Arts & Entertainment
2023 Readers Poll
2023 Critics Picks

Courtesy of Blanton Museum of Art

Museum

“Those new space-age flowers that spiff up the plaza.” Davida Charney

The Blanton Museum of Art
200 E. MLK
512/471-5482
www.blantonmuseum.org

Art Gallery

“Women artists still need spaces devoted to their art! Quality and variety of art shows; lots of minority artists and board members; great art ed programs; 40+ years in the black!” Judith Sims

Women & Their Work
1311 E. Cesar Chavez
512/477-1064
www.womenandtheirwork.org

photo by Jana Birchum

Courtesy of alexishunter.work

Visual Artist

“Alexis not only makes visually engaging art about important topics, she also works hard to create an inclusive environment. She is a community builder and a badass, the best artist combination in my book.” Alicia Philley

alexishunter.work

Performance Space/Theatre

“Crown jewel of Austin.” Ben Welmaker

Paramount Theatre
713 Congress
512/474-1221
www.austintheatre.org

Lauren Johnson

Courtesy of Katie Moore

Theatre Director

“Katie Moore is one of those rare theatre artists without a hint of ego. Through her direction of the Story Wranglers program, she has encouraged countless Austin children to believe in themselves as writers, and validated their voices at every turn.” Madison Murrah

austintheatre.org

Actor

“She's a huge part of the community, absolutely hilarious, and keeps Austin just a little bit weird.” Sue Ng

nataliedgarcia.com

Photo by Kathryn Lane Photography

Photo by Mark Poucher

Classical Musician

“Graham has graced my ears, mind, and heart with so many exciting performances.” Chale Nafus

grahamreynolds.com

Dancer/Choreographer

“Despite the best attempts of many, art does not belong to the rich. Allison helps make sure the working class is recognized and included for our contributions.” Joshua DeVries

Allison Orr
Forklift Danceworks
2023 E. Cesar Chavez
forkliftdanceworks.org

Photo by Jonica Moore

Courtesy of Zuzu

Muralist

“Colorful-Positive message & I'm her Mama!” Jana Perkal

ihavepinkhair.com

Graphic Artist

“Dope designs!” Anthony Miller

instagram.com/billiebuckposters

Photo by John Anderson

Comedy Troupe

“My teeth hurt from laughing so hard.” Fran Rush

Esther's Follies
525 E. Sixth
512/320-0198
www.esthersfollies.com

Stand-up Comic

“Local legend!” Mario Tenorio

vanessacomedy.com

Courtesy of Vanessa Gonzalez

photo by John Anderson

Comedy Club/Venue

“The new Cap City is really great, although I miss the 'sketchy' vibe of the old one. Just glad they're back!” Michelle Sturges

Cap City Comedy Club
11506 Century Oaks Ste. B-100
512/467-2333
www.capcitycomedy.com

Comedy/Storytelling Showcase

“The stories are beautifully put together and the crowd is always accepting. They even have ASL interpreters for every speaker.” Oraiah Ximénez

Greetings, From Queer Mountain
instagram.com/greetingsfromqueermountain

photo by Jana Birchum

Fiction Writer

“Her writing takes me to places I have always wanted to visit and introduces me to people I need to know.” Pat Saunders

sarahbirdbooks.com

Nonfiction Writer

“Lawrence Wright is a pure genius. His devotion to detail and investigative journalism is unparalleled.” Andrea Serra

lawrencewright.com

Photo by Kenny Braun

Courtesy of Ben Sargent

Cartoonist/Comic Creator

“Sharp and talented. No wonder he won a Pulitzer.” Anne Rodgers

texasobserver.org/author/ben-sargent

New Book by an Austin Writer

“Important topics for teens and youth – hope schools won't ban.” Jeanne Tanous

aaronhaceves.com

Photo by Rusk Photography

Burlesque Performer

“Ginger Snaps is a pro and absolute delight.” Kim Boswood

gingersnapsburlesque.com

Drag Performer

“Dramatic, hilarious, sassy, and always a good time.” Akki Brathwaite

louisiannapurchase.com

photo by Jana Birchum

photo by Jana Birchum

Drag Showcase

“Great shows, great looks, great music. 10 out of 10 every time.” Michelle Segroves

instagram.com/vixensofvolstead

Local Video Game Developer

“Killer VR experiences and awesome presence in town.” Matt Schmitz

chickenwaffle.com

photo by John Anderson

Movie Theatre

“Best theatres and best food and NO MFING NOISY GUESTS.” Paul Trowe

drafthouse.com

Film Festival

“An institution that has for many, many years been an integral cultural event here in Austin.” Marty Erhart

Austin Film Festival
austinfilmfestival.com

Samuel D. Hunter and Darren Aronofsky (The Whale) at Austin Film Festival 2022   photo courtesy of Austin Film Festival

Richard Linklater attending Netflix's Apollo 10 ½ SXSW World Premiere on March 13, 2022   Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Netflix

Filmmaker

“Nobody embodies the best of Austin better. He's the Austin we remember and the one we aspire it to be.” Lowell Bartholomee

detourfilm.com

Outdoor Festival

“The international recognition and amazing performing artists it attracts to town!” Licia Hendriks

Austin City Limits Music Festival
aclfestival.com

photo by John Anderson

Courtesy of Aira Juliet

Arts and Entertainment Wild Card

“Black and Queer AF has created a space for QTPOC to feel safe, valued, and celebrate our joy.” Stephanie Sammons

instagram.com/blackandqueerafatx

 
2023 Intro
Readers: Kids & Family

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