Justin Drape and Ron Anderson to curate ‘Australia House’ at SXSW from March 10 to 15

Highlighting the best of Australian innovation, film, music, food and wine, Australia House returns to South By Southwest (SXSW) for a second year, under the creative direction and curation of Justin Drape, co-founder and group chief creative officer of The Monkeys, and Ron Anderson, co-founder and creative experience officer of Unicorn Group.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s ‘Australia House’ week-long experience will showcase some of Australia’s brightest creative and entrepreneurial talent. With performances by some of the country’s top music acts, the festival will also feature talks and panel discussions, interactive exhibitions, networking meet-ups and more.

Businesses attending this year include Tourism Australia, Austrade, Bluestone Lane, Westpac, Swisse, World Surf League, Vinomofo and Movember.

Up and coming Australian actors Danielle Macdonald (Dumplin’, Patti Cake$) and Cody Fern (American Crime Story, House of Cards) visit Australia House to talk about shaking up Hollywood, while business young guns Margaret Zhang and Lindsay Cornell lead an inspiring speaker line-up to address the impact of innovation from a female perspective.

Taking to the stage are rising Aussie stars Angie McMahon, Carmouflage Rose, Dean Lewis, Mojo Juju and Kwame, along with 39 other Aussie acts. Golden Vessel, Masionair and Spike Vincent have also signed up, joining Odette, I Know Leopard and Haiku Hands.

The music show and the signature Aussie BBQ will again will be hosted by Sounds Australia, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

Adds Anderson: “Being invited to curate an experience with some of the country’s most inspiring cultural leaders is a real privilege and, after the success of last year, featuring the likes of Hugh Jackman and Curtis Stone, we’re excited to build on that momentum and to make it a part of SXSW that people don’t want to miss.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s ‘Australia House’ week-long experience will kick off on 10th March and run through to 15th March 2019 at 77 Rainey Street in Austin, Texas.