Although the 2018 edition only wrapped up two months ago, SXSW has already announced the processes involved for creators to apply for the 2019 edition of the conference and festival.
Given its mammoth size and stature within the media industry, it can be overwhelming to navigate the system that leads you from your computer to thousands of prospective fans, clients and representatives in Austin, Texas.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a guide to ease you through the process to get you and your career to where it needs to be come March 2019.
Below, you’ll find the categories for which SXSW is accepting submissions:
PanelPicker is SXSW’s official “user-generated proposal platform” which gives aspiring innovators the opportunity to submit session ideas leading to potential programming within the daytime conference portion of the festival. All proposals submitted are then voted on by members of the SXSW community giving rise to collaboration and networking.
Participants are encouraged to upload proposals related to interactive, film, and music industries employing the use of a variety of formats including panels, presentations, workshops and more.
To prepare for the 2019 edition, you can find the 2018 application form here
Applications Open June 25th
Deadline: July 20th
The Community Service Awards are designed to celebrate the Austin community. This application is open to you if you are the head of a charity in Austin olr if you do charitable work in the area that you would like to see highlighted at SXSW. With this award, six organizations and six individuals will receive a grant for their charity as well a registration for SXSW.
Find more information about the awards here as well as the list of 2018 recipients
Applications Open June 25th
Deadline: July 20th
One of the biggest components of SXSW is its film festival. Everything from small independent films to major motion pictures have had their premiere at SXSW. In 2018, Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One both premiered in Austin.
SXSW hosts many categories for submissions including Feature Film, Short Film, Episodic, Music video, and Virtual Cinema.
Submitting your film to SXSW is giving it the chance to be seen by press, industry leaders, and film lovers from around the world. Find more information about the application categories here
Applications Open June 25th
Early Deadline: August 23rd
Official Deadline: September 20th
Late Deadline: October 18th
These awards are designed to recognize the most exciting and most innovative developments in the world of technology.
Categories include:
- AI and Machine Learning
- Health, Med, and BioTech
- Innovation in Connecting People
- Music and Audio Innovation
- New Economy
- Privacy and Security
- Responsive Design
- Smart Cities
- VR & AR
- Visual Media
- Wearable Tech
- Student Innovation
These awards are open to any innovator within the digital industry who wishes to present their project, product, or development which was made or launched in the 2018 calendar year.
Applications Open June 25th
Early Deadline: August 19th
Official Deadline: August 20th – October 5th
Final Deadline: October 7th
Showcasing Artist Applications
The most well-known aspect of SXSW and the component from which it was built is the music showcase which spans the entire 10 days of the conference. If you are a band or artist who wishes to perform at the 2019 edition of the festival, this is the application you need to pay attention to. If your application is accepted, it means that you will be given the opportunity to play at any of the multiple venues in Austin, at many of the official SXSW showcases all in front of potential fans, industry professionals, and international media.
In preparation of your application, you will need to create an authorized SXSW account which you can do here. Following that you will simply need to fill out the application and pay the registration fee.
Application Opens June 25th
Early Deadline: September 13th
Final Deadline: October 25th
The SXSW Art Program is designed to showcase experiential and visual artworks that make use of “emerging technologies and immersive environments.” SXSW will be looking for applications that meet the criteria of sparking discovery, inspiration and connection which will “enhance the landscape of SXSW.”
All visual artists are invited to apply in an effort to be given access to a platform to show thier work in a “diverse, collaborative, and inventive community.”
Application Opens June 25th
Early Deadline: September 21st
Final Deadline: October 5th
This program is designed to give the opportunity to new business leaders to pitch their startups to industry leaders. The 2019 edition will feature 50 interactive technology companies and 10 categories all of which will be showcased in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges. The program also includes a portion of new and innovation product demonstrations.
Applying to this program will give you the opportunity to have your business or product seen and assessed as well as the opportunity to network with other professionals and potentially receive funding. Alumni from the SXSW Pitch program have earned a combined total of $5.43 billion in funding since the programs inception in 2009.
Find more information as well as the 2018 winners here
Application Opens June 25th
Final Deadline November 8th
SXSW 2019 will take place in Austin, Texas from March 8th – 17th
