The Nighttime Lab at SXSW 2023 was a first of its kind symposia exploring the question “how do we save space for diverse nightlife in Austin?” Presented with Vibe Lab and the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH), this program was coupled with evening showcases presented by Resident Advisor, offering a 24 hour cycle to think and dance critically. Details of the RA showcase and community partnerships can be found here.
The Nighttime Lab connected the people, places, and movements that make Austin’s music culture unique with like-minded individuals worldwide. Welcoming government agencies, nighttime advocates, urban planners, promoters, club owners, industry professionals, artists, and music lovers of all kinds… the lab was a space to discuss some of the biggest challenges independent culture is facing in Austin these days, while sharing best practices and insights from experts around the world.
The City of Austin, developers, residents, and platforms like SXSW benefit greatly from the presence of these spaces and groups to “keep Austin weird,” a slogan that has become synonymous with the city’s unique culture. However, the increasing pace of development calls upon Austin’s leadership to connect with grassroots groups to preserve these spaces and provide resources that can ensure their operation, as well as community safety/accessibility. From online radio stations to regionally focused record labels, clubs, intimate warehouses, and renegade-style events, these spaces and parties are essential community resources and platforms for the expression of the diverse cultures that call Austin home. These spaces and communities innovate Austin as much as the tech startup down the street and provide the essential infrastructure that often center marginalized communities.
PROGRAM INFO
Presentations: The Rise of Nighttime Governance and Why it Matters
Presenters: Adrian Tonon, Arial Palitz, Alby Bocanegra (The Urban Fututist), Brian Block, Chris Stemann, Dominique Greco, Kae Burke (House of Yes), Mathieu Grondin (24HMTL), Mirca Lotz, Raheem Manning, Randall White (24HourNation).
How do communities & government work together to make a better city? This keynote session highlights examples from around the world and in Texas that have made a difference.
Roundtables: Saving Space for Diverse Club Culture in Austin *presented with Resident Advisor
Presenters: Nyshka Chandran (RA moderator), DJ Shani, Cole Evans (Coconut Club), Orion Garcia (Peligrosa), Xan Damalas (Club Eternal).
Austin is known as the “live music capital” of the US. In this roundtable, we ask, “but for whom”? Local organizers share more about the diverse club & dance music scenes that call Austin home and how we can support them.
Workshop: TRACKS TO BUILD TO: Co-Creating a Future Austin
Facilitators: James Rojas & John Kamp
Community Leads: Ben Randall (Shared Frequencies Radio), Claudia Hernandez & Brett Johnson (Might Be Magic), James Harcrow (Growth and Decay), Sonya Jevette (Austin Musicians), Sussie Ramirez (Perreo Club), Mitch Lamon (Freq Systems), Morgan Morgan (NRX).
Healthy music scenes and Urban Planning go hand-in-hand. How can we build a city overflowing with music and culture? For this hands-on workshop I collaborated with award-winning community planners James Rojas & John Kamp to adapt their play methodology to approach urban and spatial planning through our memory of sound, and the values we seek out and can co-create in club spaces. Community members who are creating some of Austin’s most exciting underground and independent scenes helped lead play tables with all attendees.
Mentor Match Happy Hour
Registrants were paired across interests, age, and geography to grab a drink with one another and share more about their work.
