Over 80 acts exit the Texas event, protesting against defence industry ties and Gaza conflict support
In a striking show of solidarity and protest, over 80 artists and speakers have decided to withdraw from the highly anticipated South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. This mass exodus is in direct response to the festival’s affiliations with sponsors connected to the defence industry, particularly those with links to the ongoing war in Gaza. The festival, renowned for its eclectic mix of tech, film, music, and cultural showcases, has become the latest battleground for activists and artists standing against militarization and its global impacts.
The boycott, spearheaded by the Austin for Palestine Coalition, underscores a growing discontent with the way major events like SXSW engage with sponsors. Among those leading the charge is musician Ella Williams, known professionally as Squirrel Flower. Williams took to Instagram, declaring her withdrawal from the festival as a stand against SXSW’s defence industry ties and in support of the Palestinian cause. This sentiment quickly resonated across the artistic community, with notable figures like labor union organizer Chris Smalls and hip-hop group Kneecap echoing her stance.
The controversy has drawn attention to the festival’s sponsors, including defence giants Raytheon and BAE Systems. These companies, identified by protesters for their involvement in arms manufacturing and sales to Israel, have been criticized for their role in the conflict in Gaza. The backlash has not only spotlighted ethical concerns but also highlighted the dilemmas faced by artists in navigating the intersection of art, politics, and commerce.
Despite the financial and logistical challenges of withdrawing from such a prestigious event, many artists feel compelled to act. Northern Ireland’s hip-hop trio Kneecap articulated this dilemma, acknowledging the significant financial hit they would take but emphasizing the moral imperative to stand with Gaza. Their statement, “This decision will have a significant financial impact on Kneecap… But it isn’t an iota of hardship when compared to the suffering being inflicted every minute of every day on the people of Gaza,” captures the sentiment fueling the boycott.
The festival’s ties to the defence industry and the ethical questions they raise have sparked a wider debate about the role of cultural events in endorsing or resisting militarization and conflict. SXSW’s response to the controversy has been to defend the artists’ right to free speech while simultaneously justifying its relationships within the defense sector. This delicate balancing act reflects the broader tensions within the cultural and entertainment industries over sponsorship and ethical responsibility.
As the boycott gains momentum, with a protest show organized by the Austin for Palestine Coalition and the United Musicians and Allied Workers Union, the debate over SXSW’s affiliations promises to ignite further discussions on the ethical boundaries of cultural sponsorship. The unfolding situation at SXSW serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action and the enduring importance of ethical considerations in the world of art and entertainment.
