Austin, Texas – The South by Southwest festival, known as SXSW, is facing controversy as over 100 acts, mostly from Europe, have withdrawn from the event due to the sponsorship of the U.S. Army and defense contractors. This decision has sparked a debate over the involvement of military entities in a music and cultural gathering that takes place in Austin, Texas annually.
The boycott, led by the Austin For Palestine Coalition (AFPC), saw five music labels and 105 bands and individual musicians opt-out of the nine-day festival. Among those who chose to skip the event were more than 60 acts from the United Kingdom and all 12 Irish bands initially scheduled to perform. The protest was aimed at the Pentagon’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
While some musicians cited financial reasons for their participation, others remaining in the lineup plan to use their platform to raise awareness or show solidarity with Palestine during their performances. The campaign led by AFPC started on Feb. 21, urging artists to take a stand against the military-industrial influence in events like SXSW.
The withdrawal of artists such as Squirrel Flower, Mamalarky, and Kneecap sent a strong message to organizers and sponsors. The activism prompted a debate over the festival’s ties with defense firms like RTX (Raytheon) and Collins Aerospace, which supply equipment to the Israeli military. BAE Systems was also under scrutiny for its involvement in events linked to the festival.
As pressure grew, the Army spokesperson expressed pride in the sponsorship role, emphasizing the opportunity to connect with tech innovators and industry leaders at SXSW. However, AFPC’s efforts gained momentum, with nearly 600 individuals reaching out to SXSW to voice their concerns about military-backed sponsors. The group’s focus on the impact of weapon suppliers on the conflict in Gaza raised questions about the festival’s ethical stance.
The organizers of SXSW faced criticism from Texas Governor Greg Abbott for allowing artists to walk away from the event. The festival’s response defended artistic freedom of expression while acknowledging the complexities of partnering with defense-related industries. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas further fueled the debate, pushing for a clearer stance on human rights and justice.
AFPC criticized the festival’s response as performative, highlighting the disconnect between the promotion of justice and the association with military contractors. As the music segment of SXSW unfolds, the tensions surrounding the event underscore the intersection of art, politics, and social responsibility in the festival landscape.