Presented by Six Square and E4 Youth, What Once Was is a mixed reality project that digitally visualizes significant sites within Black and Brown neighborhoods in Austin as they were before gentrification.

What Once Was not only memorializes Austin’s cultural history, it also provides students of color a paid opportunity to gain experience working with augmented reality and developing a creative career through E4 Youth’s Creative Leadership Academy.

In collaboration with Art Director Harper Biewen and Froliq, Six Square and E4 Youth will host a launch party for What Once Was during SXSW! On March 12 at 1pm, join us at CarverMuseumATX for a panel discussion with local academics and community leaders about the intersection of history and technology, light refreshments and drinks, as well as a Black vendor market.

Attendees will also be able to take a virtual tour E4 Youth’s Austin Digital Heritage Project through VR goggles and learn more about how to support the work that Six Square and E4 Youth are doing in Austin.