Mark your calendars, the dates for SXSW 2016 have been set as 11th-16th March for the conference’s famous Film Festival and 15th-20th March for the SXSW Music Festival and best of all, submissions are now open for bands to showcase and filmmakers to apply for exhibition.

Now in its 30th year, SXSW Music Festival invites Australian contemporary musicians and bands to apply via Sonicbids for a critical showcase slot. Showcasing at SXSW means performing in one of Austin’s famous live music venues in front of thousands of media members, fans, and industry reps.

Bands and artists looking to launch their international careers at SXSW like so many artists before them, including the likes of Flume and Courtney Barnett, shouldn’t waste any time in applying, with spots limited and applications coming in from around the world.

Applying means vying for the opportunity to play as part of a 2,200-plus strong lineup, which in 2015 included nearly 600 international acts, who travelled from all corners of the globe, representing some 62 different countries.

Those who’ve applied before will notice organisers are opening the application process a little earlier than usual. In doing so, organisers hope to “give more attention to each applicant and notify bands of their status sooner than in previous years”.

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Last year, 47 Australian artists made the trip to Austin out of more than 250 who applied and 70 who were invited. Each played one ‘official’ showcase in addition to many daytime label, brand, and special event parties, as well as the famous Aussie BBQ two-stage concert with 22 artists promoted by SoundsAustralia.

Last year also saw over 750 paid delegates for the Music, Film and Interactive Festivals and Conferences making for an Australian contingent of over 1,050, including musicians and crew – the largest number of Australians in one place at one time since the 1996 Olympics in 1996.

Meanwhile, the SXSW Film Festival, now in its 22nd year, is taking applications from Australian filmmakers who wish to have their films seen by an incredible contingent of film lovers and industry representatives. To apply, head on over to the official SXSW website.

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