About Austin
Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State and can be found in the central section of Texas. A liberal oasis, this city is well known for its thriving art and culture scene, not to mention the live music that can be heard blaring from every club and bar on Sixth Street. With art and culture being so prominent in Austin, it seems like the perfect city for a poetry reading.
Besides the art and culture, the city is also known for its spectacular barbecue restaurants and fun clubs. You will not have any trouble finding some after-hours fun in Austin. And the weather is always warm so you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities as well.
There are many plus sides to having a poetry reading space in Austin. Whether it is going to be a one-off book release fundraiser or a long-term weekly reading, consider Austin as the home base for your next project.
Poetry Space Options in Austin
Poetry spaces in Austin can be a wonderful way to build community and give a space for people to express themselves. Here are a few essentials to consider when setting up your venue.
- Amplification Equipment
Everyone needs to be able to hear those beautiful words. Getting proper amplification equipment is going to help your venue be successful and also give the night a more professional feel. Find yourself a good microphone, a stand, electrical cords, and an amplifier. The people in the back of the venue should hear the speaker just as clearly as the folks in the front row.
- Seating
Depending on the vibe of the show, your crowd will likely be seated for the majority of the time. Most venues will have seating that is appropriate for the size, shape, and feel of the location, but if you are building one from scratch, you will need to find some chairs. Consider whether you need tables, high chairs, bean bag chairs, couches, or normal folding chairs.
- Marketing
What good is a poetry space in Austin if nobody shows up? Get the word out with some good marketing. Be it social media, ads on your favorite search engine, radio, print, or word of mouth, a well-orchestrated marketing campaign will help people learn all they need to know about your show.
- Venue
Get the right venue to fit the vibe of your night. If you are looking for a small-time grungy feel, consider a punk house basement. If it’s a more upscale, broader audience you wish to attract, consider a theater or ballroom. The atmosphere of the room dictates the type of crowd you will attract.
Poetry Space Companies in Austin
After securing your poetry space in Austin, the real work begins. Finding the right AV equipment, décor, and furniture are just a few of the details to cover. Get some of the local companies to help you with everything.
- All-Pro Audio/Visual
For your audio rental needs, consider All-Pro Audio/Visual. They have everything you could possibly need to get those poetic stanzas ringing clear through the air like a bell. From microphones to amps to mic stands, this place has it all.
- Inhabitr
When it comes to venue furnishings, Inhabitr might just be your place. They do everything from tables to chairs to linens and couches. No matter your vision for this Austin poetry space, this place should have what you need.
- Ollie Marketing
Need your new Austin poetry space to be seen by the masses? Let the professionals take care of it! Ollie Marketing will help solidify your branding and promote your venue for everyone to see. If you want to get the word out about your show, Ollie can make it happen.
Pros and Cons of Poetry Spaces in Austin
Planning a poetry space in Austin could be the best decision you’ve made yet. However, it might not be for everyone. Here are a few pros and cons to consider when planning your project.
Advantages
- Austin has great people
Why not start a poetry reading at a place with great people? The great folks in Austin are famously pleasant and very welcoming.
- All of the sunshine
While you are in Austin, you better enjoy that sunshine! All that vitamin D causes serotonin levels to rise, and happier people are more likely to go to fun events.
- Diverse arts and culture
Austin is one of the magical cultural hubs of Texas. This sparkling artsy oasis is perfect for a poetry reading because art is already in the air and in the day-to-day culture of the people.
Disadvantages
- Must own a car
Public transportation is dreadful in this city. The buses are unreliable and there are no trains. You have to own a car if you are to live in this city. This may also attribute to all the terrible traffic.
- Bad traffic
An Austin poetry reading is sure to start late due to traffic. The car congestion during rush hour is so bad that most people just have to factor in the tardiness to their commute.
- Big football town
Sports and poetry don’t necessarily go hand in hand, particularly during game day. When the Longhorns play at home, you might as well call it a wash because the roads will be packed, and every venue will be empty.
Famous Locations in Austin
- Sixth Street
When people think of Austin, this is the street they think of. Chock full of bars, restaurants, shops, and all the live music you could imagine, Sixth Street is where culture thrives, and good times are had. If you walk up the street on a busy night, bars are sure to have their doors wide open to flood the city with legendary music.
- Bullock Texas State History Museum
This is the official history museum of the great state of Texas. Anything you could possibly need to know about the Lone Star State can be found right here. Whether it’s the artifact gallery, the campfire stories, or any of the exhibits or programs they offer, if you are a history buff, you will not want to miss this famous attraction.
- McKinney Falls State Park
City life can get a bit busy after a while. Wind down with some outdoor activities at McKinney Falls State Park. From stunning vistas to rolling creeks, this place is the perfect location for a good hike, bike ride, geocache, or rock-climbing adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors at McKinney Falls.