If the tweets were anything to go by, PechaKucha Night Vol. 4 in Austin was a get-there-early-or-miss-out kind of affair. PKN Austin organizer Carla Fraser gives us the lowdown on the event:
We had 10 presenters, ranging from graphic design to music, skateboard activist, architecture, photography, film, and spray can graffiti.
Photographer Sarah Wilson showed some work she had done working with the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She photographed their prom — a year end formal dance that is traditional in US high schools. The audience loved her work. It’s very personal and moving.
Miguel Rivera’s presentation of his architectural work was breathtakingly beautiful.
Musician John Pointer presented an idea of a new model for musicians to be financially successful without having to go through the typical recording label dance. In Austin, home of lots of musicians, people liked it. He is very smart and talented and had hand-drawn his slides because his laptop flew off the top of his car.
A very brave graphic designer from Pentagram (DJ Stout) stood up and showed his failures. Some were hilarious. He is very good and has the confidence to show his bad work because he has done so much good work.
We had over 250 people inside and had to turn away at least another 100 or more. There are fire marshall codes that cannot be broken. We are looking for a larger venue for the next one. The short film clip was great. For many people, this was their first PKN event to attend so that helped put things in perspective. Others had been to all the prior events. Feedback this morning has been very enthusiastic. We have had to turn people away at 3 of the 4 events. Our #3 was in a very large space but it brought its own challenges with it.
We had someone drive from Houston who wants to start one up in that city. We have chatted on email so he came to see one in person. He was jazzed about it, asked lots of questions. We have had visitors from Phoenix and other locations who came to see one in hopes of starting one in their own cities.
The really wonderful thing is how enthusiastic and excited the presenters are after the event. They get energized. The crowd feels it and people walk away glad to be part of the creative community. And, breaking down all the traditional silos — mixing so many disciplines together is key to the fun here in Austin.
It’s work, yes, and at 11:30 last night I was tired. But the feedback this morning is so great!
Photos are courtesy of Ben Rondeau.
