Submissions for the 25th Annual South by Southwest Music & Media Festival are now open.

Over the past two years in particular, the prestigious music industry festival and conference has showcased Hawaii artists.

John Cruz, Anuhea, Pimpbot, One Right Turn, David Tamaoka, Tavana McMoore, Kona Chang and Sabrina Velazquez performed a number of individual and group showcases in 2009 and earlier this year, and an even larger contingent of talent is expected for March 2011 to take the multifaceted Hawaii brand of music to another level.

Next year’s SXSW will occur March 11-20, and artist submissions to showcase are now open until November 5 online at www.sxsw.com/music/shows/apply. Early applications are highly advised.

At the most recent festival/conference, over 10,000 acts from 55 countries applied for just under 2,000 showcase slots, with 35 Hawaii artists applying, of which only six were chosen.

South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, has the ability to fast-track leading and emerging rock and pop artists from the islands into mainland markets through showcase concerts, private party showcases, trade fair stands and industry networking.

Its sister Film and Interactive festivals and conferences that precedes the music can also serve as a springboard for Hawaiian creative content producers in those media.

Film entries for screenings are also open to December 9 in the categories of Shorts, Narrative and Documentary Features, Music Video and Animated Shorts by going online to apply at www.sxsw.com/film/screenings/submit.

The SXSW Interactive Awards uncovers the best new digital work, from websites to web applications and beyond, while celebrating those who are building tomorrow’s online trends.  Apply at http://www.sxsw.com/interactive/awards.

You can also register as a Music, Film or Interactive Delegate at www.sxsw.com/attend. See full details of all three Festivals and Conferences at www.sxsw.com.