Legendary co-founder of The Austin Chronicle and SXSW Festival, Louis Black, is using his latest interview to spotlight the importance of local community support for artists and filmmakers. In the wide-ranging feature, Black shares lessons from his decades of work in film, music, and publishing—encouraging others to embrace collaboration, take risks, and build grassroots connections.
“Everything good that’s ever happened to me came from working with other people,” says Black. “Collaboration isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. You can’t do it alone.”
In the interview, Black reflects on SXSW’s humble beginnings—a conversation among friends that unexpectedly became an international phenomenon. He emphasizes how grassroots efforts can spark global impact. “We started SXSW as a little local music event,” he recalls. “Seven hundred people showed up that first year, and it took off. But it never would’ve happened if we hadn’t just said, ‘Let’s do it.’”
Black also highlights the need for local communities to fund and nurture their own talent, noting his success with the Austin Film Society’s Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund, which has awarded over $1.5 million to independent filmmakers since its creation.
“Fans and communities can make the difference,” Black says. “I’ve seen it over and over again—whether it’s musicians needing health care or filmmakers needing a break. Austin came together for those people. That’s something anyone, anywhere, can do.”
His message comes at a crucial time. A 2024 report by Americans for the Arts found that 71% of nonprofit arts organizations in the U.S. face significant funding gaps. Additionally, artists in many cities lack affordable spaces to create or showcase their work.
Black’s advice? Stop waiting for big institutions to solve the problem. “If you’re passionate about something, start it. Start a festival, a fund, a benefit show, or even just a screening in your neighborhood,” he urges. “That’s how it begins. One idea, a few people, and the willingness to get it wrong a few times.”
Despite facing serious health issues, including heart failure and neuropathy, Black remains active—continuing to write, produce, and advocate for local creatives. He urges others to push past their fear of failure.
“You’re going to mess up. You’re going to fall. But that’s the only way to make something meaningful,” he says. “Do it anyway.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Louis Black:
Louis Black is the co-founder of The Austin Chronicle, SXSW Festival, and North by Northeast. A lifelong advocate for independent artists, he has spent his career fostering creative communities through media, festivals, and nonprofit work. He currently lives in Austin, Texas.
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