Austin’s fall arts season is almost here, and one event is bringing dozens of the organizations behind it together under one roof.
The sixth annual Austin Arts Mixer returns this week at KMFA Classical 89.5, offering Austinites a chance to discover upcoming theater, dance, film, music and cultural events while meeting the people who make them happen.
Todd Hogan of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and George Preston, CEO of KMFA Classical 89.5, joined Trevor Scott to preview the free event.
Todd Hogan of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and George Preston, CEO of KMFA Classical 89.5, joined We Are Austin with a preview of the free event.
A One-Stop Shop for Austin Arts
Hogan said the idea for the mixer grew out of noticing just how quickly Austin’s cultural calendar fills up as summer comes to an end.
“Everybody’s launching their new seasons,” Hogan said. “We thought, wouldn’t it be cool if we just got a bunch of them in the same room so people could really get a nice view of the cultural landscape of the city?”
Six years later, the mixer has grown to include 40 participating organizations spanning theater, film, dance, music and more.
“It’s become one of my favorite things and kind of the official kickoff of the arts season for the fall,” Hogan said.
KMFA’s Arts Mixer returns with 40 organizations and a backstage pass to the arts scene
Meet the People Behind the Art
Organizations ranging from the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Austin Opera to smaller theater companies, dance groups and film festivals will be represented.
Attendees can move from table to table, learn about upcoming seasons, join mailing lists and discover organizations they may not have encountered before.
“It’s the sense of community,” Preston said. “It’s like a big welcoming family.”
For Preston, the mixer also provided an introduction to Austin’s arts community when he first arrived in the city.
“I immediately got connected,” he said. “If you want that feeling of being connected with so many awesome people and organizations, come to the arts mixer.”
KMFA’s Arts Mixer returns with 40 organizations and a backstage pass to the arts scene
Discover More Than Performances
Hogan said the mixer can also introduce visitors to opportunities that go beyond buying tickets to a show.
“A lot of these organizations have classes and programming and special events throughout the year,” he said.
That makes the event an opportunity to speak directly with the people behind the programming, ask questions and discover new ways to participate in Austin’s creative community.
“You might come in because you’re interested in learning about some dance troupes, but then you find out about some cool film festivals,” Hogan said. “It really is the backstage pass.”
KMFA’s Arts Mixer returns with 40 organizations and a backstage pass to the arts scene
Food, Drinks and Plenty of Giveaways
It wouldn’t be an Austin mixer without a party.
Guests can enjoy bites from Alfred’s Catering along with beverages from local partners while mingling with artists and arts organizations.
Participating organizations are also contributing door prizes, meaning organizers expect to have around 40 giveaways, including tickets to upcoming performances and events.
“Your chances of winning a prize are very good,” Preston joked.
Join the Austin Arts Mixer
The sixth annual Austin Arts Mixer takes place Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at KMFA Classical 89.5, inside its Draylen Mason Music Studio.
The event offers an easy and fun way for longtime arts supporters, newcomers to Austin, and anyone curious about the city’s cultural scene to find out what’s coming next.
KMFA’s Arts Mixer returns with 40 organizations and a backstage pass to the arts scene