UPDATE: SXSW has released an official statement, addressing the situation. They say they “wouldn’t try” to ban unofficial events, but rather “put a limit on the number of permits issued for events that require temporary permits.” Ultimately, the changes comes for the desire for a “comprehensive safety plan.” Read the full statement below:
We’ve been careful not to say anything that implies we’re trying to ban unofficial events because, even if we could, we wouldn’t try to do that. We totally get that unofficial events are part of the appeal of SXSW, though the line between “official” and “unofficial” can be hard to distinguish.
The Populous report is their expert assessment and opinion, not ours, and we agree with most of it, but not all of it. In our own statements we’ve been careful not to imply a threat to relocate SXSW, and have also explicitly stated that is not our position numerous times.
What we’re asking the City to do is put a limit on the number of permits issued for events that require temporary permits, based on location, capacity and infrastructure. The City did that for the first time this past year, and we think it was a common sense move that should be a standard procedure. Parts of 6th Street are severely overcrowded and can’t support more pop-up events. The majority of the unofficial events are in existing businesses and this would not affect them.
The most important part of what we’re asking for is a comprehensive safety plan that will include not just SXSW events, but every other significant activity downtown during our event. Marketing companies are fond of the tactic of keeping everything a secret until the last minute to avoid scrutiny. SXSW, the unofficial events, and the City all need transparency in order to plan for safety properly.
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In the wake of the car accident tragedy at this year’s South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, TX, organizers commissioned a group called Populous, a global architecture firm that specializes in major events like the Super Bowl, to assess how the festival could be improved.
The report urged SXSW to implement “soft searching” techniques, and to strictly enforce a ban on any unofficial SXSW event. These events contribute to the livelihood of the festival, including fan favorites like Hype Hotel and FADER Fort. The report suggests a “Clean Zone” perimeter surrounding the festival, which would solely consist of SXSW-affiliated events.
Apparently the city of Austin is too loose with their permits, granting small businesses an opportunity to bask in the reflective glow of SXSW’s glory. The report said that, if SXSW and Austin don’t implement these changes, then SXSW should consider moving to another city.
It’s a fine line, because the unofficial events certainly add to the festive nature of the event, but not without some headache to the SXSW organizers. At this point, it’s a matter of SXSW finding the balance between the two sides, and perhaps retaining more control over some of these unofficial events, to prevent any tragedies or altercations in the future.
[Via Texas Monthly]