South by Southwest is swapping Lone Stars for Tooheys with the announcement of the launch of SXSW Sydney, the first licensed expansion of the brand.

The event has just been set for Oct. 15-22, 2023, in Australia’s biggest city and the capital of New South Wales, and will be a collaboration with live event promoters TEG, the NSW Government, and Destination NSW. The event will be produced by TEG, with SXSW providing expert consultation.

Like the original festival (launched in Austin in 1987 – and no, don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere), SXSW Sydney will bring together the film/television, music, and technology industries. Plus, like Austin in March, New South Wales will be in peak spring weather, for any of you thinking of taking a few days to see the sites on the southern 33rd parallel.

“SXSW is an event without equal internationally that has launched the careers of so many creative professionals,” said TEG CEO Geoff Jones. “Through showcasing the creator industries of the Asia Pacific to the world, SXSW Sydney will establish a new SXSW touchpoint, enabling the international and cross-sector connections that deliver the most innovative products and content. I would like to welcome Colin Daniels as the Managing Director of SXSW Sydney and thank the NSW Government, Destination NSW, the team at SXSW for their foresight and support.”

Roland Swenson, CEO & co-founder of SXSW, added, “We couldn’t be more excited and honored to work with TEG and the New South Wales Government via Destination NSW on an event that brings to Australia the professional opportunities and unexpected discoveries that make SXSW unique. The purpose of SXSW is to help creative people achieve their goals, and Sydney is the ideal city to serve as a home for the cross-collaboration that exists within the many industries we bring together.”

Find more information and details at sxswsydney.com.

This article appears in June 24 • 2022.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.