Keep Austin Weird

The Keep Austin Weird movement was originally started by the Austin Independent Business Alliance to help promote and protect small businesses. Many Austin business owners were worried that big chain stores would put them out of business. They developed this slogan to encourage residents and visitors to frequent local businesses. Community activism in Austin has helped to keep major retailers such as Borders from setting up shop in shopping areas filled with only local businesses. Although the Keep Austin Weird movement started as a business marketing campaign, it has been widely embraced by Austin city residents as an expression of their city's unique identity.

In addition to its wide array of independent retailers, Austin is home to many artists and musicians. Artists love living in Austin because the community respects and values the creation of art. The city has several different art festivals throughout the year, where local art is displayed and sold. Many music lovers flock to the SXSW music festival each year. The SXSW festival features over 2,000 different performers. Austin's uniqueness helps encourage tourism, and that tourism serves to invigorate the local economy, providing many Austin residents with employment. Keeping Austin weird is an economic imperative. If Austin loses the retailers, artists, and musicians that make is so unique, it will also lose the tourist income from all the people who want to come and see this very special Texas city.

If you want to keep Austin weird, there are plenty of ways you can help. If you are not from Austin, you can pay a visit and enjoy all of Austin's weirdness for yourself. If you are a local, you can help by supporting local businesses whenever it is possible. Although in today's age of big box retailers it can be difficult to remember to shop locally, when you shop at a locally owned store, you help to keep money in your community. The next time you drive out to shop at a major chain store, consider shopping at a local store instead. Independent retailers often sell unique items that cannot be purchased anywhere else. Instead of buying a friend or family member a gift certificate to a chain store, spend some time browsing for a truly unique gift in one of Austin's boutiques. You will be able to give a fun gift that your friend or family member will love, and support a local business at the same time.

Buying local art is another great way to help keep Austin weird. Many emerging artists sell their pieces for an affordable price. You will be able to add something truly unusual to your home's decor, and support an artist as well. Austin is an artistic mecca, and no matter what type of art you enjoy, you will be able to find a local artist or craftsman who makes beautiful objects that appeal to you.