Austin has a decades-long history as the cultural and countercultural capital of Texas. The city's unofficial mantra is “Keep Austin weird”, and Austin is often referred to as the world capital of live music. Austin is the capital of Texas and an epicenter of culture, art, food and unparalleled experiences. Known as the world capital of live music, this bustling metropolis always has something to do, from live music performances at small venues in the city to world-famous festivals.
Texans tend to be traditional, and while Austinites seem to be going in the opposite direction, they can be as traditional as anyone in Waco. The adoption of Austin for all things kitsch, country and retro is little more than a way to preserve the old with a varnish of novelty. Hence the Popeye mugs and the red rose tattoos with the inscription “Mom” in Gothic letters, which are the favorites of false sailors around the world. Give me the name of an endangered institution and you'll discover that Austinites of all ages and creeds are committed to it in saving her.
From individual artists to wide-ranging arts organizations, Austin has a rich and diverse cultural ecosystem. The city is renowned for its innovation and leadership in industries such as music, film, video games and multidisciplinary digital experiences, and festivals such as South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin City Limits and the Fusebox Festival have made Austin a first-rate cultural destination. The city of Austin has become famous for its vibrant culture and attractions. And plan a visit to James Turrell's The Color Inside Skyspace for a quiet hour at dawn or dusk, and be part of the University of Texas's exciting landmarks public art collection in Austin.
Liz Rodda, a local artist and associate professor at Texas State University, was selected to represent Austin in the first version of City-to-City. The city's government sector also plays an important role in the local economy, with Austin being the capital of Texas. Popular outdoor activities in Austin include hiking and biking along the city's many trails, swimming in the Barton Springs pool or Lady Bird Lake, kayaking on the Colorado River and enjoying live music events at outdoor venues such as Zilker Park. What makes Austin a cultural powerhouse are its Latin roots, its Tex-Mex environment and the expressions of pachanga, synonymous with “party but for the tenth power”, as exemplified by the Pachanga Fest, Austin's leading Latin music festival.
Festivals such as South by Southwest (SXSW), the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL Fest) and the Fusebox Festival have turned Austin into a premier cultural destination. This lively area hosts many cultural events each year, such as live music, comedy performances and film festivals, such as the now famous SXSW event. In addition to music, Austin is also home to numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Blanton Museum of Art and Contemporary Austin. Learn more about the programs of the Department of Economic Development of the City of Austin and their role in developing Austin's creative economy.
This venue hosts a wide range of events, including performances by local artistic groups such as the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Austin Ballet. Throughout the 19th century, the construction of the Texas State Capitol and the University of Texas at Austin transformed the city into a center of government and education. Austin is the self-described world capital of live music, and thanks in part to students at the University of Texas, emerging alternative country, alternative rock and alternative blues musicians flock to places like Broken Spoke, Mohawk or Antone's. Delve deeper into the Austin art scene by visiting the countless galleries and arts organizations scattered around the city. The University of Texas at Austin is one of the city's largest employers, with more than 20,000 employees, making a significant contribution to the city's economy.
