Our studios team returned to Austin, Texas, with a crack team of crew and Academy of Live Technology (ALT) students, to once again deliver the BME stages, supporting a packed programme of emerging talent across an intensive week of live performances, showcases and industry moments. Across multiple days and back-to-back changeovers, the team ensured a seamless experience for every artist

As one of the most influential global festivals for music discovery, SXSW continues to be a vital launchpad for new talent and Production Park remains proud to play a key role behind the scenes, helping bring those moments to life safe in the knowledge that the Great British Creative sector and the emerging talent of musicians coming out of the UK is the strongest it's ever been.

Academy of Live Technology: UK/US collaboration in action

A major highlight of SXSW 2026 was once again the involvement of students from ALT, working alongside US counterparts to crew the stages.

This hands-on experience gives students across both campuses an opportunity to operate in a high-pressure, real-world festival environment, getting to work directly with artists, engineers, and industry professionals at an international event.

Students were fully embedded within the production team, gaining invaluable experience that can’t be replicated in the classroom.

Sam Wilkinson, BME Stage Manager and Studio Operations Manager at Production Park:

“With a team of 5 ALT UK and 2 ALT US students working alongside industry professionals and a Team from Production Park, we were able to showcase nearly 60 artists in a condensed version of SXSW for the 2nd year in Palm Door on 6th. The show was not without it’s challenges as SXSW and any other showcase/inner city music festival might bring but our students rose above and were a credit to their respective institutes, demonstrating that while our acts might be the next generation of British musical Talent - our students will be the ones who will be lighting them, managing their production and making them sound amazing for many years to come.”

The continued collaboration between UK and US students reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of live events professionals on a global stage.

A platform for emerging talent & spotting future trends

The BME stages once again showcased an exciting and diverse line-up of emerging artists, offering a crucial platform for those looking to break into the US and international markets.

“Whilst SXSW remains a hotbed of creative chatter where the Production Park team were able to understand the next technological advances and trends within all realms of the creative sector; game, F&TV, advertising, VP/XR and everything in-between, it’s important also to discuss and understand the social and economic forces that are guiding and influencing these developments not just for those sectors but for music as well," explains Sam.

This inevitably helps us understand where our next Arena Production Studio clients will be coming from in the future Like Sam Fender, Olivia Dean or the 1975 previously - and- with the likes of Adult DVD, Blair Davie, MT jones, KOJ, Mae Muller and Meek to name a few personal highlights - It’s safe to say we and British Music on the whole should be future proofed for years to come.”

Powered by industry partnerships

This year’s delivery would not have been possible without the support of an outstanding network of production partners, whose expertise and equipment helped bring the stages to life.

Ant Forbes, Studio & Events Manager at Production Park:

“The support from our Production Partners has been absolutely integral to delivering the British Music Embassy stages at SXSW. Having access to high-quality, industry-standard equipment allows us to create a professional, dynamic environment for every artist and audience member who comes through the space. Partnerships like this are essential. Without the continued backing of these companies, bringing a showcase event of this calibre to life simply wouldn’t be possible. We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.”

Production Partners

Allen & Heath
Ashdown
Creative Technology
dBTechnologies
DPA Microphones
ELATION Lighting
Marshall Group
Natal Drums
Wisycom

Looking ahead

SXSW 2026 has been another incredible milestone for Production Park, the BME and everyone involved.

From the dedication of the crew to the energy of the artists and the commitment of our partners, it’s a reminder of what can be achieved when industry and education come together. However, as well as leaving with a renewed energy from another year of incredible emerging talent (both on and off stage), the team also came away reflecting on one of the hot topics of SXSW – the plight of the small independent venue and the important role they play in shaping talent of the future.

Photos - @Autefault & ALT student, Beth Finch.