Five arts breakthroughs in 2012

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Robert Faires of the Austin Chronicle was in the KXAN studio on Sunday morning to discuss what he considers to be the five biggest art breakthroughs during 2012.

Here is a brief overview of the Top 5 list:

ZACH’s new Topfer Theater opened. Why? It gave Austin its first state-of-the-art mid-size theater, allowing ZACH to stage Broadway-level shows

Austin ISD launched Any Given Child initiative. Why? It’s the first firm commitment AISD to create “arts equity” across the district under a 10-year plan. It’s a commitment by the school district, and backed by the Kennedy Center for the Arts, that every student will have an arts rich education.

The Paramount Theater hosted the Moontower Comedy & Oddity Fest and will again next April. Why? In a town known for its music and film festivals, a Big League comedy festival finally was launched. In a town jaded by so many star sightings, it’s still cool to see Seth Meyers, Aziz Ansari, Steven Wright and Nick Offerman.

A winner was picked in the Waller Creek design competition . Why? Not only were the entries beautiful, but the plans incorporated cultural arts venues, a first for the city. Now the non-profit Waller Conservancy is going to have to find a way to fund it.

The Intergalactic Nemesis launched a successful national and international tour. They call it a live action graphic novel… like a cross between Prairie Home Companion and The Avengers. It’s the most successful Austin act to go national since Greater Tuna.