Special programming around the eclipse on April 8
A social equity-oriented residency program in Arkansas (Live in America)

"This newly aligned strategy and branding is designed to make what’s so unique and irresistible about Fusebox apparent to everyone in our experience-loving city, said Michu Benaim Steiner, CEO of the consulting firm that handled the rebranding project, In-House. The new identity and positioning is a broad invitation to experience moving, indescribable, world-class work that’s proudly presented in Austin."

The next Fusebox Festival is scheduled for April 8-14, 2024. Programming has not been announced yet, but a list of 2023 projects and events is available to browse at fuseboxfestival.com.

Rendering courtesy of Waterloo Greenway

Sneak a peek at the 6 immersive, nocturnal artworks lighting up Austin's 2023 Creek Show

In New Light

Update: Since this article was published, the Creek Show added two more installations, totaling eight for the 2023 show.

With captivating new artwork and lively programming, this year's Creek Show will allow Austinites to experience the city in a whole new light. The banks of Waller Creek will soon be aglow with illuminated art installations as part of Waterloo Greenway's annual event, featuring six new light-based art pieces created by local artists and designers.

Rendering courtesy of Waterloo Greenway

The Creek Show brings large-scale immersive art outside every year to highlight Austin's natural splendor. (Pictured: Creek Keeper)

From November 10-18, the free nightly showcase will extend from 9th Street to Waterloo Park, inviting the community to experience eye-catching artwork created specifically for the creekside setting. And a new round of mockups preview the abstract, immersive concepts.

The Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring Waller Creek, commissions new pieces each year through a collaboration with AIA Austin. According to AIA Austin Executive Director Ingrid Spencer, this year's installations will provide "an exciting artistic representation of Waller Creek ecology, history, and culture." This year's installations blend imaginative artistry with the splendor of the natural world.

One installation called Crescendo, created by Alex Martin and Max Hoffman, comprises an arrangement of repurposed sheet music stands with color-changing lights representing the pulse of Austin's vibrant music scene. The choreographed light display at Symphony Square pays tribute to the Red River District, the heart of the city's live music community, which the creek runs through.

Glowing brightly against the night sky, the another installation, Into the Wild, spotlights the enduring wildlife found in Austin's creeks and green spaces. Created by artists Nolan Stone and Ryan Blair, the illuminated artwork casts shimmering reflections onto the water after dark. This evokes images of Austin's natural heritage and dreams of restoring the land's ecology.

Topher Sipes and Jasna Boudard's video installation Melting Mirrors features digitally manipulated slow-motion footage of Waller Creek. The multi-layered screens create a 3D effect, allowing viewers to see above and below the water's surface.

Other installations include a large, fishy tent lounge; an abstract walk through images of protest and activism; and some glowing new cave-dwellers under the bridge that are larger than life.

Since 2014, Creek Show has established itself as a local tradition. Each year, Waterloo Greenway commissions new site-specific installations by Austin-based artists, architects, and designers. The artists' installations illuminate diverse aspects of Waller Creek, from the creek's natural environment and heritage to its role in Austin's cultural fabric and everyday community life.

In addition to the light art, Creek Show offers free programming at Waterloo Park each evening. There will be live music performances, food and beverages, and family-friendly activities nightly during the event.

With imaginative light-art and lively programming, this year's Creek Show promises to be an illuminating experience for all. Visitors are invited to see Waller Creek in a new light for free, and without reservations or tickets. More information can be found at waterloogreenway.org.

Ad Placement 300x100

Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

Austin photographer turns lens on his unexpected cancer journey in new book

the big picture

In his upcoming book, photographer Dimitri Staszewski takes readers on a journey that explores mortality, resilience, and the transformative power of art. Titled Close to the Bayou, the book is a poignant exploration of the author’s relationship with renowned contemporary jewelry artist Thomas Mann, as they navigate cancer treatment together — unexpectedly.

Based in Austin, Staszewski is a photographer with an interest in spotlighting global issues through intimate storytelling. Mann, a mentor and uncle figure to Staszewski, has been a significant influence on his life. The pair would spend hours in a makeshift jewelry studio, continuing Mann's extensive body of work, cooking meals together, and engaging in introspective late-night conversations.

Of course, Staszewski's stayed by Mann's side when he was diagnosed with cancer, which the photographer started documenting in an early version of Close to the Bayou. The project was soon marked by surprising twists and turns.

After a year of traveling between Austin and Houston to support Mann during treatment, Staszewski received a cancer diagnosis of his own. This life-changing event compelled the author to reinterpret what he learned from Mann's experience.

Staszewski hopes his work will encourage readers to re-evaluate the way they think about being close to death.

