Every November in Central Texas, families gather to give thanks, and the Bee Cave Arts Foundation introduces yet another reason for gratitude – BuzzFest. This vibrant fusion of art, technology, and community has emerged as a transformative force in the local art scene. From its humble beginnings, BuzzFest has grown exponentially in stature and influence. Deby Childress, the Director of the Bee Cave Arts Foundation, emphasizes the foundation's commitment to a wide range of artistic expressions, saying, "The Bee Cave Arts Foundation promotes all types of art - painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, etc., but we had never featured art that involved technology, art, science, and electronic music. This is a popular area, and we wanted to feature this type of work. We also wanted to host an outdoor public art event that would be enjoyed by all ages."
This forward-thinking music, tech, and art festival has gained momentum thanks to a partnership with masters Barna Kantor and Kyle Evans of dadaLab, known for their work at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Deby acknowledges their pivotal role in bringing BuzzFest to life, stating, "Barna Kantor and Kyle Evans are the masters. Our organization has no knowledge about tech art. dadaLab is doing wonderful projects. We needed them to curate this art event. Without them, it would have never happened. Also, with them has come a partnership with UT Austin's Entertainment and Technology Department and Nelda Studios." David Sydiongco, Devin Ryan, and Matt Smith among others, add layers of creativity and expertise, making BuzzFest a boundary-pushing experience.
In just three years, BuzzFest has evolved from a budding idea into a nationally recognized event. Deby reflects on this rapid growth, saying, "This is year three, and each year, I have learned so much more about this new media. We now have national electronic musicians performing each night."
BuzzFest is a mesmerizing blend of architectural projection mapping, immersive multichannel surround sound, motion-based lighting design, original music, and contemporary dance performances that bring Bee Cave's Central Plaza to life. The streets themselves become canvases, adorned with additional light and video art installations and performances, ensuring that attendees experience art in a groundbreaking new light.
Deby emphasizes that BuzzFest's impact extends beyond art and culture, saying, "This is our home, and we wanted to bring a new event to Bee Cave that would be an outdoor event for everyone that all ages would enjoy. We wanted to bring in visitors to our community for a one-of-a-kind event." BuzzFest brings in a lot of people to the Hill Country Galleria. She continues, "During our first year, we got cell phone data and found that we hosted 19,000 people for the 3 day event. Restaurants had their best days ever since opening. So the event brings in substantial income and sales tax revenue to the area."
What sets BuzzFest apart is its steadfast commitment to creating an inclusive, family-friendly event. It's not merely about showcasing tech-art fusion; it's about crafting unforgettable experiences. From immersive multichannel soundscapes to meticulously choreographed contemporary dance performances, every element is meticulously designed to captivate and inspire. For three days, the Hill Country Galleria at 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738, metamorphoses into an artistic wonderland, where light, sound, and art seamlessly intermingle.
As November unfolds, BuzzFest continues to evolve and expand its vision. With each passing year, the synergy of artists, designers, technologists, and creative entrepreneurs ensures that BuzzFest remains a dynamic force in the Central Texas art scene. BuzzFest invites you to join this artistic revolution from November 9-11th in Bee Cave, Texas. Regardless of your age, you're welcome to be a part of this remarkable event. The best part is that admission is absolutely free! To fully immerse yourself in the BuzzFest experience, consider staying at the Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hotel, where art meets technology in an awe-inspiring fusion.
The technical details of BuzzFest are nothing short of impressive, with Childress explaining, "This project is huge, with 75 ft x 18 ft tall projections featuring dancers, acrobats, and electronic musicians on the plaza stage. Then there are large art installations and street performers in the streets, and an exhibition with more tech art installations inside our gallery."
BuzzFest is not just an art event. It's a celebration of community and innovation. It brings people together from all walks of life to enjoy an outdoor extravaganza that appeals to all ages. The event's continued success and growth are a testament to its significance in Bee Cave and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and technology. Don't miss your chance to become a part of this memorable journey, where the future of art is celebrated with light, music, and technology, and where art unites communities, transforms spaces, and brings innovation to the forefront of local culture.
"This is our home, and we wanted to bring a new event to Bee Cave that would be an outdoor event for everyone of all ages to enjoy. We wanted to bring visitors to our community for a one-of-a-kind event." — Deby Childress, Director of Bee Cave Arts Foundation