Austin SXSW 2018: Advisory Board Members For Art Program Selected

AUSTIN, TX — SXSW organizers have announced the advisory board members for the 2018 SXSW Art Program.

The board members include representatives of the creative community — artists, curators, event professionals and more — from all over the world, each offering unique and diverse perspectives. The 2018 Art Program Advisory Board will lend their industry expertise as they evaluate the art program’s proposals, playing an important part in the selection of the installations to be showcased at SXSW, officials said.

"These individuals are instrumental to the success of the SXSW Art Program and their hard work, diligence, and support in shaping our program is very much appreciated," officials said in a news advisory.

"The 2018 SXSW Art Program takes place March 9 - 18, in Austin, and will showcase experiential and conceptual visual artworks that apply emerging technologies and immersive environments to spark discovery, inspiration, and connection," officials explained. "Incorporated into the broader ecosystem of creativity and innovation at SXSW, the art program serves as a launching point for collaboration and discussion around the role of visual and digital media arts in culture, technology, and the public realm. The program also creates a platform for visual artists to connect with international leaders in the fields of music, film and technology through showcasing innovative projects and hosting discussions."

Hugh Forrest, chief programming officer, noted that art and design has long been part and parcel to the annual conference. Yet it is only recently that this aesthetic connection was formalized, he added.

“Art and Design has always been central to the SXSW ethos, and we have quickly become a recognized platform for visual artists to showcase art installations and connect with filmmakers, musicians, and technologists” Forrest said. “While SXSW has long showcased artists and their works, the Art Program is the first time we have formalized the program and sought leading artists to design specific installations that we know will resonate with SXSW audiences.”

The 2017 inaugural year featured installations by Refik Anadol, Hyphen-Labs, Raum Industries, Nick Verstand, Circus Family and Akinori Goto. Prior to 2017 SXSW showcased work from Simon Heijdens, POW! WOW! Hawaii, Meggs, SprATX, Ishky, Max Zorn, and collaborated with The Contemporary Austin on programming related to work by artists Charles Long, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Tom Sachs.

The advisory board members play a key role in helping to curate and shape the 2018 Art Program, officials said. The board comprises arts and creative sector figures of diverse artistic backgrounds, including artists, curators, and event professionals from all over the world, each offering unique and diverse perspectives, organizers noted.

The SXSW 2018 Art Advisory Board members are:

• Andi Scull Cheatham, executive producer, HOPE Events Inc.
• Andrea Mellard, director of public programs & public engagements, The Contemporary Austin.

• Andria Hickey, senior curator, MOCA Cleveland.
• Ariel Saldivar, vice president in artist relations, Twyla.
• Bettina Korek, commissioner, Los Angeles Arts Commission, Founder of ForYourArt.
• Bill Shapiro, former editor-in-chief at LIFE Magazine.
• Elena Soboleva, curator of Special Projects, Artsy.
• Hank Willis Thomas, artist, Hank Willis Thomas Studio.
• Jamie Bennett, executive director, ArtPlace America.
• Jean-Christophe Harel, business development executive.
• Jesse Sachs, senior strategist, Versus Creative.
• Josette Melchor, executive director & founder of GrayArea.org.
• Julia Kaganskiy, director, New Inc.
• Justin Bolognino, chief experience officer, META: The Art of Being There.
• Kim Cook, director, art & civic engagement, Burning Man.
• Lana Carlson, founder & curator, POP Austin.
• Marshall Birnbaum, director, Summit Arts Foundation.
• Morgan Catalina, principal + creative director, Out-Of-Office.
• Robert Kloos, consulate general of the Netherlands in New York.
• Sara Fitzmaurice, CEO & president, FITZ & CO.
• Zoe Crosher, artist.

Full advisory board member bios can be found here. The SXSW Art Program has an open call for artists that's open through the rest of the month. Artists selected will showcase their installation at SXSW 2018. Apply here.

"SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals," organizers wrote. Founded in 1987 in Austin, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries.

The annual gathering has since become a preeminent go-to event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. "SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together," organizers said.

SXSW 2018 is scheduled to take place March 9-18, 2018.

>>> Refik Anadol, "Infinity Room," 2017, four channel video and sound installation, 4M x 4M x 4M, Photo courtesy of the artist via SXSW