frequently asked questions
first night austin - december 31, 2006
What is First Night Austin?
First Night Austin is an opportunity for all members of our community to come together and celebrate New Year's Eve while supporting the arts.
This FREE, family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration provides a safe and enjoyable alternative to ring in the New Year, Austin-style.
How did First Night get started?
First Night began as a finale to Boston's Bicentennial in 1976 and has since expanded into a New Year's Eve tradition that is celebrated by more than
120 cities in the United States, Canada and New Zealand each year. For more information visit the First Night International website.
Who pays for First Night Austin?
First Night Austin is an independent, 501c3, non-profit corporation. We rely on donations from foundations, sponsors, corporations
and individuals. This event is made possible by the generosity of our community.
Why should I go downtown for New Years?
There will be something new and creative and visual to see around every corner, storefront and building facade; this festival has something to offer
everyone from adults to young children. Come and be a part of this year's biggest celebration and help ring in the New Year in a uniquely "Austin" way!
What activities will there be for children?
The H-E-B Presents First Night Austin 2009 Family Festival, sponsored by the Seton Family of Hospitals takes place from 3 to 6 p.m.
It includes performances of music, dance, storytelling and puppetry along with participatory programs including re-usable art and drumming. Yound people can enjoy a
variety of hands-on-workshops as well as puppets,
festive hats and origami cranes. The Family Finale takes place at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall and allows families with young children to experience their own
ringing in of the New Year.
Will food and beverages be available?
Yes, most downtown Austin restaurants will be open for business, but if you do not want to linger over a long meal, enjoy Austin-style food from
the Food Court food vending area.
Will any alcohol be allowed in the event area?
No, First Night Austin is a non-alcoholic event and no alcoholic beverages will be sold or served at indoor or outdoor event venues. It is illegal to
carry open alcoholic beverages in the City of Austin.
How can I get involved?
Everyone in Austin has the opportunity to contribute to First Night Austin as an artist, volunteer, donor or neighborhood collaborator.
- Volunteer - A variety of fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities are available prior to and during the event.
- Artist - Artists are encouraged to send a "Letter of Introduction"
describing who they are, what artistic work they do and their contact information so that they can be added to the database for next year's event. This
year's Call to Artists' application is available on the website for reference. First Night Austin's "Call to Artists" is underway amd will close on June 22.
- Neighborhood Collaborator - A number of H-E-B Presents First Night Austin 2009 projects involve artists working in
community settings to create art projects presented at the event. Examples are youth workshops in schools and recreation centers that create large
scale puppets and flags for the Grand Procession. Proposals for Neighborhood Collaborative projects are reviewed along with the rest of the artist
proposals. If you are an artist interested in working in community settings or if you have an active neighborhood group that would like to get involved
in the event contact us at www.firstnightaustin.org as an interested "neighborhood collaborator" and we will add you to our "Call To Artists"
database.
- Donate - Donations are now accepted online.
How are artists selected?
First Night Austin distributes a "Call To Artist" request for proposals from April - June 2008. Peer panels consisting of professionals in each different
discipline (music, dance, theater, visual/installation, film/video, puppetry, etc.) review the proposals for artistic merit, concept, and cultural
and artistic diversity. First Night Austin staff narrow down the panel's recommendations based on available venues, financial resources, and cultural
and artistic diversity. All First Night Austin artists are paid for their work.
What if I have more questions?
Contact First Night Austin at donna@firstnightaustin.org.
