President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama become the first sitting president and first lady to appear at SXSW. Credit: Image courtesy of Whitehouse.gov

President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama become the first sitting president and first lady to appear at SXSW. Credit: Image courtesy of Whitehouse.gov

Remember when it seemed like interesting timing when it was announced that President Barack Obama will be in Austin for a fundraiser on the first day of SXSW? Now the other piece of the puzzle has appeared, as both he and First Lady Michelle Obama have been added to the schedule as speakers.

Before his March 11 evening shindig, Obama will take part in a keynote conversation with Texas Tribune editor in chief Evan Smith about civic engagement in the 21st century. Then on March 16, the first day of SXSW Music, the first lady will deliver a keynote speech on Let Girls Learn, a global initiative pushing for the cultural and resource barrier that prevent girls from gaining a formal education.

This is obviously a huge addition to the speaker roster for SXSW, marking the first time that a sitting president, never mind the president and first lady, have attended the event.

SXSW runs March 11-20: more info at www.sxsw.com.

Follow all our coverage, including news, reviews, interviews, hints, tips, and gossip, at austinchronicle.com/sxsw. Sign up for our Daily SXSW coverage for the latest news and follow us on Twitter to stay in the know.

This article appears in February 26 • 2016.

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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.