SXSW addresses controversy over US army sponsorship: "We fully respect the decision these artists made"

KNEECAP, Scowl, bar italia, Cumgirl8, VLURE, Squirrel Flower, Rachel Chinouriri, GEL, Mamalarky, and Lambrini Girls are among many artists who have decided to pull their showcases at SXSW. Some artists have decided to play unofficial showcases in Austin, Texas, whilst others have decided to boycott the event completely.

"Bodega will be joining our peers in protest. We are dropping out of our 3 official showcases at SXSW in response to the festival's financial collaboration with the US military and various 'defense' [sic] contractors," the New York band wrote in a statement posted to their socials. "In addition, we call for a complete boycott of SXSW 2025 and every year after until the festival cut their ties to genocidal war profiteering".

SXSW does not agree with Governor Abbott. https://t.co/fOHHn9r5BG

— SXSW (@sxsw) March 12, 2024

SXSW have now shared their own statement on the events, noting that they "fully respect the decision these artists made", and clearing up their ties with the US Army. "We are an organization that welcomes diverse viewpoints. Music is the soul of SXSW, and it has long been our legacy. We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech," their statement began."

"The defense industry has historically been a proving ground for many of the systems we rely on today. These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe it’s better to understand how their approach will impact our lives," they add, in reference to how they curate the technology side of their conferences. "The Army’s sponsorship is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world. In regard to Collins Aerospace, they participated this year as a sponsor of two SXSW Pitch categories, giving entrepreneurs visibility and funding for potentially game-changing work."

Ending their statement, SXSW wrote: "We have and will continue to support human rights for all. The situation in the Middle East is tragic, and it illuminates the heightened importance of standing together against injustice", adding that "it’s more crucial than ever that we come together to solve these greater humanitarian issues"