President Barack Obama apparently caught the festival bug during his appearance at South by Southwest (SXSW) earlier this year.
The White House recently announced plans for an upcoming one-day festival “celebrating the spirit of innovation,” aptly titled South by South Lawn.
A partnership with SXSW, the American Film Institute and the President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities, the festival will feature three parts: interactive, music and film.
The film portion will feature selections from the 3rd Annual White House Student Film Festival, which showcases films from students in grades K-12, and the music portion will highlight “well-known and emerging artists who are using their music to inspire audiences.”
The interactive portion will be made up of panel discussions through the day and “encourage attendees to engage with and learn about new technologies and innovations.”
“On October 3, the White House will convene creators, innovators, and organizers from across the country for an evening of music, film and great ideas,” the White House said in the announcement. “It is a call to arms for every American to roll up their sleeves and make a positive mark on our country — and a celebration of the great work so many of us have already accomplished.”
Nominations for attendees will be accepted through September 10.
Back in March, the president served as the keynote speaker at South by Southwest interactive, where he was interviewed by Evan Smith of the Texas Tribune about the ways tech companies can help solve the world’s problems.