"I don't expect one book to change someone's perspective on mortality," says Staszewski. "My hope is just to allow the audience to think about mortality on a deeper level."

The book combines images with introspective writing that reflects a lifelong relationship and the profound impact of witnessing a mentor confront mortality.

It represents a transition for Staszewski, who started in photojournalism but broke from its conventions for this personal project. As a photojournalist, he avoided inserting his own voice.

"That shift where I went from this abstract concept to, 'Oh, I'm thinking about my own death,' really shifted the way I was thinking about the work," says Staszewski.

Dimitri emphasizes the unique nature of his book, stating that it's not just a compilation of photos, but a novel-like story where the sequencing and pairing of images create new meanings. He encourages readers to approach it like a story where images are integral to the storytelling process.

Close to the Bayou delves into themes of cancer, male intimacy, and the intersection of art-making and mortality. These dialogues revolve around existential questions: What does it mean to be an artist? How does one continue creating in the face of death? What happens to our work after we die? Who are we creating for?

As Staszewski states in the book’s introduction and conclusion, “What does it mean to be close to the bayou?” This poetic refrain encapsulates the work's meditation on finding meaning when faced with mortality. He is interested in exploring art, mortality, and the meaning we instill in our creative acts — knowing that one day, we will cease to create.

"Close to the Bayou", created by Dimitri Staszewski and designed by Caleb Cain Marcus, will be available in 2024. Funding for this project uses a crowdfunding-based model with different pre-sale options available to support this work.

Photo courtesy of Dimitri Staszewski

A mock-up of the cover for Close to the Bayou, as designed by Caleb Cain Marcus.

Meow Wolf and Everything Everywhere visionaries, plus 23 Austin music acts join SXSW lineup

more all at once

Austin's most famous citywide festival, South by Southwest (SXSW), has dropped a holiday gift in our inboxes: more featured speakers and musical showcases.

This is the third round and the second round, respectively, of lineup additions, bringing even more internationally famous and upcoming artists. To keep count, this is now at least 45 featured speaker sessions and at least 394 music showcases — with the bulk of the latter joining the lineup as of December 5.

To be brief, the shows someone can see at SXSW depend on the credentials they buy or get from work; Not everyone will be allowed into all of these sessions, so check for inclusions at sxsw.com. Even if you can't make a talk or showcase, it can be good to know who's in town. Artists often play other shows while they're in town, and talks often accompany announcements by companies and thought leaders that you'll see out in the wild.

Starting with the staggering number of new music performances, there are 23 more Austin artists:

Angelo Moore and the Brand New Step
Being Dead
Cha’keeta B
Chief Cleopatra
Daydream Twins
Good Looks
Harvest Thieves
JM Stevens
Jon Muq
Larry Seaman
Lauren Lakis
Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers
Lisa Morales
Madam Radar
Moody Bank$
Pelvis Wrestley
Redbud
San Gabriel
San Saba County
Skateland
Texas String Assembly
The Tiarras
Water Damage

Artists on this list come from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Iceland, Indonesia, South Africa, Ukraine, and many more countries from all over.

For speaking sessions, there are two more keynotes, which set the tone for the day's topics. First is a retrospective about a previous SXSW sensation, Everything Everywhere All at Once. The opening film in 2022, this touching story and wacky visual spectacle introduced many viewers to alternate Universes and a chaotic, joyful filmmaking style that had everyone talking. Writers and directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert will discuss the logistics behind the bold feat.

In a predictably long and winding sentence in the announcement, they write: “The process of developing, creating, and releasing our surprise hit movie that took the world by st— okay, look, if you’re still reading this, we should tell you that we've run out of new things to say about Everything Everywhere All At Once, so although we’ll try our best to stay on topic, we'll most likely go on a bunch of tangents about the state of the world, the impending climate crisis, the collapse of consensus truth, the rise of AI, the importance and impossibility of self care, and our collective responsibility as storytellers to confront the issues of our time, because that's probably going to be what's on our mind, but we can't make any promises, but at times we don’t feel qualified to talk about any of that stuff, anyway we hope you enjoy our SXSW Keynote!”

In a less detailed paragraph, another keynote was announced: "Futurist, TV news commentator, Board Director and Senior Fellow at the Drucker School of Management, Claremont Graduate University, and Host of The Moment with Ryan Patel Ryan Patel" will join Chair and CEO of semiconductor company AMD Lisa Su, who was revealed in the last announcement to be discussing chip technology and artificial intelligence.

