SXSW: For the Love of it
This is a short post following a week in Austin, Texas, for South by Southwest, one of the truest collisions of innovation happening anywhere on earth.
Over the course of 10 days, the southeast corner of downtown Austin becomes a playground for forward thinkers of all types. Filmmakers, musicians and technologists are each provided a portion of days during which they stage events, share ideas and diligently party. I was there for the music period, moving day and night, and was struck by the sense of community amongst these creative industries. When put together, the synergies are undeniable. Although the festival is becoming increasingly commercialized, there’s a clear connection between the way these groups operate: in their developing stages, film, music and technology all proudly share a do-it-yourself ethos that’s both infectious and inspiring. People are emotionally invested in the projects they’re a part of. There’s an unapologetic idealism evident, and raw energy driving the events. Many ideas debuted in Austin will become successful, and many will not. And frankly, for most of us, that’s not the point of the time there. People are genuinely embracing the things they’re passionate about and coming together to share them.
It was another eye opening week in Austin and I’m better for the making the trip.
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