This decision follows over 80 artists withdrawing from this year’s lineup to protest the US Army and weapons manufacturers’ ties to the IDF in Gaza’s invasion.
Photo credit: Tico Mendoza
SXSW will not be sponsored by the US Army or RTX Corporation for its 2025 events. This decision follows a revision of its sponsorship model, as announced on the festival’s website.
The change comes after over 80 artists withdrew from this year’s lineup in protest of the US Army and weapons manufacturers’ sponsorship, citing ties to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) involved in Gaza’s invasion. The UN has suggested the IDF’s actions may constitute genocide against Palestinians.
The boycott started with Chicago-based songwriter Squirrel Flower (Ella Williams), who withdrew from her SXSW showcase, opposing the festival’s defense industry ties and supporting the Palestinian cause. She believes art should not be associated with war profiteers. Following her lead, over 80 artists joined the boycott, including Kneecap, Noor Khan, Eliza McLamb, Shalom, and Lambrini Girls.
With the new sponsorship model, SXSW aims to distance itself from weapons manufacturers, aligning with its values and community expectations.
SXSW 2025 registration opens on August 6th, 2024. The event runs from March 7-15 in Austin, TX. It offers opportunities for discovery, learning, professional development, and networking with global creatives.
More information is available on the SXSW website.