There are 11 newly announced speaker sessions that aren't keynotes (from the announcement, edited for brevity):

AI and the Independent Artist: CEO of TuneCore Andreea Gleeson and CEO of CreateSafe Daouda Leonard discuss principles for companies to consider in championing — not replacing — artists with artificial intelligence.
Bringing a Major Franchise Into XR: The Gundam Example: Publisher at Astrea Zoé Lemaire, Head Producer at Bandai Namco Naohiro Ogata, Director at Bandai Namco Kenichi Suzuki, and Emmy Award-nominated XR Producer at Meta Ryan Genji Thomas discuss adapting anime superfranchise Mobile Suit Gundam to expanded reality — an umbrella term for virtual reality treatments that sometimes weave into physical reality.
A Conversation with FTC Commissioner Lina Khan: White House and Washington Reporter for PoliticoDaniel Lippman and Chair of the Federal Trade Commission Lina Khan discuss how Washington thinks about AI, regulating Big Tech, and more.
Design in Tech Report 2024: Design Against AI: Author and Vice President of Design and Artificial Intelligence at Microsoft John Maeda will discuss how “Design against AI” means both critically thinking about AI's implications for humanity and critically making work to stay ahead of AI's capabilities.
Explore Space & Poetry With NASA & Poet Laureate Ada Limón: 24th Poet Laureate of the United States Ada Limón and Director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division in the agency’s Science Mission Directorate Dr. Lori Glaze present the official Opening Session for SXSW 2024. They will share Limón’s poem engraved in NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft, and dive into the many ways science and art unite.
How to Differentiate Yourself as an Entrepreneur: Designer, philanthropist, and founder, Executive Chairwoman, and Chief Creative Officer of Kendra Scott, LLC Kendra Scott reveals how to succeed as an entrepreneur by learning from past failures, finding what makes you unique, and never ceasing to think like an entrepreneur.
Kaleidoscopic Worldbuilding in a Fractured World: Vice President of IP Creative at Riot Games Laura DeYoung, Mascot and Senior Art Director at Meow Wolf Benji Geary, Chief Creative Strategy Officer at Meow Wolf Anne Mullen, and Narrative Director at Ubisoft Jeffrey Yohalem as they discuss how worldbuilders are creating new opportunities for engagement across both physical & digital platforms through increased participant agency, pervasiveness, connectivity, and community.
Lessons Learned: The Next Frontier in Entertainment, Gaming and Tech: Co-founder of Crunchyroll and co-founder of GGWP Kun Gao, co-founder of Rotten Tomatoes and co-founder and Managing Partner at PKO Investments Patrick Lee, and co-founder of Kabam Holly Liu discuss lessons learned in moving from their industry (movies, streaming) into gaming.
Molly Sims on Cultivating a Lifestyle Media Empire: Join entrepreneur, actress, model, producer, philanthropist, New York Times bestselling author, Host of the podcast Lipstick on the Rim, and founder of YSE Beauty Molly Sims takes attendees on a journey through her successful 20-year career building a lifestyle media empire.
Pivot Live with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway: Journalist, CNN contributor, and author of the forthcoming memoir, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story, Kara Swisher, and serial entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, Professor of Marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business, Scott Galloway, host a live recording of their podcast, Pivot. They’ll share sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics.
Team Human Live: Author and Professor of Tactical Media at Queens College, City of New York Douglas Rushkoff hosts a live recording of his Team Human podcast, where he engages in real-time, no-holds-barred discussions with people who are hacking the machine to make it more compatible with human life, and helping redefine what it means to stay human in a digital age.

SXSW will be held across many venues in Austin from March 8-16. Registration for badges (Music, Film & TV, Interactive, and Platinum) is open now at sxsw.com.

Report forecasts significant drop in Austin home prices in 2024

Low or no?

We all know how expensive it is to live in Austin, especially if you're looking for a home. But some experts say there may be good news on the horizon for homebuyers.

A new report from Realtor.com predicts home prices in the U.S. will dip by 1.7 percent in 2024. But what's surprising is its prediction that the Austin area will see a 12.2 percent drop in home prices next year.

"I just don't see them going that low," Ian Grossman said.

Grossman is a local realtor. He said that number is just too far-fetched, especially when the median home price in the Austin area is sitting at $435,000 as of October.

"A 12 percent drop from where we're at now would take us around $375,000. And we just — we weren't there. We haven't been there since the end of 2020, early 2021," Grossman said.

He predicts home prices will actually go up a little next year.

As for how the market is doing now?

"We're still seeing buyers out there, even with rates in the sevens, just not at the high volume that we did, you know, when they were in the threes, fours and fives," Grossman said.

With the higher interest rates, he said some buyers are still waiting it out.

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

View All Listings